When the footman rapped on the door, it was opened by a surprised servant, obviously a young man who had not often been on night duty and was not quite certain what to do about visitors who arrived at such a late hour.
Lord Mere jumped out of the carriage as soon as the door opened and said,
“I have to see Her Highness the Princess Florencia immediately! Will you kindly inform her that I am here and ask her to speak with me?”
The man looked indecisive and then said,
“Her Highness is in the Chapel, my Lord, but I’ll give her your message.”
Lord Mere thought that was what he might have guessed and he said quickly,
“No, I will go to her myself! Stay where you are!”
He spoke with a note of authority in his voice and the servant did not question it.
Lord Mere turned and walked swiftly a
