She allowed herself to be pulled outside.

“Sorry,” Talia said as soon as the door closed behind them. “The level of self-absorption in there was aggravating my allergies.”

“You’re allergic to rich, talentless, self-absorbed men?”

“Of course. Aren’t you?”

“Come to think of it, that character trait does tend to carry rash-like symptoms for me. And not just in men.”

“Right. I’ve gotten the same sort of under-my-skin itch around a starlet or two, but I’ve found it more common in the men of this business.”

“I’m afraid our hostess is about to provide a counterpoint,” she said. She recognised the form of Victoria Von Rich-and-Pretty striding toward them across the courtyard.

“Ah,” Talia followed her gaze. “Here comes the judge and jury to deliver our verdict.”

“Aren’t you worried?”

“Only mildly.”

“Because you called your mutual friend to exert her influence last night?” Sophia asked. No matter what she thought of Lady Victoria, she clearly had a soft spot for this Emma woman.

“I actually didn’t feel the need to play that card.” Talia’s eyes never left Vic as she drew closer to them, stopping a time or two to greet staff members.

“Please don’t tell me you left the entirety of this project up to that woman’s better angels.”

“I wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt before I pull in the big guns.”

“I’d have thought she already had all the benefits a person could ever want handed to her at birth. Sometimes a bit of strong-arming is exactly what a woman like her needs.”

Talia didn’t disagree but said, “I’ve never been a firm hand when it comes to women. If we get to that point, I’ll let you take the lead, but I’d like to go on record and say this one might surprise you.”

Sophia was about to say it had been a long time since any human surprised her, but the comment died on her lips as Lady Victoria spotted them and raised a hand in greeting.

Talia returned the little gesture in a poor approximation of a royal wave, and mumbled, “Be nice.”

“Good morning,” Lady Victoria called as she crossed the cobblestones to meet them.

“Good morning.” Talia made an awkward little half-bow; half-curtsey move that caused Vic to tilt her head to the side before turning to Sophia.

“Ms. LeBlanc.”

“Have you come to hand down our verdict?” She cut right to the chase.

“I’d not quite thought of my visit that way,” Vic said, with a polite smile.

“Of course not,” Talia cut back in and banged on the door to the trailer. “We’d love to chat with you. Please, won’t you join us inside?”

“I’d be delighted.”