Kate Plus 10 · Chapter
VII: The Princess Bacheffski—Beautifully Dressed explained
Lord Flanborough hosts a dinner party where Moya insists on inviting Michael Pretherston over her father's objections.
What happens
Lord Flanborough hosts a dinner party where Moya insists on inviting Michael Pretherston over her father's objections. The dinner is dull, with Sir Ralph Sapson and other titled guests. Michael and Sir Ralph exchange barbed remarks. After leaving early, Sir Ralph encounters a beautifully dressed woman whose car has broken down. She introduces herself as the Princess Bacheffski, claims to have met him in Paris, and asks for hospitality. She confides that she is hiding from her husband Dimitri and staying in a flat in Half Moon Street. Sir Ralph, flattered, agrees to keep her secret and looks forward to renewing the acquaintance.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Social Status
The dinner party highlights class distinctions, with titled guests and Sir Ralph's patronizing attitude toward Michael's police career.
Deception and Disguise
The Princess Bacheffski's claim to have met Sir Ralph in Paris and her hidden identity suggest deception.
Characters to notice
- Michael Pretherston
Attends Lord Flanborough's dinner at Moya's insistence; exchanges sharp words with Sir Ralph Sapson; leaves early.
- Lady Moya Felton
Insists on inviting Michael to dinner despite her father's objections; finds the party dreary and Sir Ralph a bore.
- Lord Flanborough
Hosts the dinner party; annoyed by Moya's last-minute change of plans; hopes for a match between Moya and Sir Ralph.
- Sir Ralph Sapson
A wealthy guest at the dinner; patronizing toward Michael; later encounters the Princess Bacheffski and offers her hospitality.
- Reggie Boltover
A guest at the dinner; recognizes Michael with a guilty start and fears Michael will reveal his secret.
- The Princess Bacheffski
A beautifully dressed woman who claims to have met Sir Ralph in Paris; her car breaks down; she asks for shelter and confides she is hiding from her husband.
Key passages
“It's a rum idea of yours, going into the police, Pretherston”
Sir Ralph condescendingly criticizes Michael's choice of career in the police force.
Reflects class tension and Sir Ralph's sense of superiority.
“I am the Princess Bacheffski.”
The mysterious woman introduces herself to Sir Ralph as a Russian princess.
Key moment of introduction that sets up the deception.