Matteo nodded. “As youth, we pretended to denounce our neighbors if they did selfish and cruel things. We kept a notebook.”

He groaned. “And she is using the information now?”

“Yes, already one family has suffered because of my foolishness.”

“The DuPonts.”

“Yes. They were like family to me. Stood in often when my own parents were gone, even punished me for swiping some apples.” Matteo stopped, a lump in his throat.

“Sorry I am to hear it. Has anything been done to warn the others, the unfortunate French neighbors in your notebook?”

“I have written them all, and several are already out of France and away from her clutches. But I believe many remain. I don’t know. I haven’t heard from them. There is also one friend and his family who is in the gravest danger. Éléonore claims her soldiers watch his house, and it is he she holds over me most of all. My butler and dear friend, Potier.”

The prince nodded slowly, careful not to agitate his head. “Have you given this list to the Pimpernel?”

Matteo couldn’t stop the expression of annoyance that crossed his lips. “I have not, though I have tried every way I know to reach him.”

“Does Scarlet know your concerns? At times, she is the best manner in which to reach that man.”

Matteo blinked in surprise. “I did not know she was so well connected. She does not know. She left before I could confide in her.”

“Leave a list of the names with me. I will work on my end, but you must also strive to reach the Pimpernel through your own means and continue your correspondence to France. Reach out to anyone you trust.”

“I will. There is one more thing.”

The prince turned to face him, tilting his head and opening one eye to see him. “This sounds dire.”

“If I return to France—”

“Terrible idea. You would be killed immediately or imprisoned and give more work for everyone else to do to save you.”

Matteo held up his hands. “I am aware. But if I return to France to warn these families, to rescue Potier, will you care for Scarlet? Will you watch out for her all your days and lend the Crown’s protection to her?”

Prince George waved his hand in slight irritation. “She has had our protection long before you arrived. Rupert was a dear friend to me and my father. Her financial needs and that of protection will be met. She is quite wealthy, you know. But we can do nothing about healing her heart.”

Exasperation filled him. “I don’t know if she would suffer from my loss at this point. She left without even an expression of sorrow.”

“She loves you. You can be sure of that. Might not be sure of anything else where she is concerned, but of her love, never doubt.”