what she was doing. She hoped they were right. She understood how the prince's mind worked, and she was fairly sure she could predict his reactions; but now and again he defied expectations and turned on his friends, particularly if he felt he was being used. If that happened Maisie would end up like Nora, cold-shouldered by London society. When she thought about it she was amazed that she had allowed herself to take that risk merely for the sake of Nora. But it was not for Nora, it was for Hugh.
Hugh was working out his notice at Pilasters Bank. It was now two months since he had resigned. Solly was impatient for Hugh to start at Greenbournes, but the Pilasters partners had insisted he stay the full three months. No doubt they wanted to postpone as long as possible the moment when Hugh went to work for their rivals.
After dinner Maisie talked briefly to Nora as the ladies used the bathroom. 'Stay as close to me as you can,' she said. 'When the moment comes for me to present you to the prince, I won't be able to go looking for you: you'll have to be right there.'
'I'll stick to you like a Scotchman to a five-pound note,' Nora said in her cockney accent, then she changed to an upper-class drawl and said: 'Never fear! I shan't run off!'
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.'
The dance ended. Maisie said: 'Shall I present Nora to you? She's here tonight.'
He looked at her shrewdly. 'Did you plan all this, you little minx?'
She had been afraid of this. He was not stupid and he could guess that she had been scheming. It would be better not to deny it. She looked bashful and did her best to blush. 'You have found me out. How foolish of me to think I might pull the wool over your eagle eyes.' She changed her expression and favored him with a direct, candid gaze. 'What shall I do for a penance?'
A lascivious smile passed over his face. 'Don't tempt me. Come, I forgive you.'
Maisie breathed easier: she had got away with it. Now it was up to Nora to charm him.
'Where is this Nora?' he said.
She was hovering close by, as instructed. Maisie caught her eye and she approached instantly. Maisie said: 'Your Royal Highness, may I present Mrs. Hugh Pilaster.'
Nora curtsied and batted her eyelashes.
The prince eyed her bare shoulders and plump, rosy bosom. 'Charming,' he said enthusiastically. 'Quite charming.'
Hugh watched in astonishment and delight as Nora chatted happily with the Prince of Wales.
Yesterday she had been a social outcast, living proof that you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. She had lost the bank a big contract and run Hugh's career into a brick wall. Now she was the envy of every woman in the room: her clothes were perfect, her manners were charming and she was flirting with the heir to the throne. And the transformation had been brought about by Maisie.
Hugh glanced at his aunt Augusta, standing near him, with Uncle Joseph by her side. She was staring at Nora and the prince. Augusta was trying to look unconcerned, but Hugh could see she was horrified. How it must gall her, Hugh thought, to know that Maisie, the working-class girl she derided six years ago, is now so much more influential than she is.
With perfect timing, Sidney Madler came over. Looking incredulous, he said to Joseph: 'Is that the woman you say is hopelessly unsuitable to be a banker's wife?'
Before Joseph could reply, Augusta spoke. In a deceptively mild voice she said: 'She did lose the bank a major contract.'
Hugh said: 'As a matter of fact, she didn't. That loan is going through.'
Augusta turned on Joseph. 'Count de Tokoly didn't interfere?'
'He seems to have got over his fit of pique rather quickly,' Joseph said.
Augusta had to pretend to be pleased. 'How fortunate,' she said, but her insincerity was transparent.
Madler said: 'Financial need generally outweighs social prejudice in the end.'
'Yes,' said Joseph. 'So it does. I think I may have been too hasty in denying Hugh a
