“I thought that perhaps since it’s just the two of us tonight, we could move past the pretense. How about we start by not pretending we aren’t both aware how many nights I’ve spent in here.” Sophia gestured toward the settee. “Please, have a seat.”

She didn’t move. “Where’s Victoria?”

“Working,” Sophia said. “Undoubtedly trying to find a way to put out the fire you and James set with your phone calls this morning.”

The duchess pursed her lips.

“Did you not know we’d put that together? Surely someone was meant to, right? You didn’t give anyone enough information to actually catch Vic and me together, so I suspect that wasn’t the point. Maybe you wanted to remind us you had the power, and that’s why you made little attempt to hide your tracks. Or perhaps you’re not used to needing to hide them. Everyone around here jumps when you snap. Speaking of which, would you like a drink?”

“No.” The duchess’s eyes narrowed as her surprise faded back into a detached sort of disdain. “I don’t think I’ll be staying long enough to enjoy one.”

“Just as well,” Sophia shrugged. “I’ll admit I’m not much of a bartender. I’m used to having my drinks poured for me. Maybe that’s one of the few things you and I have in common. We both expect a certain amount of deference in our dealings. Is that what offended you deeply enough to wound your own daughter? That I didn’t scurry away when you fired the first shot across my bow?”

“Oh dear, did you think that had to do with you?” The duchess laughed lightly. “One must get used to being the centre of attention in your line of work, but I’m afraid you’ll find me much less prone to fits of passion.”

“That’s certainly not the impression you’ve given over the last few days, what with your dramatic re-entry, the passive-aggressive movie night, and the paparazzi chase you orchestrated. I have to admit I’m a little disappointed, though.”

“It would seem to me that someone of your background would have such low standards you’d have a hard time being let down.”

Sophia grinned at the little zinger. “That’s better. So far everything you’ve levelled at me has been so basic, I’d begun to worry you didn’t have it in you to really get your hands dirty.”

“I generally leave the dirt to the cleaning staff.” She gave a bored sigh. “Which might be why you feel experienced enough to speak about such things, but again, I apologise if I gave you the wrong impression. In fact, I never intended to give you any impression at all, much less a personal one.”

“Then you do a poor job conveying your intentions.”