The two new gowns, which the Countess had ordered for her in Bond Street, were pink and therefore very becoming to Anthea’s dark hair.
She wore them for all really important parties and the more elaborate of them to Carlton House when she was presented to the Prince Regent.
When she rose from a deep curtsey he informed her with the charm for which he was renowned that she was ‘pretty, very pretty indeed,’ but added that he doubted if she would ever eclipse her cousin, Delphine.
“I would not presume to attempt such a thing, Sire,” Anthea replied.
She found to her surprise that she was not at all nervous and that in fact the Prince Regent was not half so awe-inspiring in person as he appeared in his pictures and caricatures.
“All women want attention,” he answered, “and they all wish to
