“If it is still there.” The muscles on his arm flexed and tensed under her fingers. His fist clenched. “I hope the staff were able to escape; with any luck, they have some of the family heirlooms with them, but I care mostly for my staff.” He looked off to the right for a moment and then turned to her, face tight. “I have heard nothing from Potier. Nothing. I know not if I still have a home at all. Did the staff reach safety? I know nothing!” His jaw worked as he no doubt ground his teeth, and his fists clenched tighter.

Guests in front of them noticed their approach and began to turn in anticipation of an introduction. The sound of chatter approached behind them. Somehow she must diffuse the intensity. Overly loud, she called to him, “Matteo, my darling prince—”

“Don’t. I cannot abide this inane frivolity, not when—”

Leaning into him as if to whisper in his ear, she said, “Shh. Now is not the time for a self-indulging display.”

Matteo’s eyes widened in anger. “Self-indulging? How can you—”

“Yes. Put those thoughts aside. We are nearly to the prince, and nursing sorrows right now is a luxury we cannot afford.”

His eyes lost their light and he searched her face. “How can you be so unfeeling? When you sit here in safety in all of your wealth and comfort? What thought have you given to those who are suffering not two hours from your shores?”

The sounds of people approaching behind them grew louder. Scarlet’s eyes closed. Tipping her head back slightly, she lowered her voice further. “Matteo, please. Trust me when I tell you our work here tonight is important.”

Just as they entered the next room, octagon in shape, they were both interrupted by the shrill voice of Lady Pinckney. “Lady Cavendish! Oh, Lady Cavendish I hoped that was you!” Her bustling red face all too soon appeared, overly close, in front of them, with her husband close behind. “Oh, but those stairs.” Fanning her face, she breathed heavily for a moment longer, exaggerating the heaving of her chest and moving closer to Matteo. She looked meaningfully at Scarlet. “I heard you have a guest.” Her eyes moved from Scarlet’s to Matteo’s and back.

Scarlet sighed. “Comte Matteo Durand, might I present Baroness Lady Claudia and Baron Lord Michael Pinckney.”

Matteo bowed smartly to the baron and extended his hand. “My lord.” Then he kissed Lady Pinckney’s, cradling it for a moment. “My lady, I am enchanted.”