Confused, Matteo felt unsure, though his fellow citizens of France had certainly dashed all hope and celebration he had felt in gifting power to the people.

Prince George interrupted his thoughts. “There is more you can do here, Matteo.”

Matteo frowned. “Scarlet tells me that more and more often. I find I have a difficulty believing or accepting the idea.”

After his meeting with Éléonore, he felt more of a danger to France than anything. His mind twisted and turned over whether to share her threats with the prince.

Chuckling, the prince rested his cup on the table. “Scarlet can be a persuasive woman. You may as well give in and believe her. She will not rest until you do.”

Matteo chuckled in return. He did not say more, but he did not think there would ever be something he could do here in England as important as saving lives from La Guillotine in France.

Adjusting his sleeve, Prince George said, “I have a specific task in mind. It may not be pleasant, but I have no one else to ask.”

Matteo leaned forward. “What is it? I will do my best.”

The prince’s mouth lifted in a crooked smile. “Don’t say that until you hear what it is.” He paused, examining his fingers. “I need you to keep an eye on Éléonore Duplay.”

Groaning, Matteo asked, “Isn’t there anything else you might need?” He could see the wisdom in it. No one would understand Éléonore and her motivations better than him. But His Highness did not realize the blackmail Matteo was suffering; he couldn’t possibly understand the power she had over him, or could have, if he let her.

The prince eyed him with sympathy. “I understand she tried to send you to prison. You were once childhood friends, were you not?”

“We were.” He sighed. “And she uses that to her advantage whenever she can.” He paused. As awful a prospect as time with Éléonore promised to be, he was grateful for the excuse to escort her to the Pinckneys’ dinner party. “I can see I am the best person for this job, however dreaded it may be.”

Leaning forward, Prince George patted him on the knee. “Thank you, Matteo. I cannot shun her. For diplomacy’s sake, she must be included in some important state events, parties, balls, and the like. But I am not comfortable with her here, and I want to keep her away from everyone as much as possible.”

“I understand. It will be especially easy with Scarlet gone. I will want to escort someone.” He could not keep a tinge of bitterness from his tone.