Victoria had read of the coming premiere, open only to members of the German High Command and important officials of the Vichy government. She had been on the verge of refusing when suddenly she realized that literally staring her in the face was a source of intelligence equal to a vault of gold—and now she no longer had to worry about a dropped American syllable tripping her up. The colonel socialized with the Nazi war planners, had entry into their salons and soirees and dinner parties, where a high-level exchange of rumors and gossip were as normal within a trusted fraternity as the flow of champagne. Moving among the gatherings on the arm of Colonel Derrick Albrecht, she was bound to pick up information that could be of incalculable value to the Allies. Alistair Renault must not learn of her plan. Absolutely not! Sleeping with the enemy goes beyond the bounds of your mission! He would order her exfiltration, but how could she turn away from an opportunity to pick the lock of such a treasure chest?

But she would have to play her hand well. The colonel would expect stiff resistance. “Do I have a choice?” she’d asked.

He’d appeared sincerely mortified. “Why, Miss Grayson, have I given the impression that I would use my position to coerce you into doing anything that you would find objectionable?”

She’d said coolly, “Haven’t you?”

“I thought you rather enjoyed our Sunday bouts, but under the circumstances, I suppose I can understand your mistaken notion about my intentions. However, let me assure you that while I find you immensely—incomparably—attractive, your suspicions are unjustified. I ask only that you allow me to prove it.”

“And exactly how am I to do that?”

“Perhaps you would permit me the pleasure of practicing my English on occasion? I would not wish to impose on your time, but I would like to share a meal with you now and then, go to a film, perhaps escort you to a party. Surely you as well as I can use a pleasant diversion outside the four walls of our workplaces and cheerless abodes.”

“You would become bored soon enough.”

“I doubt it. Shall we begin our little exercise in proving who is right on that point Saturday night?”

“If you like.”

His brow arched hopefully. “Does…that mean you accept my invitation?”

“Yes, I should like very much to see the film.”

“Mademoiselle Colbert…Miss Grayson…Victoria!” He took her hand and raised it to his lips. “I am delighted.”

“Don’t be. I don’t promise to be good company.”

“Completely unnecessary. I shall simply take great pleasure in the enjoyment of your beauty and the opportunities to converse privately in English.”