She’d just smoked a cigarette. He was certain of it by the flustered way she clutched her reticule and the tiny peppermint candy he could smell on her breath. Surprising for a woman of her class to indulge in such a vice, but he wouldn’t embarrass her by calling attention to it.

“I was looking for you. When would be the best time for us to discuss security for the first lady?”

“Mrs. McKinley rarely leaves the White House, and we are safe as sardines here. Why must she submit to all these intrusive rules?”

“Because she hosts hundreds of visitors per month. I need you to begin turning in a list of her social engagements and who is attending them. I need at least two days’ notice, preferably more.”

A silk-encased foot began tapping on the concrete floor. Miss Delacroix appeared to resent the rules.

“Mrs. McKinley’s only visitor today is her niece, who is visiting from Ohio. Can we safely assume Miss Barber is not an assassin? The first lady has doted on her since she was born.”

He nodded. “Her family members are fine, but I saw a meeting with women from Iowa and another with local military wives later in the week. Those are the types of people I want submitted for screening.”

She folded her arms across her chest, prepared to do battle, but the movement caused a little packet to drop from her skirt pocket and splat on the ground. Cigarette rolling papers. Her eyes widened, and she froze. She looked so horrified, he immediately rushed to set her at ease.

“Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me,” he whispered, trying to block the amusement from his voice.

“It’s a terrible habit,” she admitted. “I almost made it an entire week until just now.” The frustration in her voice echoed off the bare concrete stairwell. It hadn’t escaped his notice that she’d dashed for the roof the moment his meeting came to an end.

“Please don’t tell me I caused your fall from grace.”

“No, no, I take complete responsibility,” she admitted. “When my older brother first caught me smoking, he warned me about the dangers of tobacco. I ignored him, as I so often did. And now here I am, sneaking out onto the roof, a slave to this horrid vice.”

“So your brother was right.”

“Gray is always right. Tedious and boring, but right. Don’t overindulge in sweets. Don’t neglect your prayers. Don’t go for moonlit swims in public fountains.”

His eyes widened. “And did you mind his instructions?”

If possible, the blue in her eyes got even deeper as she smiled. “Two out of three isn’t bad.”

He bent down and collected the wrapping papers. “Here. Please call me Nathaniel. The rules won’t be too hideous.”

She took the papers and shoved them in her reticule, then offered a handshake. “I’m Caroline, and I hate rules.”