“That is not in doubt,” she said with a confident smile. “As I was saying, before the wedding, I shall confess my little Christmas ruse and explain to him, as most of my family was out of the country, I simply wanted him to have the kind of English Christmas he has longed for. It is, well, my gift to him.”

“Are you mad?”

“Admittedly, there might be a flaw or two—”

“Or two?”

“I merely need to smooth out some of the rougher edges.”

He stared in disbelief. “So this is another one of your schemes that you have not thoroughly thought out?”

“I have given it a great deal of thought.” She glared. “I am thinking about it every waking moment. I am dreaming about it as well. Indeed, there is little else on my mind!” She clenched her teeth. “And for your information, Beryl is the schemer. I haven’t schemed for years!”

“Camille.” Concern sounded in his voice. “Aside from the fact that this is complete and utter madness—”

“So I’ve been told,” she snapped.

“It can’t possibly succeed.”

“I’ve been told that as well.”

He shook his head. “You’ve gotten yourself into this and you have no way now to escape.”

“There is no need to escape. Yes, there are a few unanticipated problems, but it shall all work out beautifully in the end.” She adopted a note of complete confidence. “I have no doubt of it.”

“Camille, this is not the—”

“Good afternoon,” a voice sounded from the doorway and Camille’s stomach twisted.

She threw Grayson a warning look, then turned toward the door and her prince. “Your—Nikolai.” She adopted her most welcoming smile and held out her hand. “I trust your rooms are suitable.”

“Quite.” He stepped to her, took her hand and raised it to his lips. His gaze never left hers in a manner so polished as to be perfect. But then, he was a prince. “I must tell you again how grateful I am that you have welcomed me into your home for Christmas.”

“It’s our very great honor to have you here.” She gazed into his blue eyes, simmering with promises and just the right hint of desire. She shivered with anticipation.

“I cannot find the words to tell you how much I am looking forward to the time spent here with you.” He smiled an altogether perfect smile. He was every bit as tall as Grayson; and with his blond hair and blue eyes, square jaw and broad shoulders, he was a handsome devil. The perfect picture of a perfect prince; and, if all went well, her perfect prince. “And your family, of course.”

“Of course,” she murmured.

Grayson cleared his throat, breaking the spell. She withdrew her hand with a reluctant sigh.

“Forgive me.” Nikolai directed his attention to Grayson. “I do hope I was not interrupting.”

“Not at all,” Camille said.