“You’re beautiful.”

They swirled together under the lights. “My dressmaker’s a genius.”

He did something they both knew was not quite acceptable. He kissed her. “That’s not what I meant.”

Brie smiled and forgot she was weary.

Prince Armand led out the sister of an exiled king. Alexander chose a distant cousin from England. Bennett swept Eve Hamilton onto the floor. And so the ball began.

It was, as it should be, magical. Caviar, French wine, violins. Oil barons rubbing elbows with lords. Ladies exchanging gossip with celebrities. Brie knew it was her responsibility to be available to dance and to entertain; but it was a relief to discover she could enjoy it.

While she danced with Dr. Franco, she looked up at him and laughed. “You’re trying to take my pulse.”

“Nonsense,” he told her, though he had been. “I don’t have to be a doctor to look at you and know you’re more than well.”

“I’m beginning to believe I’ll be completely well very soon.”

His fingers tightened only slightly. “Has there been more?”

“These aren’t your office hours,” she told him with a smile. “And it’s nothing you’d find with your little black bag. I simply feel it.”

“Then the wait will have been worthwhile.”

Her smile only faltered a little. “I hope so.”

“Brie looks relaxed,” Christina commented as she kept her hand light on Reeve’s shoulder through the dance.

“Your being here helps.”

She shot him a look. Though she’d seen to it that they’d already had a private talk, Reeve hadn’t completely mollified her. “It would have helped if I’d been here sooner.”

He liked her, perhaps because of the tongue-lashing she’d delivered. “You still think I should be horsewhipped.”

“I’m thinking it over.”

“I want what’s best for her.”

She studied him a moment. “You’re a fool if you don’t already know what that is.”

Brie worked her way expertly through the couples and the groups. Janet Smithers stood discreetly in a corner with her one and only glass of wine.

“Janet.” Brie waved the curtsy aside. “I was afraid you’d decided not to come.”

“I was late, Your Highness. There was some work I wanted to see to.”

“No work tonight.” Even as Brie took her hand she was casting around for a suitable dance partner for her secretary. “You look lovely,” she added. Janet’s dress was both plain and quiet, but it gave her a certain dignity.

“Your Highness.” Loubet stepped to her side and bowed. “Miss Smithers.”

“Monsieur.” Brie smiled, thinking he’d be her solution.

“The ball is a wonderful success, as always.”

“Thank you. It’s going well. Your wife looks stunning.”

“Yes.” The smile bespoke pleasure and pride. “But she’s deserted me. I’d hoped Your Highness would take pity and dance with me.”

“Of course.” Brie sipped her wine, then found, to her satisfaction, that Alexander was within arm’s reach. “But I’ve promised this dance to my brother.” Plucking at his sleeve, she gave him a bland look before she turned back to her secretary. “I’m sure Miss Smithers would love to dance with you, wouldn’t you, Janet?”