He let her weep, running a soothing hand over her shoulders and back. Eventually her tears began to dry, and she finally subsided into a quiet sniffle.

She reached into her pocket and withdrew a handkerchief to wipe her tears. “I’m sorry. I think I’m fine with everything, and then this happens.”

“I shouldn’t have asked about her. I have the most damnable curiosity.”

“As does she.” Moira’s smile twisted. “It’s all right, Robert. Really. It’s good for me to talk about her. I just didn’t have anyone to speak to before, and I’m not used to it.”

“You don’t trust many people, do you?”

“Not where Rowena is concerned.”

He placed a finger under her chin and lifted her face to his. Her thick lashes were spiked by her tears. “If you decide that this is too much for you, just say the word and I’ll send you home. It may take me a day or two longer to get that box, but then I’ll join you and—”

“No! This is my fight, too.” Her jaw was set, her full mouth set.

She pushed herself away and tried to rise but Robert refused to let her go. “I rather like having you in my lap. I have very thin blood, you know. You keep me warm.”

Her lips quirked. “You do not have thin blood.”

“Fine, then. I’m a spoiled sophisticate who cannot hold a conversation with a beautiful woman unless I have my hands on her.”

She burst out laughing and relaxed against him. “You’re spoiled; that much is true.”

He grinned, glad to see the humor back in her eyes. “Now that we’re both comfortable, we should discuss this evening. I’m having qualms. Ross seems unstable. I worry that he might step over the line when I’m not there to protect you.”

She shrugged. “I have my pistol.”

“That’s not enough. I think we should cease attempting to woo Ross, and instead give Buffon time to work his magic. Someone in this castle has to know where that chamber is.”

“No, we must press every advantage we can. I know I can convince Ross to show me his collection if I just have a little more time.”

She looked so earnest that he could not refuse her. He rested his forehead against hers. “You’re set on this, are you?”

“Yes.” She glanced at the clock on the mantel. “You should return to your room and finish getting ready.” She placed her hands on his chest to sit upright, but he kept his arms about her.

It was so pleasant, snug by the fire in her room, her warm curves fitted against his lap. A moment of complete peace before they began their performance.

He’d never relished peace before, and if anyone had asked, he would have sworn that he would find it boring. But sitting here, with Moira wrapped in his arms, was anything but boring.

“Robert, my maid will return before long.”

“I know.” He sighed and released her.