I grabbed my Champagne, lifted it generously in Richard’s direction, and took a long, pointed gulp.

*  *  *

Once the dinner wound down, we could dispense with some formalities and socialize more freely, so I got back into Nick’s orbit at the first opportunity and tried to back him into a quiet corner.

“What the hell was that?” I hissed.

“Something I didn’t see coming,” he said, then fished his phone out of his pocket and tapped on it a few times. “Kind of like this.”

He handed it to me. On the screen was a photo of me, as Margot, eating my illicit burger. I swiped and saw two more, one of me ambling toward the palace with a doofy smile on my face, and another grainier one of me taking that selfie that I’d sent to Lacey in front of the Kensington Palace gift shop.

I cleared my throat. “I meant to tell you.”

“I thought I was done getting Bex Bombs from Clive, but evidently not,” he said.

“Clive sent these?” I asked. “How did he…is he stalking me?”

Nick shrugged. “They could have come from a source,” he said. “He didn’t include any exposition.”

“I took a dumb risk,” I said, forcing myself not to bite any of my nails.

“I don’t think he can do anything with them,” Nick said. “They don’t look like you, and he’s got no proof. I think he’s just taunting me. Maybe he knows about Scotland.” He stared down at them again. “Or perhaps he had a keen sense you hadn’t told me.”

“Finally, I get the two brothers together,” I heard Daphne say, and turned to see her approaching with Freddie glued to her side. “You two have done yeoman’s work tonight dividing and conquering the room.”

“All part of the job,” Nick said.

“Oi, Bex, congratulations on the baby,” said Freddie, with a smile at us so convincing even I almost forgot it was an act. “You don’t look pregnant, but perhaps you’re carrying it all in your sleeves.”

“Cute,” I said. “But it’s not polite to comment on a woman’s sleeves.”

“A thousand apologies, madam,” Freddie said. “What’s Knickers so glum about?” Freddie pulled a jovial face and went around to peer over Nick’s shoulder. “Ah, hello, Margot.” He looked up at me. “I thought you said no one recognized you.”

Nick’s hand fell to his side. “When did she say that?”

“Right after she fell through the wall in the billiard room.” Freddie looked sideways at me. “Or did you…not tell him that part.”

“She didn’t tell me any part,” Nick said.

A look of comprehension passed across Daphne’s face. “Freddie, is that older man trying to smuggle out a fork?” she asked, grabbing his hand. “We’d better investigate.”

“Smooth,” I said to their retreating backs.