The Keys of Love by Barbara Cartland

Butterclere.
    â€œWell, he I haven’t actually met him yet ”
    Lady Butterclere’s bosom heaved as she rushed to her companion’s aid.
    â€œThere is an understanding between both of them,” she said firmly.
    The Captain’s eyebrow rose.
    â€œOh, an understanding , eh?”
    â€œThere has been much correspondence between my stepbrother and myself on the subject of Miss Foss. I have not failed to make him fully aware of her unique qualities.
    â€œHe will very soon be able to appreciate them for himself, as we are travelling directly to Merebury Court from Liverpool. There is to be a ball held at Merebury on the next evening in honour of the Prince of Wales.”
    Eddie’s ears pricked up immediately.
    â€œ The Prince of Wales ?” he repeated. “Yes, indeed. He is stopping off after a hunting
    expedition. I am to be the hostess for the evening.”
    Eddie toyed with a crust of bread thoughtfully.
    â€œI’ve heard that the Prince is a great music lover.”
    â€œHe loves entertainments of all sorts.”
    â€œSo,” enquired Eddie casually, “what have you laid on for him?”
    â€œI beg your pardon?”
    â€œIn the way of music?”
    For the first time Lady Butterclere looked a little non-plussed.
    â€œWell, I am not certain if my stepbrother, the Duke, has considered I certainly hadn’t thought ”
    â€œMaybe you should think, Lady Butterclere,” added Eddie. “After all, one must please a Prince at all times.
    â€œNow if you’ll excuse me, I must congratulate my troop. They played so beautifully tonight. Pity the Prince was not here. I’m sure it would have all been to his taste!”
    Hands in pockets, Eddie strolled over to the table where his players had gathered to discuss the evening.
    The exchange between Eddie and Lady Butterclere had given Henrietta time to recover from the disconcerting feelings that had engulfed her as Miss Foss described the Duke of Merebury.
    Now she lowered her fan and regarded Miss Foss with objective interest.
    â€œIs it a long since you were in England?” she asked.
    Miss Foss blinked.
    â€œOh, I have never been in England.”
    Even the Captain looked surprised.
    â€œYou sound like a proper English gentlewoman to me,” he commented.
    â€œShe attended an excellent school for the children of English émigrés in Portland, Oregon,” explained Lady Butterclere.
    Mrs. Poody turned to Miss Foss.
    â€œSo your parents were English?”
    She threw a look of such palpable consternation at Lady Butterclere that Henrietta was puzzled.
    â€œBoth her parents were indeed English, but they are dead,” said Lady Butterclere quickly. “I knew them well, which is why I have taken an interest in Miss Foss and her future.”
    â€œYou have been away from England a good period yourself, Lady Butterclere?” remarked the Captain.
    Lady Butterclere hesitated.
    â€œI came out to visit America after my first husband, Lord Butterclere, died,” she replied at last. “I was always one for adventure. I even ventured West for a while. But all things pall. It was time for me to go back home, which is why it is so opportune that the Duke has invited me to spend my twilight years at Merebury.”
    The Captain coughed and raised his glass.
    â€œWell here’s to your new life. And here’s also to the wedding of the Duke and Miss Foss. Which I have no doubt will take place if you are all in favour of it, Lady Butterclere.”
    â€œOh, I am, I am,” insisted Lady Butterclere in an ominous tone. “Make no mistake about it. Now, Captain, I wonder if you would be so kind as to allow me to send a wire to my stepbrother? I should like to discover whether he has employed the services of musicians for the ball.”
    The Captain readily agreed and led her away to his office with Romany Foss in tow.
    Mrs. Poody rounded on Henrietta.
    â€œHave you