CHAPTER FOURThe Duke led her to the saloon below deck where they re-joined the rest of the guests, who were all enjoying the party. A small party of gentlemen, including the Prince and Colonel Thornhill, had retired to a small saloon to play cards, but after a while they returned.
Rowena had fallen into conversation with some girls of her own age, and saw the Duke, on the other side of the room, talking seriously with her father and the Prince.
At last it was time to leave. Being royalty, the Prince of Wales departed first. The Duke took his leave of the Colonel and Rowena with a slight bow.
“Until tomorrow,” he said.
“What did he mean, Papa?” Rowena wanted to know.
“He was so interested in The Adventurer that I invited him to join us on board tomorrow.”
“Oh Papa, you didn’t!”
“Cert
