The house of Mrs Fitzherbert was only a short distance from the Pavilion and overlooked the Steyne. A large villa lit with huge windows and an imposing entrance, it had been built ten years previously and had been gifted to her by the Prince. Since her separation from him, however, it was seldom empty, with a veritable stream of Smythes, her family, coming to visit. She acted as patroness at several Brighton balls, and by making Brighton her home she was a constant irritation to the Prince, who seemed never to leave the boundaries of the Pavilion and avoided riding in public when she was around, although this may also have been due to his falling popularity. In fact, Mrs Fitzherbert was the Queen of Brighton, being called “madam” by all and sundry, and even being given preference over any visiting foreign royalty when dining out.Chapter 8, The Jane Austen Murders.
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