Robert stepped over the creature and continued to Moira’s window. There, he peered through the crack in the curtain where he could plainly see a fat maid carrying Moira’s riding habit. With a deep curtsy, the woman said something in a low voice and then left.

As the door closed behind the maid, Robert pushed the window open and shoved back the curtains.

Moira whirled to face him. She was dressed in a gown of periwinkle blue decorated with knots of ribbons in dark blue and pale green. She pressed a hand to her chest. “Good God, you scared me.”

“I apologize. I wished to see you without our movements being reported.”

She ran to the door and turned the key in the lock. “How on earth did you get here?”

“By the ledge.”

“Good heavens!”

“I’ve walked a far narrower one before, and for far less reason.”

She laughed softly and came to him. “Why am I not surprised?” Her gaze took in his robe, and she touched one of the very slightly frayed cuffs. “I never thought to see you in anything so tattered.”

“It’s not tattered. My sister Triona bought this robe for me, and it’s very comfortable.” He took a seat by the fire and beckoned her over. “Buffon is coming back to assist me into my coat before dinner. I didn’t want it to wrinkle.”

Moira took the seat opposite his. “I’m glad you came to visit. In talking to my maid I’ve discovered a few interesting tidbits, though nothing that will assist us in our search, I fear.”

“Oh?”

“I asked if our host had ever been married, and I was informed that Ross was too busy to take a wife, though many of his neighbors had tried to fix his interest with their daughters. He rarely travels, spending time with his horses and his collections. He goes very few places and does very few things—he is a strange man.”

Robert considered this. “He is very strange, seducing every female who crosses his threshold. He certainly made sure your accommodations outshine mine. Perhaps, in his mind, he has been seducing you since you first arrived.”

“Are your accommodations so poor?”

“Compared to your suite, my bedchamber is little more than a closet.”

“That explains the quality robe, then.”

His gaze narrowed. “Let’s not bring my robe into this conversation.”

Moira fought a gurgle of laughter. “I suppose I could grow used to it.”

“Good—for I’ve every intention of seeing you wear it at some point.” His eyes darkened, and she grew breathless.

There was such a pull between them, a tug of like meeting like. She’d felt it from the first time she’d met him. She’d known he hadn’t believed she was a Russian princess, but to her surprise he hadn’t called her out. Later, it became apparent that he’d approached her merely because he’d been instructed to, but at the time, she’d foolishly allowed herself to think he’d been just as intrigued with her as she’d been with him.