The pitch-black four-wheeled carriage slowly traveled along Fleet Street, with Albert sitting by the window, his hands relaxed and folded on his lap.
He seemed much happier than he was at the concert last night.
For a young man like Albert, who was introverted by nature, a carriage ride around London in the morning was evidently a more suitable pastime than social salons.
After the concert concluded last night, he lingered only briefly in the banquet hall, danced two dances with the ladies, and soon felt unwell, forcing him to retire early and rest.
He always maintained an almost instinctive detachment from scenes filled with greetings, lights, gossip, political metaphors, and the never-ending tea and wine.
Although Albert's court tutor had taught him various social etiquettes from a young age, he still preferred studying museum exhibits, architectural drawings, or listening to music over learning social interactions.
