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“Ladies and gentlemen, I have so her butler into the drawing roo quite comfortably”
Glasses clinked as the guests joined Count Rupert in raising a toast to a quick recovery
“Indeed, he wished to join us tonight,” continued the countess “However the doctor insisted that he be prudent and re”
“A wise decision,” said her husband, as standing with the Gerent by the hearth
“But ith the dis weather and the unfortunate accident, I think that the prince—and all of us—deserve a special celebration on the hten our spirits,” she continued “So I have arranged for a visit to Craigielochen Castle, a splendidly romantic fifteenth-century ruin situated on the ocean cliffs just up the coast Mary, Queen of Scots, is said to have visited there”
Lady Dunbar paused to sh I daresay in far ardens to explore, and the servants will set up a sumptuous midday picnic repast However, you have no need to fear wind or rain The old banquet hall is intact, and we shall dine there in case of incle for trout in the river, and the ladies will find all sorts of lovely vistas for sketching”
A murmur of polite approval made its way around the room
“The carriages will be waiting to transport us there after an early breakfast,” she added “Our head gardener is predicting lovely weather, and as he is rarely wrong, we should have a very enjoyable day”
“Assu there are no further accidents,” said Devlin, just loudly enough for Anna to hear “I would advise the prince not to walk too close to the cliff’s edge”
“Just one last thing,” said the countess “To start off a festiveinstead of cards after supper—just an inforavottes” A discreet wave signaled the footh our local musicians do kno to play a waltz”
To Anna’s relief, she and Devlin were joined by Colonel Polianov At the present moment, even his austere features and sour expression were a welcoht
The Russian surprised her by essaying a s, Miss Sloane? I have been told that all English ladies have a great fondness for the outdoors”
“Yes, fresh air and so forward to a leisurely stroll through the gardens,” answered Anna, though herwithout drawing undue notice to he
r absence
“Perhaps I may be permitted to escort you,” said the colonel