Chapter Twenty-Four

The Next Day

Raven observed the goings on of his household. A flurry of servants scattered to accommodate the arrival of the Prince’s entourage. Heralds blew their flagged trumpets. The large royal coach, encrusted with the seal of the House of the Romanovs served to impress. Attendants lined up to receive him. Prince Nicholas looked much the royal when he stepped from the coach. Born to the role, so to speak, he acted it, well dressed in the uniform of the Russian Jagers, splendiferous in all his medals and gold braid. Prince Nicholas’ regiment was not only an elite company but proclaimed throughout the military world.

Raven on cue appeared and waited for his friend to ascend the steps. When Prince Nicholas peered at his friend, a broad smile flashed across his dark, ruggedly handsome face.

“Raven, da, Yes. Is good to see you again. Has been a long time, nyet? No? Forgive me; it’s easy to lapse into my beloved Russian phrases.”

“It only adds to your accomplishment. Yes, we’ve not seem you in a while.” The duke shook hands in warmth with his long-time comrade. Servants unpacked the trunks from the second and third coaches and transported them to a separate suite, which the Prince occupied when he visited.

Raven looked beyond the Royal in search of Nicholas’s mistress, but he appeared to be alone.

The Prince stated, “She is not with me.”

Without a pause, Raven said, “That is regretful and my loss. I looked forward to a visit by the Countess Ivana. Your usual suite is ready for you.” With a grand smile, he added, “There is much we have to talk about, but perhaps your long journey has tired you? We have some guests. Would you prefer to be introduced later?”

While Raven spoke, Prince Nicholas peered into the drawing room at the young and pretty ladies. He touched his dark mustache and said, “I’m never too tired to meet beautiful women. You may proceed.” He followed his host into the room with his imperial worth and impressive stature.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, may I introduce Prince Nicholas Alexi Romanov, the Second.” He paused in order to gain everyone’s attention. First, my aunt, Lady Margaret, whom you will remember, I’m sure.”

“How could I ever forget such a distinguished lady?” Prince Nicholas kissed her hand and bowed.

She nodded. “Welcome, Highness.”

“Lady Minerva Harrington.” Samantha’s aunt also curtsied. He took her hand, kissed it and gave her a polite but warm smile.

“Lady Samantha Winston, Lady Minerva’s niece.” Prince Nicholas nodded to her and held her hand a bit longer than considered appropriate.

“Enchanted, dear lady. Do you ride?” Prince Nicholas asked and arched his eyebrows in obvious assessment of her.

A little taken back, Samantha replied, “A horse? Yes, I do. Did you have something in mind, Your Highness?” She offered a coy smile and retrieved her hand from his strong grasp and stepped back—a warning to him.

“Why, yes. As I recall, the stables here are excellent. It’s always an invigoration. Tomorrow morning?”

She answered, “Perhaps, with His Grace’s permission.”

Prince Nicholas then met the Countess of Ballantyne and her daughter, Lady Sue Ellen and lavished his royal smile on them exposing glistening white teeth. “Of course, my dear ladies, you are also invited to ride. Raven’s horses are of the finest quality, second only to mine.”

He turned to his host and remarked in candor. “Raven, it’s unfair of you to keep such beauties all to yourself. It’s good I have come to assist you in their entertainment.” He strutted like a cock of the walk, bowed and excused himself. “If you ladies will pardon me, I will refresh myself from the long, arduous ride and then return to further charm you.”

Raven couldn’t help but notice Samantha shook her head and turned away.

“That’s my lady,” he muttered where no one could hear.

Out in the foyer, the Prince asked his friend, “The one with the copper tresses is someone I would like to know better. It is my personal belief that the fire in the hair represents the fire in the woman.”

“The merry widow is not for you, Nicholas. Her aunt and brother are protective of her.” He added, “As am I.”

“Oh, it’s that way, Raven? Da?” Yes?

“You can’t poach, your Highness.”

“Not even a little?”

“You never do anything in small portions, my friend.”

“True, we Russians are rough and ready. However, since you will not let me pilfer, I will seek you later.” He saluted Raven, clicked his heels, and mounted the stairs to his suite.

In the fading light of the afternoon, it became obvious the ladies in the drawing room found Prince Nicholas impressive. Lady Minerva commented, “He is a handsome rogue. I knew his uncle well.” She played with the folds of her gown.

Lady Margaret smiled in all graciousness. “Raven, I’m surprised he didn’t bring his lady,” the inference to his well-known beautiful mistress.

“The Prince informed me she was indisposed,” said Raven.

She raised her hand to her collar at her throat and fingered the lace, then the dowager Margaret spoke. “Luncheon will be served in one hour. If you wish to refresh yourselves now, please do so. We will dine in an informal manner since supper will be á la Russe in honor of his Highness. As you may guess, it’s quite a prodigious spectacle.”

Prince Nicholas stepped into the room with grandeur, beamed his presence after his change of attire to an afternoon coat, resplendant and royal. “Could it be you speak of me, Lady Margaret? I confess to the guilt of pride about ‘Dinner Ala Russe’ since Prince Kourakin, my cousin, was responsible for its introduction to society.”

With a grand gesture, he strode to Lady Margaret and stated in a presumptive voice, “My lady, I believe you can explain it much better than I. Is that not so, my friend?”

Raven nodded. “My aunt has become expert in the protocol since His Highness is a frequent guest.”

With utter graciousness, she indicated the table is set in a formal manner with chargers, glassware, and cutlery. “All the food is brought to the side table where it is served onto individual plates, and then carried to each guest by a personal servant who is in attendance throughout the meal.”

She continued. “There is no doubt that one must have sufficient staff if each guest is personally served. Dessert is the course presented to the main table.”

“Lady Margaret,” the Prince asked as he stood quite erect. “I assume there will be menu cards tonight?”

Samantha whispered to her Aunt Min behind her fan. “He’s a bit full of himself and reminds me of a screeching preening peacock. The Prince doesn’t compare. Examine how they look. Raven is pre-eminent.” She smiled at Raven and gave a sly wink.

“Perhaps Raven is fortunate that you find the Prince unsuitable in your eyes.”

They returned to the conversation about the grand dinner or better stated in French as “dinner á la Russe.”

“Of course, your Highness. The first course, potage, will be set on the table when we sit down.” Lady Margaret further explained the menus would be in holders between each guest. “It’s presumed our guests can guide themselves through the various courses if they know ahead of time what to expect of the repast. The food is abundant.”

She acquitted herself well in the education of the guests and smiled. “It will be a long dinner. And of course, we hope an enjoyable one for all of you.”

The dowager glided to a table in front of her where the silver tea urns rested. She asked, “Ladies and gentlemen, perhaps you would care to try a new beverage? My nephew arranged for this special tea to be sent to us from his Ceylon Plantation. It’s a blend of fine and exotic black teas, some natural flavors, with essential oil of Bergamot.” She offered teacups, which her guests accepted with great interest and small conversation.

Raven smiled. “We are most fortunate that teas are still a prime commodity and a valuable product. We English do favor the taste. This blend is one of my favorites. Please enjoy.”

“It has a wonderful berry taste, doesn’t it?” smiled the Countess, “and is most delightful.”

Lord Winston and the Earl of Ballantyne entered the drawing room, and introductions proceeded. They spoke about their ride over the bluff, which led to other conversations on subjects suitable for gentlemen.

Time ticked along for the ladies, all bright-eyed at the events—and the Prince’s lavish attention.