He chuckled. “Nonsense. They are all having entirely too good a time. Thanks, in great part, to the Christmas Eve punch. It’s quite potent. And might I say . . .” He paused in a most suggestive manner and lowered his face to Beryl’s. Camille bit back a groan. He was going to kiss her! “It was most appreciated.”

Beryl pushed against him. “I really don’t think—”

“I think it would be wise if you unhanded my wife.” A cool voice sounded from across the gallery.

Nikolai froze.

Camille winced.

Beryl gasped. “Lionel!”

Beryl’s husband strode casually across the gallery toward the couple.

“Your wife?” Nikolai looked down at Beryl. “But I thought—”

“Obviously, you were mistaken.” Beryl huffed. “A mistake I was about to point out to you.”

“When I said ‘unhand,’ I meant immediately.”

Lionel’s manner was deceptively pleasant. Camille held her breath.

“Yes, of course.” Nikolai released Beryl and took a quick step back.

“Darling, this is not what you think it is.”

“It isn’t?” Lionel’s brow rose.

“No, not at all. It’s . . .” Beryl paused. “What did you think it was?”

“I know exactly what it is. This bounder thinks he can have his way with you and I will not allow it.”

Beryl stared at her husband. “That’s what you thought?”

Lionel cast her an affectionate smile. “Well, it was obvious to me you weren’t encouraging his attention.”

“Lady Dunwell, Lord Dunwell, my apologies.” Nikolai straightened his cuffs. “I have no idea how this happened. I thought you were Camille. I could have sworn she was wearing this. . . . Obviously, I was confused. No doubt the result of too much punch.” He shook his head. “Once again, I am most sorry. I do hope this won’t influence your opinion of me in the future.”

“Not at all. I daresay, nothing could change my opinion of you.” Beryl waved off his comment. “But if you wish for a private moment with my sister—”

“Indeed, I thought I was having a private moment,” Nikolai murmured.

“I suggest you wait for her in the library. I shall find her myself and send her to you.” Beryl paused. “Although it may be a few minutes, what with the festivities and all.”

“Perhaps, it would be—”

“I shall tell her to hurry, as I understand you are a most impatient man.”

“Very well, then. That would be appreciated, Lady Dunwell.” He nodded. “Lord Dunwell.” With that, he turned and headed toward the library.

Camille breathed a sigh of relief.

“I gather that was Pruzinsky?” Lionel said.

She nodded.

“Handsome chap, I’ll give him that. However, I do have some information—”

Before he could get the words out, Beryl kissed him, and quite thoroughly too. And Lionel kissed her back. The man wasn’t nearly as stuffy as one might think.