That truly meant that aside from resigning, there was no hope of returning to London in this lifetime.
The ball proceeded under this delicate yet slightly tense atmosphere, and Arthur was planning to step aside before the next dance started, to have a glass of less cloyingly sweet sherry.
"Sir Arthur."
Arthur turned around, just in time to see the radiant lady—Countess of Dalmo.
The eldest daughter of Count Grey was a renowned beauty in London in her youth, and although she had aged, her beauty had not diminished.
However, perhaps because she did not want to outshine her daughter making her debut this social season, her attire tonight was far from stunning, even somewhat mediocre.
Arthur was also an old acquaintance of this lady, as when the Earl of Dalmo served as Ambassador to Russia, his family accompanied him there.
