Her eyes, Raina saw, were fixed on the Earl as he moved out of the door with Lady Trowbridge.
And this left the General, Nanny and herself.
“As I am the gate-crasher at the feast,” the General pronounced, “you will have to forgive me by allowing me to escort both you ladies into the dining room!”
Nanny smiled at him.
“I think perhaps it is rather greedy of you, General, but I am delighted to accept.”
“So am I,” Raina said, taking his other arm. “I only wish Papa was here to welcome you.”
“I wish so too, but I am quite certain you will take your father’s place in showing our host where his duty lies in the future.”
Raina looked at him in surprise as he continued,
“I had heard, when I was last visiting the Army of Occupation that he intended to explore the world rather than return, a
