And yet, in a way it was exciting to be a different version of herself. She might have even enjoyed the exercise if it didn’t include watching Alec flirt with a beautiful, sophisticated Frenchwoman.

Who is old enough to be his mother.

Lottie chastised herself for the uncharitable thought. She would be lucky to look half as alluring as Madame Noir, even now. As if on cue, the woman let out another sultry laugh, and Lottie couldn’t stop from glancing over at them. She had thrown her dark head back and clasped a hand against her enviable décolletage. Alec grinned down at her, as if she was the most charming woman he had ever met.

Lottie’s chest pinched. Was he really that good? Or was it not an act at all?

She couldn’t decide which would be worse.

“Miss Gresham, are you well?” asked a soft voice beside her.

Lottie turned to Mr. Drakos, who gestured to her spoon. It had begun to tremble in her tight grip. “Thank you. Yes, I’m fine,” she murmured and set down her spoon. Lottie gave him a gracious smile as guilt swept through her. She had mostly ignored the kind man all through dinner because he hadn’t suited her purposes, and because one could listen to the finer details of olive harvesting for only so long. An unsettling shiver moved through her. Perhaps this wasn’t so easy.

Lottie glanced up and met Alec’s piercing hazel stare. Madame Noir was busy talking to the man to her right, so it seemed he had found a moment to acknowledge her presence. Lottie cast him a subtle frown. He needed to concentrate on his so-called business, not her. Goodness. What if he took the woman to bed? Surely he would spare her that indignity. Before she could ponder this further, Signore Cardinelli announced that they would all retire to the drawing room for light refreshment and music.

Beside her, Mr. Morley clucked his tongue. “I can’t stand this continental habit of keeping the sexes together. It’s the only time I long for England. Men need a good smoke after a meal. A chance to talk properly.”

Lottie raised an eyebrow but spoke in her sweetest tone. “Why, Mr. Morley, have you not had your fill of proper conversation this evening?”

The odious man had the decency to redden. “There are some topics much too delicate to discuss in front of ladies. Business. Politics. That sort of thing.”

“Well, I can’t speak for every lady, but I’d be happy to discuss politics with you. In fact, I have a number of opinions I’ve wanted to share with someone who possesses the ability to vote in our government.” She then fluttered her eyelashes.

“Hear, hear.” Madame Noir raised her glass from across the table and gave her a wink.