“You can send a note to the Prince of Wales,” the Duke replied, “and everybody else who wants me saying that I have gone to the country on urgent matters concerning my estate.”
He paused a moment and then he continued,
“I will, of course, contact His Royal Highness on my return to London.”
Mr. Watson dutifully noted down what the Duke had said. Then as there was silence he remarked somewhat tentatively,
“I think Your Grace is expected to dine with Lady Faversham this evening.”
“Yes – of course,” the Duke said as if he had just thought of it. “Send her Ladyship the same message and all of them are to be delivered late this afternoon, which is when I was expected to return from Holland.”
“Very good, Your Grace.”
Mr. Watson hurried from the room.
The Duke sat back in his chair with a
