“Mother, Father, this is Ms. Sophia LeBlanc, the lead actress of the film they’re shooting in the library. Sophia, these are my parents, His Grace and Her Ladyship, the Duke and Duchess of Northland.”

Sophia froze, unsure how to respond. Should she bow, curtsey, genuflect? As if it weren’t awkward enough to meet your lover’s parents unexpectedly under normal circumstances. It didn’t escape her notice that Victoria chose to use their formal titles the way she might in a business setting rather than calling them by name or Mom and Dad.

Thankfully, the duke seemed to register her indecision and took mercy on her, extending his hand. “Ms. LeBlanc, such a pleasure to meet you.”

She accepted the gesture, surprised to find his hand soft and slight. She’d expected someone more commanding from his position, but then again, the rest of his appearance did match. He wasn’t an imposing man in stature, but he managed to strike the impression of easy elegance, while his fair hair and complexion had clearly been the dominant genes in Vic’s colouring.

“We had no intention of interrupting your work, but you must forgive us for not quite being able to stay away from our daughter and the excitement of her latest endeavours.”

“I understand,” Sophia said without being fully certain she did. “I’m sorry we’ve kept her from vacationing with the family this year, but she’s been indispensable to our efforts here. We’ve all marvelled at her ability to juggle so many responsibilities at once. I don’t know that we could’ve made any of this work without her.”

His smile took on a more genuine quality. “That’s our Victoria.”

“Don’t sell yourself short, dear,” the duchess cut in, her voice every bit as cool and refined as her pale skin and highly manicured brows might imply. “You’ve no doubt played a central role in keeping this project afloat as well.”

Sophia eyed her more closely, searching for the same type of resemblance to Vic that had put her at ease with the duke. She found little to cling to. The duchess undoubtedly possessed a commanding type of beauty, but willowy and graceful with long dark locks pulled tightly back from her face. Her dark eyes carried no sparkle to match her husband’s and daughter’s. Then again, perhaps they simply didn’t sparkle for her. Instead, her gaze held a more serious scrutiny as she scanned Sophia the way one might appraise a fine diamond, appreciation without affection.

Still, after a blatant examination that left Sophia wishing she wasn’t in a hoop skirt and heels, the duchess stepped forward and clasped her hand. “You must tell me all about the movie business.”

The comment was so unexpected, so gracious, and laced with something akin to real interest, Sophia almost found herself wanting to accept.

Almost.