"Sir." Leisen stepped forward, her skirt trailing against the carpet, the friction creating a delicate sound, as if she had lived in Buckingham Palace for many years: "It's been a long time."
"Not much of a long time, is it?" Arthur took off his hat and greeted, half-jokingly: "Didn't we just meet at the concert the day before yesterday?"
"Meeting is one thing," Leisen smiled, "but to actually exchange a few words... that indeed has been some time, Sir."
Although Arthur did not understand what this German woman intended to convey, he dared not neglect Leisen, because ever since Victoria ascended the throne, Leisen had been managing duties at Buckingham Palace similar to those of the Queen's unofficial personal secretary. She was not only the chief liaison of the royal residence but also held the keys of Buckingham Palace as a symbol of her status.
Victoria's correspondence, private meetings, daily schedule decisions, nearly all had to go through Leisen.
