“Of course,” Gray murmured. He was not well versed in the geography—or climate—of that part of Europe. Indeed, the map of that particular region seemed to change nearly every year. Still, like the prince’s accent, his explanation struck an odd chord as well. Although, admittedly, Gray might well be suspicious of anyone with whom Camille was this enamored. That realization was as surprising as his impulsive decision to stay and help her with this farce.

“But while I will not be joining my own family, I now have the pleasure of joining Lady Lydingham’s family for Christmas,” the prince said with a yet another fond look at Camille. No, there was more than fondness in that look. Gray’s stomach tightened. “The first of many such gatherings, perhaps.”

“Perhaps.” Camille fluttered her lashes at him.

Good God! Why didn’t the woman fling herself into his bed right now? Gray ignored the thought that perhaps she already had and absolutely refused to consider why he found that idea annoying.

“Now then.” Pruzinsky smiled pleasantly. “It appears my bags have been misplaced. I was hoping your butler might know of their whereabouts.”

“Oh, dear, that is a problem.” Camille shook her head. “I am sorry, I’m afraid the staff here in the country is not quite as efficient as it should be. I shall find Fortesque immediately.” She stepped toward the door, paused, then extended her hand to the prince.

Pruzinsky took it at once, and brought it to his lips. Gray resisted the urge to groan. Camille sighed and slanted a pointed look at Gray. “I shall be no more than a moment.”

“Even a moment without your presence is too long,” Pruzinsky said gallantly. A bit overdone to Gray’s thinking, but then the man was a foreign prince and perhaps allowances should be made.

“I shall do my best to be as entertaining as possible until you return,” Gray said with a smirk.

“As only you know how.” She paused. “On second thought—”

“No, my dear, we shall be fine.” Pruzinsky met Gray’s gaze directly. “It’s obvious to me your cousin has some reservations about my presence in your home. He is your male relation, so it is, no doubt, to be expected.”

“Nonsense,” Camille said in a firm tone. “It’s just his manner. Think nothing of it. Everyone in the family has long said Grayson is entirely too suspicious.” Her jaw tightened. “It’s one of his more charming attributes.”

“Not at all,” the prince said smoothly. “I would feel entirely the same, were our positions reversed.”

“Grayson simply doesn’t understand I am no longer the girl he left behind.” Camille glared.

Pruzinsky’s considering gaze slipped from Camille to Gray and back.

Camille’s hands clenched at her side. “It has been eleven years since he left England, after all.”

Gray shrugged. “It seems like yesterday.”