Romanoff, Prince of Rogues
The Life & Times of a Hollywood Icon
by Jane Pejsa
First night at sea, the captain's ball, and a crowd gathered
in the grand foyer before late dinner. Handkerchiefs are waved, greetings
exchanged, and even kisses blown between those looking down over the balcony
railings and those looking up from below. Soon the balconies empty out as, one
by one, or more often in pairs, the remaining guests descend to the foyer. The
scene is absolutely unmatched in elegance.
But
lookÐÐsweeping down the left staircase are two
well-turned-out dowagers, each on one arm of a much younger man whose imperial
bearing almost masks his very short stature. His dress alone merits attentionÐÐfull tuxedo, obviously tailor-made, shirt cuffs emblazoned with an
imperial monogram of gold thread, and a gold-tipped walking stick held between
his hands. Eyes turn. One of the women whispers to an acquaintanceÐÐ"Grand
Duke Michael Romanoff, brother of the late czar." ... In deference to the grand
duke, the crowd steps back that the trio might make its way to an empty table.
One of the dowagers orders champagne after asking His Highness to select his
preferred label. Now others crowd in while the Russian engages his companions in
a dignified repartee that only enhances his majestic qualities. His command of
the language is impressive, pure Oxonian with only a touch of the Continent.
Clearly the grand duke was raised with an English governess. These are magical
moments, and they portend a voyage of great adventure. Such is the mood in the
grand foyer of the Ile de France. ..."
Romanoff, Prince of Rogues
The Life & Times of a Hollywood Icon
Romanoff, Prince of Rogues by Jane Pejsa @ $22.95
hard cover, ISBN 0-9612776-8-8
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