Robert sank back in his seat with a sigh. Paris was a large city and Mrs. Morgan wouldn’t exactly be flaunting her presence. She wouldn’t want to be found. It could take days to track her, days he would rather not have to wait and watch over Lisa.

“But I shall return as quickly as I can, either with the information of who paid her to kidnap Miss Madison, or the lady herself,” Smithe assured him.

“Yes, of course. Thank you,” Robert said grimly. The man could only do as much as he could do. Wishing it was otherwise wouldn’t make it so.

“Don’t thank me, my lord, until I bring back what you want,” Smithe suggested calmly. “Then you can thank me with coins.”

Robert smiled faintly. “Of course. Speaking of that, you will need a draft to cover your expenses.”

“Yes, I will,” Smithe said simply and suggested a sum that seemed reasonable to Robert. He quickly wrote up the draft and slid it across the desk to the man, then stood to see him out.

This time when he returned to the parlor and opened the door, Lisa and her admirers were all still present. Forcing his shoulders up and a bland smile to his lips, Robert slipped inside and positioned himself unobtrusively beside the largest flower arrangement in the room. It was one of several. While Pembroke had brought her pastries, Tibald and the other men had all brought collections of flowers. The room was positively awash in fresh, colorful blooms.

But the loveliest flower in the room was Lisa. Rosy-cheeked and beaming under all this attention, she held court, smiling and laughing, teasing and chattering. He didn’t think he’d ever seen her look quite so happy or adorable. She positively shone under the admiration of all these men, drawing every eye and even more appreciation from her callers.

“I was hoping to arrange for a ride down the river for this afternoon since you mentioned enjoying that. But, I fear I couldn’t arrange it all on such short notice.” Pembroke’s words caught Robert’s ear, drawing his attention to the conversation taking place. “However, if you would be pleased, I have managed to rent a boat for the day after tomorrow to take a large party up the coast for a picnic.”

“Oh, how lovely,” Lisa said, clapping her hands happily. “Who all shall be there?”