Matteo frowned. “No, not that moment.”

Eyebrow furrowed, she pursed her lips. “No? That was memorable, was it not? Hmm. Were you in fact speaking of the moment when the carriage picked up speed and went racing around those corners?”

Matteo’s frown deepened. “Not that moment either.”

Scarlet made a show of looking about the room in search of the answer. Then, biting her lip in consternation, she said, “I cannot imagine what could have made such an impression, Your Highness.”

Matteo almost faltered in his steps, his eyes glued to her lips and the teeth that pressed them delicately.

Scarlet laughed, bringing smiles to the couples closest to them. Then she moved her body closer to him and whispered, “How could I forget? You lit a flame, Matteo, that burns still.”

He misplaced his foot but recovered quickly, and Scarlet laughed again.

“You mock me, my lady?”

Catching her breath, Scarlet recovered. “No, no, I do not. I am in earnest.” The music stopped, yet they remained together. Neither wanting to be the first to look away, she felt overcome by the magic of their attraction. Quite heady with the rush of emotion, she swallowed first and then sighed. “Come, let us get a bit of refreshment before the start of the next dance. I fear we may not see each other again until we are leaving for home.”

“Oh, that will not do.” His head turned in all directions until he found whatever he sought. “Come.” He tugged gently on her hand and rushed in that direction as quickly as propriety would allow.

Giggling unrestrained, she followed him, her small feet hurrying under the many skirts that weighed her to the earth. “Where are we going?”

“To the gardens. I see another exit.”

She knew others would talk, knew they were creating a scene, even if a small one, but she could not resist. “Yes, this way.” She hurried even faster, turning down a hallway and through a door that led out the side of the home into a small statuary with a fountain.

“This is just what we need.” He took her hands and spun her around.

Laughing, she asked, “Do we?”

Then he brought her close and began the steps of their waltz again, this time without an audience. “I was not finished yet.”

Her eyes sought his, heart full of wonder and blossoming love for this adventurous French nobleman.

“Might I have this dance?”

Although their bodies already glided over stone paths in the moonlight, circling a tall fountain, she smiled her excitement and said, “Yes, I would be delighted.”

He grinned in response and twirled them both in a circle before returning to the regular three-count waltz rhythm. In his arms, she knew they could fly, move mountains, travel the world, and conquer whatever dragons crossed them. She felt the joy and fun of the moment bubble up inside her until she tipped her head and laughed with abandon as they spun.