Marco sat in the private sitting room used by Sebastian when he was at the Almurian Ambassador's residence. Ambassador Jorge Urraca and his wife were too diplomatic to show dismay when he told them he was bringing a guest. Sra. Urraca put Marco in the Prince's suite and Madison in the second bedroom connected to its sitting room. Marco had never brought a woman with him before. 

Urraca knew Prince Sebastian wanted no unpleasant publicity. If paparazzi learned Marco was there with a college girl, they'd follow him everywhere to get pictures. The beautiful Madison would bring even more unwelcome attention. He was relieved Marco and Madison seemed content to stay in. He was annoyed that they spent most of their time in Marco's suite together but did not show it. He felt Prince Marco should have devoted his time in Washington to diplomatic business.

Madison entered Marco's sitting room from her bedroom. She was dressed to go out. "I have to buy some clothes suitable for dinner with the Ambassador." She was thrilled to be with Marco and staying at an ambassador's residence made it better. "I didn't realize dinners here would be so formal."

"We don't dress for dinner usually. Cocktail dresses will be fine. I'll give you some money." He knew, but didn't say, that the more formal dinners were because Urraca wanted to make Madison uncomfortable. He unlocked a desk drawer and handed her $5000. She put it in her purse and kissed him.

"I'll buy dresses. Do I need a new dress for every night?"

"Two dresses will do. We should return to Charleston Wednesday. The butler has called you a car."

"Does Dolores have to go with me?" Madison asked. She was bored with and jealous of the vivacious, intelligent, young woman.

Marco nodded. He paused. "You do know not to mention Almurias? Or me?"

"Are you ashamed of me?"

"Never." He took her in his arms. "Our relationship is not...officially recognized. This way, it should be assumed you are here with Dolores. Grandfather would be displeased if we attracted paparazzi, and might put an end to us."

She understood the warning. "You name will stay in my heart and not cross my lips."

They kissed for a long time. The phone rang. He ignored it. Marco broke away at a discreet knock on the door.

"Come in."

The butler opened the door.

"Don Marco, the car for the young lady is ready. Doña Dolores is already in the car."

"Thank you, Gomez."

"I'll be back by dinner," said Madison. She picked up her raincoat and purse and walked out. Gomez shut the door silently and followed her.

In the foyer, Gomez helped her into her raincoat, handed her an umbrella, and opened the front door. She walked out. He followed and opened the car door for her. He shut it after she slid in, watching as the car drove off.

When Gomez entered the house Urraca was waiting. "Gomez, please come into my office." Gomez bowed and followed Urraca into his private office.

Urraca sat behind his desk. Gomez stood silently, waiting for the Ambassador to speak. Urraca motioned him to a seat. "Gomez, I would appreciate your observations on an extremely delicate matter."

Gomez nodded once, eyes on Urraca. "If I can help, Your Excellency."

Urraca fiddled with a pen. "Don Marco and his young lady. Prince Sebastian is concerned that there be no publicity." Gomez nodded. "Don Marco understands the need for discretion. Miss Portnoy seems to understand. She smiles and goes along with our suggestions for activities. She makes no effort to be seen with the Prince in public. Just Dolores Reynolds. Anyone watching them might think she was a friend of Ms. Reynolds."

Gomez nodded again. "Doña Ava's daughter understands, and her discretion is assured."

"Doña Dolores's behavior is exemplary," said Gomez.

"I must ensure discretion by the staff. I rely on you without hesitation, but I am concerned that a maid or other underservant might think the information valuable to the press."

Gomez nodded again. "The only staff here during the hurricane are myself, the housekeeper, the cook, and one housemaid. Sra. Ortiz is devoted to the Family. She takes care of the Prince's Suite. The maid, Juana, has been employed here for 40 years. Her son is cook here. They are completely discreet, as far as I know. They have never spoken of any incident here to outsiders." Urraca knew Gomez referred to a liaison Prince Juan had five years ago, among other newsworthy events.

Urraca relaxed slightly. "That is welcome information, Gomez." He hesitated. "Can you tell me what you have noticed about the young couple? I ask because the Prince has inquired."

Gomez was silent. "I do not speak out of turn, I hope." Urraca nodded. "It is not my place to observe Don Marco's activities and ever mention them. I understand the Prince's concern."

Urraca waited.

Speaking carefully, Gomez said, "I knew Don Marco for many years when I was under butler at Mondragon. I have seen much of his social life and activities."

Urraca said, "That's one reason we hoped you would have an accurate take on the situation."

Gomez spoke again. "Miss Portnoy's bed has not been slept in. The young couple spends most of their time in his suite, apparently in the activities one would expect. Sra. Ortiz has had to clean there more than once a day. Miss Portnoy has behaved as discreetly as we would hope. She is clever about some things, if of average intelligence, and intends to get her way. I think...she believes Don Marco's feelings for her will be permanent. He has made arrangements for a trip for two to Miami. He has given her a star ruby ring." Urraca froze. "Maybe half a carat. With a diamond."

"Que color?"

"Rojo."

Urraca exhaled and nodded. Gomez continued.

"He gives her a great deal of cash. I have not seen him so obsessed with any other young lady. He seems extremely infatuated with her. I do not know if it will lead to an official relationship. I think, I think it is mostly physical. Don Marco has always been one to pursue things that pleased and excited him, especially women. They plan to vacation together before Don Marco returns to Almurias in December. That's all I know."

"Thank you, Gomez. I appreciate your honesty. You may go."

Gomez bowed and left the room.

Urraca dialed the Palace and waited as the phone rang. He put his head in his hands.

"Palacio de Mondragon. Officina del Principe Sebastian III."

"Don Sebastian, por favor. Soy Jorge Urraca."

"Sí, Don Jorge." Music played as the phone was on hold. The music stopped as Sebastian's voice came over the phone.

"Sebastian here. Thank you for calling so promptly, Jorge."

"Señor, I have some information you requested." Urraca rubbed his mouth.

"I hope it is good news."

"I believe it is not bad news."

Sebastian sighed. "Tell me all you have found out."

"I spoke with Gomez, our butler."

"Under butler here. Good man."

"His observations match my own. Don Marco is completely infatuated with Madison Portnoy. He has given her a ruby star ring with a diamond."

"Damn! That is the color ring our family men give to mistresses and courtesans. His father did that, although with Bermudo it was a gold ring with the ruby star and diamonds. Please go on."

"They both behave as discreetly as can be hoped. Don Marco has not said this to me, but Gomez says he plans to take Ms. Portnoy on a private trip to Florida before he returns to Almurias in December."

"Does he? Thank you. Do you think the staff will keep quiet?

"The house staff here is all long-time servants. Gomez believes they will not gossip, and I agree with him. Some Embassy staff will work here while Don Marco is here. They may wonder, but Don Marco understands the need for discretion. Miss Portnoy will stay with Doña Dolores when others are here. I will do all I can to keep their relationship private."

"I had such hopes when he left for Charleston. He seemed serious about taking up his duties here when he returned home."

"Perhaps he is just sowing his last wild oats, Señor."

"Perhaps. Thank you. Keep me informed."

"Of course."

"Adios." Don Sebastian disconnected. The dial tone hummed for a long time before Urraca put the phone down.