"Oh my word, yes," said Marlborough, "odds-on favorite to be the next Lord Treasurer, you know. For who knows more about the workings of Bank, Mint, ’Chequer, and ’Change than Ravenscar?" He scanned the letter from Roger. "I shall not read it all," he assured them. "Greetings, congratulations, et cetera —and he invites me and Mrs. Churchill to attend a soirée at his house on the first of September." He lifted his eyes from the page and gazed at Daniel, a trace befuddled. "Do you think it is decent to have a party so soon after the Queen’s death, my lord?"