We left the staircase and trudged through an equally grand corridor that led to the ballroom. A short staircase from this took us to the ballroom floor. Ladies and gentlemen would sweep down these graceful stairs, announced by the majordomo at the top.

The ceiling was punctuated with ponderous chandeliers, each holding about fifty candles. All but a few candles had been extinguished, rendering the room gloomy. Hours ago, this room had blossomed with light and music, with gentlemen in evening dress and ladies in velvets and jewels gliding elegantly about.

Lucius Grenville waited for us with Lord Gillis. Lord Gillis drank brandy, and from his pink complexion, he'd consumed quite a few glasses.

Grenville, brandy glass in hand, cool sangfroid in place, greeted us with a nod. "Lord Gillis, may I present my friend, Captain Gabriel Lacey. Captain Lacey, Lord Gillis."

We might have been at a soiree. Lord Gillis was fifty and gray, but he had the physique of a man who enjoyed hearty walking and riding. He looked up at my six-foot height with strong eyes.

According to Pomeroy, Lord Gillis had been serving as a major on the Peninsula in 1811, when he'd received word that his cousin, the previous earl, had died. He'd quit the army and returned home, but he still retained his military bearing and his interest in military men and events.

"I wish the circumstances of the meeting were happier, Captain," Lord Gillis said shaking my offered hand. "Our little ball will be a nine days' wonder."