“Ah, good. Then we are in agreement. You may leave her to others of her acquaintance, who feel it an honor to see to her happiness.” Matteo’s eyes turned to steel, and he stared at Lord Panning until the man nodded curtly and walked away from them.

Scarlet turned her face up to Matteo’s in amazement. “What are you doing?”

“I just thought it would be helpful for him to know you are not without friends or protection.”

She looked down to hide the sudden knot of emotion that threatened to overpower her. When had she last felt the protection of another? She did not know how to express her gratitude for something that seemed such a simple gesture to Matteo. She squeezed his arm with her fingers and walked with him toward the ballroom, fighting to relax the lump in her throat.

Within moments of their entrance, both were surrounded by people vying for their attention. Scarlet smiled at Matteo as he left her side to dance with a young girl who beamed in triumph at securing him.

During a lull between dances, Simon walked past her and brushed the left side of his coat three times. The library in fifteen minutes. Her eyes swept the party. What could have happened to require a rendezvous? Meeting Andrew’s gaze, he directed hers to Suzanne. Scarlet turned away as if she hadn’t seen him, and her heart clenched. News from France.

She sensed Matteo’s presence before she saw him. He came up behind her, and the air between them crackled. She knew that if she stepped back an inch, or maybe two, her body would be pressed to his. She lifted her foot, ready to close the distance, but he stepped forward first, and she felt his breath lightly tickle her neck. The smell of his French soap enveloped the air around her.

His voice low, close to her ear, murmured, “Might I have another dance with the lovely Scarlet Cavendish?”

Scarlet closed her eyes, allowing the moment to linger, and then she turned to face him. Teasing, she said, “What will all of your women think of me if I monopolize Your Highness for two of your coveted dances this evening?”

“I must get revenge for this Your Highness nonsense. Somehow, I will catch you unawares.” He eyed her in mock irritation.

Lady Pinckney arrived in that moment. “Oh, Lady Cavendish. Your Highness. There is such a to-do. I don’t know what to even think, but I overheard the most shocking news! Surely you will want to hear post haste. I rushed to your side, Your Highness, as soon as I heard.” Her hand rested on her heaving breast as she sidled up, pressing against him.

He inched back from her and said, “What is it? Surely it doesn’t involve me as you have implied.”