Читаем A Dangerous Fortune (1994) полностью

The guests began to arrive at ten-thirty. Maisie did not normally invite Augusta Pilaster, but she had this year, wanting Augusta to see Nora's triumph, if triumph it should be. She had half expected Augusta to decline, but she was among the first to arrive. Maisie had also invited Hugh's New York mentor, Sidney Madler, a charming man of about sixty with a white beard. He turned up in a distinctly American version of evening dress, with a short jacket and a black tie.

Maisie and Solly stood shaking hands for an hour, then the prince arrived. They escorted him into the ballroom and presented Solly's father. Ben Greenbourne bowed stiffly from the waist, as straight-backed as a Prussian guardsman. Then Maisie danced with the prince.

"I've a splendid titbit of gossip for you, sir," she said as they waltzed. "Although I hope it won't make you cross."

He held her closer and spoke in her ear. "How intriguing, Mrs. Greenbourne--do go on."

"It's about the incident at the duchess of Tenbigh's ball."

She felt him go stiff. "Ah, yes. Faintly embarrassing, I do confess." He lowered his voice. "When that girl called de Tokoly a filthy old reprobate I thought for a minute she was talking to me!"

Maisie laughed gaily, as if the idea were absurd, although she knew that quite a lot of people had made the same assumption.

"But do go on," said the prince. "Was there more to it than met the eye?"

"It seems so. De Tokoly had been told, quite falsely, that the young woman was, how shall I put it, open to invitation."

"Open to invitation!" He chuckled fruitily. "I must remember that one."

"And she, for her part, had been warned to slap him instantly if he tried to take liberties."

"So there was almost certain to be a scene. Cunning. Who was behind it all?"

Maisie hesitated momentarily. She had never before used her friendship with the prince to do someone down. But Augusta was wicked enough to deserve it. "Do you know who I mean by Augusta Pilaster?"

"Indeed. Matriarch of the other banking family."

"It was she. The girl, Nora, is married to Augusta's nephew, Hugh. Augusta did it to spite Hugh, whom she hates."

"What a snake she must be! But she ought not to cause such scenes when I am present. I rather feel like punishing her."

This was the moment Maisie had been leading up to.

"All you would have to do is notice Nora, to show that she is forgiven," she said; and she held her breath for his reply.

"And ignore Augusta, perhaps. Yes, I think I might do that."