Written by Emma Barnes. Not long after the death of George IV, a group of visitors are given a tour of the Brighton Pavilion by a servant of the Royal Household. Mr Hodges takes no particular interest in the group until the oldest of the party, a dowdy spinster, drops some remarks which suggest she is less respectable than she seems. Her sister, she reveals, had a connection with the Prince Regent. As the Prince was a notorious womaniser, Mr Hodges immediately scents the whiff of scandal.

As they proceed through the marvels of the Pavilion, the old lady seems to be searching for something, beyond the many artefacts on display. Mr Hodges is so curious that he allows her access to the private Royal Apartments, in the hope of discovering more about her and her mysterious sister. The revelation, when it comes, takes Mr Hodges completely by surprise.

Read by Claire Skinner

Producer/Director: Celia de Wolff
A Pier Production for BBC Radio 4. Show less