Besides, when one was being whirled round the room to the music of a Regimental band it was very hard to remember to be strictly conventional.
When they were back on board Anastasia went to her mother’s cabin.
“You missed a wonderful party, Mama!” she said enthusiastically.
“You look somewhat dishevelled, Anastasia,” the Grand Duchess said coldly. “I hope you have not been dancing in a manner of which I would not approve.”
“I hope not, Mama,” Anastasia said evasively.
She kissed her mother goodnight and then she said, as if in answer to an unspoken criticism,
“I might as well enjoy myself, Mama. In a few days’ time I shall be a staid married woman and you yourself wished I could have gone to more parties and balls in the London Season.”
“That was different, Anastasia,” the Grand Duc
