But Matteo had led her away, given up a much sought-after meeting, and planned to spend a lengthy amount of time in a back hallway by the kitchen, putting another wedge of distrust in the precarious footing of his marriage.

What manner of man was he? Could he be all that the prince had claimed? Worthy of Scarlet’s love? Simon stepped out from behind the curtains. It was time he found out. Checking his pocket watch, he decided that the Pimpernel had just acquired a secret meeting in a hallway outside the kitchen this very night.

Voices carried easily to him as he approached.

“I am finished, Éléonore. I have done my part. Is it my fault he did not meet his appointment?”

“You are finished when I say you are. Are you really so anxious to give up dear Potier? It will take me but a moment to send an express. Riders would carry it to the coast. It would enter a boat and fall into the hands of Robespierre himself in but one week’s time. Even you could not travel fast enough to save him.”

“Then so be it. You will get no further help from me. Go back to your snake.”

“Then the letters of denouncement go in tonight. Each, with your signature. How long will you last in these English courts with blood on your hands? The more you denounce, the more distrust you will gain.”

“I care not for their approval or yours. You have become the vilest of people, intent that my misery would equal yours. But in that, you will fail. Even if you take away all that is good in my life, even if you take my very life, I will never be as miserable or small or dark as you. You have sold yourself to become, what? You think you are his partner? His companion? You have believed a lie. You will never be anything so important to him. Certainly not his wife. You are his mouse, Éléonore, the mouse he plays with until he becomes hungry.”

She reached her hand up to slap him, but he grabbed her wrist, wrenching her arm away. “Go, Éléonore. Go back to your snake.”

She whirled in an instant and steamed down the hallway.

Simon whispered from his new location behind a doorway in the hall. “What an awful woman.”

Matteo spun. “Who’s there? Come out and reveal yourself at once.”

“I cannot, but you have sought me this night. I thank you for leading the viper away. I followed because from what I understand, we have much to discuss.”

“Yes, but allow me to verify your identity. Where was our initial meeting?”

“In the drawing room. I believe you may have seen my boot waiting for you?”

“Yes, and what time?”

“At one a.m. precisely, though you were a bit late.”