“It’s genes,” Chantel claimed, and grinned at him. “My God, Bennett, what a beautiful man you are. If I wasn’t a cynic, I’d propose.”

“If I wasn’t terrified of you, I’d accept.” They embraced again with the ease of old friends. “Chantel, it’s good to see you again. Eve was turning handsprings when you agreed to take the part.”

“It’s a good play.” Chantel gave a matter-of-fact shrug. “Even though I adore you, I wouldn’t have come all this way to take a role in a bomb. Your sister-in-law’s a talented woman.” Chantel cast a look over her shoulder at the director waiting respectfully at the bottom of the stairs. “You might mention to her that I’m fighting to preserve the integrity of her Julia.” As she turned back, she spotted Hannah standing on the landing. “Friend of yours?”

Glancing back, Bennett held out a hand. “Hannah, come meet the incomparable Chantel.”

The stiffness in her movement only suited her character, Hannah told herself as she started down. All unremarkable women tensed up when slapped in the face with great beauty. She stopped on the step beside Bennett, but kept nearly a foot of space between them.

“Lady Hannah Rothchild, Chantel O’Hurley.”

“How do you do?” Formal and proper, Hannah held out a hand. Chantel kept her face passive as she accepted it.

“I do fine, thank you.” As a woman, as an actress who understood angles and role-playing, she wondered why someone with such good bone structure and a flawless complexion would deliberately make themselves appear plain.

“Lady Hannah is keeping Eve company for a few months.”

“How nice. Cordina’s a beautiful country. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.”

“Yes, I already am. I also enjoyed watching you rehearse.”

“Thanks, but we have a way to go.” Chantel tapped a finger on the banister and wondered why she felt such instant distrust. Dismissing it as overwork, she turned back to Bennett. “I have to run. Try to make some time for me, darling.”

“Of course. You’re coming to dinner Saturday with the rest of the cast?”

“Wouldn’t miss it. I’ll see you there, Lady Hannah.”

“Goodbye, Miss O’Hurley.”

After giving Bennett a quick pat on the cheek, Chantel descended the stairs again and let the director trail behind her.

“She’s quite a woman,” Bennett murmured.

“Yes, she’s very beautiful.”

“There’s that, too.” Without looking at her, Bennett took Hannah’s arm again. “I suppose I’ve always admired her willpower and ambition. She’s determined to be the best and isn’t afraid to work for it. Every time I see her on the screen, it’s breathtaking.”

Hannah dug her fingers into her purse and reminded herself she was supposed to be unassuming. “You admire ambition, Your Highness?”

“Nothing’s changed for better or worse without it.”