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The countess shrugged as she poured him a cup of tea. “Oh, when the earl was still alive and working for the government, we were involved in intelligence gathering now and then. Mostly it meant I flirted with dull men at dinner parties. It could be terribly tedious.” She waved a hand as if it were nothing. “Do you take sugar or cream?”
“A little cream.”
“Just like my son,” she said, smiling warmly as she handed him the teacup and saucer. “You must eat something as well. The kitchen made enough for ten hungry men. I recommend the apple tart, while Georgie liked the éclair, didn’t you?”
Georgie.Only an hour together and they had already progressed to nicknames.
“Everything is delicious,” Lady Arlington agreed. She had resumed her usual mask of serenity, which seemed even more subdued when compared to the countess’s vivacity.
Realizing resistance was futile, Henry submitted to the countess’s fussing as she piled a plate with sandwiches and tarts. “I was just telling Georgie that there will be some musicians in the hotel garden tonight. It might be a nice thing to do this evening if you are still tired from traveling and wish to stay on the property. Do you gamble, Captain Harris?”
“Occasionally. Cards, mostly.”
“Well, you can’t come to Monte Carlo and not visit the casino. But we should save that for when Rafe arrives. He’ll beveryput out if we go without him. I’m sure you know how he can get.”
Henry was too surprised to hide it. “I didn’t realize he was coming here.” He had only known Sylvia would join them tomorrow.
The countess nodded. “At first he didn’t think he could get away. The ambassador keeps him busy. But he cabled last night with the good news. Oh, I’m so glad to have you all here. And how nice for you both to see your dear friends again.”
He managed a tight smile. “Yes. Splendid.” He could feel the viscountess’s eyes on him, but Henry kept his gaze ahead. Normally, Henry would have been delighted to see Rafe for the first time in nearly a year. But he knew all about Henry’s past with Lady Arlington, and dammit, the man would insist on talking about it. Andmeddling. Henry couldn’t allow that.
The butler appeared and whispered something to the countess, who shook her head in irritation. “Please excuse me. A friend is staying here at the hotel, and she is having an emergency with her evening gown that apparently onlyIcan solve.” She set her cup down and rose. “No, don’t get up,” she said to Henry. “Stay here as long as you wish. Have another sandwich, Captain. I hope to see you both this evening.”
Before either of them could answer, the countess was already gliding down the terrace with purposeful grace.
Lady Arlington had also turned to watch her leave and shared an awkward smile before taking another sip of tea. Henry cleared this throat and fiddled with the handle of his delicate porcelain teacup as the silence stretched between them as tight as a wire.
“So then,” she finally said. “Am I to be given any information regarding the plans for my protection? I do assume it came up during your meeting.”
“Of course,” he mumbled as his neck grew hot. “I’m sorry. I did mean to tell you. The countess distracted me.” Along with her. “You’re to have two plainclothes protection officers, but they will be very discreet. You shouldn’t even notice their presence.”
“Unless I’m attacked,” she added dryly.
“Well, yes,” Henry answered, then realized she was teasing him again. The corner of his mouth turned up. “One does hope they’ll pitch in if you need a hand.”
The viscountess briefly returned his smile before looking away again. “What are your thoughts on this musical evening?”
Henry shrugged. “I’m sure it’s perfectly safe. Go, if it interests you.”
She watched him closely for a moment, an unfathomable expression on her beautiful face, then sat back on the sofa. “I think I will, rather.”
He took a considering sip. Henry didn’t much care for the gleam in her eyes. The viscountess was up to something, and protection officers or no, he did not intend to stand idly by this evening. But he kept that to himself.
***
Georgiana stepped out onto the terrace that led down to the garden and inhaled the warm evening air, slightly tinged with sea salt and night-blooming jasmine. She wore a new gown in a shade of brilliant topaz that nearly matched the Mediterranean Sea. The color and the cut would have caused a minor scandal in London, but here she looked almost matronly compared to some of the risqué gowns worn by other women.
She subtly scanned the elegant crowd, but there was no sign of Captain Harris. The man had all but vanished after luncheon. Georgiana pursed her lips, trying her best to ignore the annoying little pang of disappointment in her chest. It was better this way. Having him glowering by her side wouldn’t help attract would-be suitors.
Not suitors. Lovers.
Georgiana tilted her chin, unfolded her fan, and descended the wide stone stairs. The countess and Mr. Previn stood near a small fountain talking with several guests, two of whom were gentlemen. Georgiana smiled as the countess caught her eye and waved her over. One of the men, dark-haired and pleasingly tall, glanced in her direction and smiled.
Oh, he would do. He would do quite nicely indeed.
Georgiana pretended to ignore him as she approached, taking care to exaggerate the sway of her hips just a little bit more. It may have been many years since she properly flirted, but she hadn’t forgotten a few of the tricks she had learned during that long ago season.
The more disinterested you are, the more determined the gentleman will become, Aunt Paloma had advised.If there is one thing a man can’t stand, it’s being ignored.
