Victoria seemed only mildly relieved as she began to eat her own serving.

“Seriously. This is much better than anything I’ve eaten on a movie set . . . ever. Please give my compliments to the chef.”

Victoria practically flushed. “It’s good to know I’m not total rubbish when it comes to domestic arts.”

She froze, another bite mere inches from her lips. “And now you’re teasing me?”

“What? No.”

Sophia stared at her, then back down at the immaculately plated meal of salmon, sauce, parsnips, carrots, and asparagus. “You made this? All of it?”

“I didn’t pick the tarragon or anything, but yes, I mixed everything up and applied heat. Is that a problem?”

“No.” She drew out the word. “More of a surprise. I would’ve thought you had people to cook for you.”

“My family does have a chef, but they are all in Scotland for the summer.”

“And you’ve just got the one?”

Vic managed to look almost embarrassed. “Full time, yes. We of course have event staff, but I hate to break it to you, nobility doesn’t come with the same perks it used to.”

Sophia let her eyes make a slow, pointed sweep around the grand dining room. “Oh yes, please forgive the assumption. I can see you’re practically living in shambles here.”

Vic’s laugh was genuine. “Well-played. I didn’t mean to imply the need for sympathy.”

“Sure, sure. I know how your type is. Always fishing for compliments.”

“It’s true.” Vic affected a serious tone. “I’m absurdly needy, always in desperate ploys for affirmation. It’s sad really, the lengths I have to go to in order to get women to dine with me. For instance, once I even invited a movie star over to quote-unquote check out my lighting.”

Sophia pressed her lips together, trying not to give in to the charms of this woman’s sense of humor. Honestly, she found Victoria’s self-deprecation even more unexpected than her ability to cook for herself.

“So, don’t leave me hanging, Ms. LeBlanc. Is my dining room suitable for your movie scenes?”

Funny for Vic to bring up the topic, as Sophia hadn’t even thought to check yet, but it didn’t take any more than a glance at the floor-to-ceiling windows to realise they still had full daylight behind them. She frowned. Not only was the sun still visible, it didn’t even appear precariously close to the horizon, with its orange hue still low and full above the castle’s outer walls. “What time does the sun set in this country?”

Victoria cradled her wineglass close to her lips, turning it slowly as if she needed time to ponder the question “This far north? Around ten o’clock, but you won’t have total darkness until nearly eleven.”