Calm and resigned to her decision, Hannah met him at the top of the stairs. “I hope I didn’t keep you waiting.”

“We’ve plenty of time. I can promise the drive will be worth the pomp and speeches on the other end.”

“I don’t object to pomp and speeches.”

“Then we’re fortunate. Claude.” Bennett nodded to the tall, sturdy man who waited beside the main doors.

“Good morning, Your Highness. Lady Hannah. Your car is ready, sir.”

“Thank you, Claude.” Bennett steered Hannah through the doors knowing the simple statement meant that the road between Cordina and Le Havre had been secured.

Hannah saw the car the moment they stepped outside. The zippy little French convertible sat at the foot of the steps flanked by two solid sedans.

“Do you drive that?”

“Looks like I should wind it up, doesn’t it?” Bennett touched the shiny red hood with affection. “Handles like a dream. I’ve had her up to one-twenty on a straight.”

She thought of how it would feel, speeding beside the sea with the wind on her face. Hannah pushed aside such wishes and tried for an uneasy look. “I hope you don’t intend to try to break your record today.”

With a laugh, he opened the door for her himself. “For you, I’ll drive like a grandfather.”

Hannah slipped into the seat and nearly sighed with pleasure. “It is rather small.”

“Big enough for two.” Bennett rounded the hood. Claude already had his door opened.

“But surely you don’t travel without your security or an assistant.”

“Whenever possible. My secretary will be in the car behind us. Let’s give them a run, shall we?” He switched on the ignition. From the rich sound under the hood, Hannah decided it was filled with engine. Before she could draw a breath, Bennett sent the car speeding down the long, sedate drive. He drove the way he rode a stallion. Full speed.

“They’re muttering already, I imagine.” He gave the guards at the gates an easy salute. “If Claude had his way, I’d never go over thirty kilometers. I’d also be closed up in a bulletproof limo wearing a suit of armor.”

“It’s his job to protect you.”

“A pity he has so little humor about it.” Bennett downshifted, then sent the car squeaking around a curve.

“Did your grandfather live a long and fruitful life?”

“What?”

“Your grandfather,” Hannah repeated as she folded her hands neatly in her lap. “I wondered if he lived a long life. It seems unlikely if he drove like this.”

The wind was blowing his hair around his face as he turned his head to grin at her. “Trust me, ma belle, I know the roads.”