Scarlet nodded. “You are also acting on a sort of goodwill mission with all the nobles here in England. The more of their affections you win, the better chance we have of aiding the French.” She paused, her grin suddenly wicked. “Especially among the ladies. You must woo them all.”

He puffed out his chest. “Perhaps they will find me beguiling, captivating, at best interesting?”

She giggled. “And the lords need to respect you.”

“I will do my best. Tell me about a few of the noble families I need to impress.” He sat up higher on the bench and tilted his head so that his nose was high in the air. “I do believe I know how to put on airs with the best of them.” And he sniffed with a perfected air of disapproval.

Scarlet imitated him and, with her nose even higher than his, said, “Sir, in England, we do it this way.” She burst into a fit of giggles at the nonsense, and Matteo’s heart felt even lighter. A diplomatic emissary—he understood better what his task could be in an effort to aid France. Surely he could do some good from England after all.

Chapter Six

Scarlet’s slippered feet touched the top stair that led down to the front entrance of her home. As each toe stretched forward to the next step, the purple layer at the bottom of her gown pulled back just enough to accent the lovely yellow of her slippers. Another layer of skirts provided a band of orange that circled her gown. Many folds of fabric billowed down from her waist to the floor in embroidered, accented teal and gold. The sparkle of gems reflected bursts of light all throughout the folds. Satisfied that she would make an impression, she picked up her feet and hurried faster. As she rounded the curve in the staircase, her eyes fell on Matteo waiting at the bottom.

Oh, how natural it felt to see him there. She tried to show in her smile what she had not been able to express with her words. She loved his courage, his kindness. She loved his loyalty and sense of duty. She loved the way she felt at his side. And suddenly she could not approach him quickly enough.

When he saw her, his mouth fell open, and he made a real effort to swallow.

Her lips turned, joyfully acknowledging that, in some way, she affected him too. He rushed up the remaining stairs and held her hand, descending with her.

His eyes captured her own. “You have stolen my breath and my words this evening, my lady. I have never seen such a stunning creature as yourself.”

“A bit improved from our gardening this afternoon, I gather?”