“Pierre, this is Cassie.” Levi put his hand on her back, that brief contact that indicated their friendship was one of a romantic variety. “She’s in town visiting me for a few weeks.”

“So good to meet you.” Pierre took Cassie’s hand. Though he was old enough to be her father, Pierre lifted Cassie’s hand to his lips. “Tell me, my dear, how did you ever get involved with this one? You are far too beautiful to adorn his arm.”

“You are very kind.” Cassie glanced at Levi, clearly amused. “He is rather handsome though, don’t you think?”

“I won’t contradict your opinion, but you have to admit he could use a bit more culture in his life.” Pierre lowered his voice. “He returned a painting last week because he didn’t like the frame.”

“It wasn’t just the frame,” Levi countered. He didn’t bother to add that while he found the piece hideous, the large size had created a significant difficulty for his staff to properly secure the valuable piece of artwork.

“Pollock has always been an acquired taste,” Pierre said.

“If you say so.” Levi waved a hand toward the nearby exhibit. “Since you’re so concerned about my cultural education, though, perhaps you will spare some time to show Cassie and me around the museum today.”

“I’d be happy to,” Pierre said. “Are you here to pick up the Monet?”

“Yes.”

“Let me inform my staff to prepare it for transport. Enjoy the new exhibit while you wait. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

“Thank you, Pierre,” Levi said.

As soon as he departed, Cassie wandered to the first painting in the display. “So you aren’t an art connoisseur?”

“I like art. I just don’t like ugly art.”

“I can’t disagree with you about that,” Cassie said. “The palace decorator wanted to buy one of Willem de Kooning’s paintings last year.”

Levi cringed.

“I see you are familiar with his work.”

“I’ve been around the royal family long enough to pick up a few things. A de Kooning wouldn’t ever be one of them.”

“I agree. The decorator wasn’t very pleased with me, but my father was grateful when I showed him a picture of the piece that had nearly made it onto our wall.”

“I can imagine.” Levi wandered to the next painting, a seascape of the Amalfi Coast. “Now, this is something I wouldn’t mind seeing on my wall every day.”

“It’s stunning.” Cassie continued past him and pointed at another painting. “But I like this one better.”

“Garrett has a piece by that artist. It’s of the view from the chateau.”

Cassie leaned forward and read the artist’s name. “I think we have a piece by him in our library.”

They wandered through the exhibit, discussing the various paintings, what they liked, what they didn’t. Levi was pleased to find Cassie valued aesthetics over price tags.

Pierre returned as they reached the final painting. “Sorry about that. Now, let me show you our treasures.”

Levi took Cassie’s hand. “Lead the way.”