Matteo’s steps were slow in starting, and his hand tightened on the fabric at the back of her dress. “We will have much to discuss this evening, then.” His eyes flashed briefly into hers, and then he raised his hand to give a wave with a brilliant smile to many curious eyes. They entered together to meet a growing crowd at the center of the room, all turned expectantly toward them.

Scarlet’s laugh rang out across the group. “Oh, look! How droll! You have a welcome party, Your Highness. Tut tut! We must be about meeting them all.”

Matteo’s mouth opened as he turned to watch her face. His eyes narrowed slightly and then opened again. In resignation, he whispered, “For France.” And then he raised an eyebrow to her and responded, “You must introduce me, my lady, for I fear I have the greatest desire to become intimately acquainted with the whole of your English court.”

At his words, those ladies nearest him fluttered their eyelashes, and they curtsied as he passed. Scarlet hid a smile behind her hand when she saw him swallow and heard him clear his throat. Then, movement distracted the crowd and those immediately in front of them parted, stepping to one side or another. Scarlet gently lowered herself into a deep curtsy, pressing fingers into Matteo’s arm, hoping to alert him. He must have seen Prince George too, because Matteo soon joined her in his most respectful bow. Scarlet left his arm to rush to her friend, grabbing the prince’s hands in hers and raising on tiptoes so she could kiss his cheeks.

“Your Highness. It is good to see you this evening! Thank you for having us.”

Prince George responded, “When my Scarlet wants a ball, a ball she gets, wot? Am I not correct?”

The lords and ladies nearby nodded in agreement and chuckled in appreciation.

Scarlet allowed her laugh to ring out around the room. “Oh, Prince George, you are too kind.” She asked in quieter tones, “May I inquire after the health of your father?”

He shook his head and answered in a whisper, “He does not know me today.” Then louder, he said, “Thank you, my dear, my father is quite well.”

Nodding, she eyed him with sympathy. Then she turned to Matteo. “Might I introduce my new friend from France, Your Highness? He is very desirous to make your acquaintance.”

The prince turned to Matteo and looked into his face for a moment, measuring. “Yes, I would enjoy meeting him as well.”

After the introductions, Matteo bowed deeply. “I am so pleased to make your acquaintance, Your Highness. I have some ideas about France—how we can help. I thought that perhaps we could sit and . . .”

“Yes, yes. Not now.” Prince George gestured that Matteo should follow him. “Perhaps you have not noticed—we are at a ball!”

Matteo frowned as the prince walked away.