“I told you Lady Monica wasn't engaged.”
“And I told you I knew she wasn't. But that isn't to say the mother, the woman ‘as hard as iron and cold as steel,’ hasn't [pg 15]planned her daughter's future, a girl so young, and always kept under control.”
“It looks as if the wind was setting in that quarter. A person of Lady Vale-Avon's type would hardly accept such an invitation if she didn't intend something to come of it.”
“You're certain the invitation's been accepted?”
“Certain. Angèle de la Mole has been with her brother in Spain, and Lady Monica's been asking her advice about what to take and what to wear. The Duke himself is in Paris, buying a new automobile; at least, so his mother says; but other people say he's at Monte Carlo. Anyhow, he's expected here in time for the ball.”
“What ball?”
“Didn't I tell you? A masked ball the old Duchess is giving in honour of Princess Ena. A grand affair it will be, says de la Mole. There's been jealousy about the invitations, which have been carefully weeded.”
“You and I'll accept,” said I.
“We're not likely to have the chance.”
“Sometimes a man must make a chance. I shall meet Lady Monica at the Duchess's ball.”