“A pleasure, Lady Hannah.” Bennett took her hand, summing her up in seconds. Attractive in a quiet way. He preferred less subtlety in women. British from her accent. He had an affection for the French. Slim and neat. Invariably, the more voluptuous caught his eye. “Welcome to Cordina.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.” Her voice was indeed British, cultured and quiet. He met her gaze briefly so that he saw her eyes were a deep and glowing shade of green. “Yours is a beautiful country.”

“Please, sit, my dear.” Armand gestured her back to her chair before he lifted another cup to pour. “Bennett.”

Hannah, with her hands folded in her lap, noticed Bennett’s quick look of dislike at the teapot. But he sat and accepted the cup.

“Lady Hannah’s mother was a distant cousin of yours,” Armand began. “Eve became acquainted with her when she and your brother visited England recently. At Eve’s invitation, Lady Hannah has agreed to stay with us as Eve’s companion.”

Bennett could only hope he wouldn’t be expected to escort the lady. She was pretty enough, though she dressed like a nun in a gray, high-collared dress that came a discreet two inches below her knees. The color did nothing for her pale, British complexion. Her eyes saved her face from being plain, but with her dark blond hair pulled back so severely from her face, she put him in mind of the old Victorian companions or governesses. Dull. But he remembered his manners and treated her to an easy, companionable smile.

“I hope you enjoy your stay as much as we’ll enjoy having you.”

Hannah gave him a solemn look in return. She wondered if he was aware, and thought he was, of how dashing he looked in casual riding clothes. “I’m sure I’ll enjoy it immensely, sir. I’m flattered the Princess Eve invited me to stay with her while she awaits the birth of her second child. I hope to give her the companionship and help she needs.”

Though his mind was on other matters, Armand offered a plate of frosted cookies. “Lady Hannah has been very generous to give us her time. She’s quite a scholar and is currently working on a series of essays.”

Figures, Bennett thought, and sipped at the hated tea. “Fascinating.”

The smallest of smiles touched Hannah’s lips. “Do you read Yeats, sir?”

Bennett shifted in his chair and wished himself back to his stables. “Not extensively.”

“My books should be here by the end of the week. Please feel free to borrow anything you like.” She rose again, keeping her hands folded. “If you would excuse me, Your Highness, I’d like to see to the rest of my unpacking.”

“Of course.” Armand rose to lead her to the door. “We’ll see you at dinner. Be sure to ring if you require anything.”