The prince says Matteo will not betray the Pimpernel, but what will he do when he has the Pimpernel in his very grasp?

He began a purposeful stride in Matteo’s direction.

Seeing him approach, Matteo’s face filled with a relieved smile.

Strange.

“Hello, Your Eminence. Might I have a word?” Simon’s eyebrow rose in a teasing fashion.

Mouth turned up in half a grin, Matteo said, “Of course. I was hoping for one myself.”

They moved toward a corner in the room where few people would hear them.

Simon began, “I know you have been hoping to talk to the Pimpernel—”

Matteo interrupted. “When I sent you that message, I did in fact hope to talk with him, to offer my services for France, but now, my reasons are far more urgent, of the direst emergencies. Please, it is imperative that I get word to him immediately. Many families’ lives are at stake.”

He seemed completely sincere and, in fact, frantic to help these others. As was, he fell perfectly into Simon’s plan. “I will set up a meeting for you. You will not be able to see him, but you may tell him whatever you’d like.”

Matteo breathed out a huge sigh of relief. “Oh, thank you, Simon.” He leaned forward and embraced him, kissing both his cheeks.

Simon stiffened in surprise, pounding his back two times and then stepping away. “We will summon him here tonight. Come to the formal drawing room at one o’clock a.m.”

The new light in Matteo’s face gave Simon pause to question his own doubt in the man. Shrugging inwardly, he hoped to find out once and for all if Matteo could be trusted.

***

Lady Pinckney’s slippers nudged his boots again. Their second set now, and Matteo’s patience waned. Every time they came together in the dance, she managed to brush him or bump him or in some way come into contact with his person.

Giggling, she said, “Oh! Excuse me, Your Highness! You French are such excellent dancers; I must seem a bumbling fool to you!” She stepped in closer than was necessary, her décolleté brushing his chest. “Perhaps if you could teach me . . .”

“You are in luck, Baroness! For I have recently learned of a new French dance master who has come to stay in London. He is hoping to build a patronage here and would appreciate your support, I am quite sure.”

When they came back together in the dance, she pouted. “That’s all very lovely, but I was hoping that you would teach me. You have such excellent footwork. And your hands . . .”

Matteo coughed. “I have been much more occupied of late with the dealings in France and do not have a moment to spare. But I am sure Gerard would be a much better instructor than I.”