“Very well, then, Cousin.” She nodded at Fortesque to open the parlor doors. “But please, both of you, if you truly mean to assist me, be on your best behavior.”

“I am always on my best behavior.” Stillwell took her arm to escort her into the parlor. “It’s what makes me so delightful.”

“That’s not the word I would use,” she said under her breath, and the trio stepped into the parlor.

“Oh, look, Cousin Grayson has returned,” Beryl said in an overly merry manner, and rose to her feet, Nikolai a beat behind her.

“And he’s not alone.” Camille’s tone matched her twin’s. “Why, look who he met on the way here.”

“Lord Stillwell.” Beryl stood and stepped closer, offering her hand to Grayson’s cousin. “It has been entirely too long.”

“Too long, indeed.” Stillwell kissed her hand. “To my utter regret.”

“I was between husbands for a while, you know.” Beryl tossed him a flirtatious look and Camille’s jaw tightened. She trusted Stillwell no more than she did Grayson. There was no need for her sister to be overly pleasant to them.

“An opportunity lost.” He heaved a dramatic sigh. “Unfortunately, I was betrothed.”

Beryl grinned. “You always are.”

Stillwell chuckled. “So it would appear.” He studied Beryl curiously. “There is something different about you, Beryl. You seem, I don’t know, serene?”

She laughed. “Do I?”

“Perhaps the next time you are between husbands—”

“The next time I fully intend to be a very old woman,” she said. “Besides, you and I have never suited, Winfield. I am entirely too clever for you.”

“Are you?” He arched a brow. “And I thought I was too clever for you.”

“And once again you are wrong.” Her eyes twinkled with laughter.

“If the two of you are quite finished,” Camille said. “Lord Stillwell, allow me to present our guest, Count Pruzinsky. Nikolai, this is our nearest neighbor, Viscount Stillwell.”

“Welcome to England, Count,” Stillwell said smoothly.

“Thank you, Lord Stillwell.” Nikolai smiled in the pleasant yet reserved manner one expected of royalty. Camille smiled to herself. Oh, he was perfect. “But I have already been here for several months, traveling about the countryside.”

“Ah yes.” Stillwell nodded. “Mr. Elliott said you have been traveling throughout Europe for some time.” He paused and studied Nikolai. “Forgive me for being forward, but have we met?”

“Not that I recall.” Nikolai shook his head.

Stillwell’s eyes narrowed. “Perhaps at a gathering of some sort? Possibly in London?”

“It’s entirely possible, I suppose,” Nikolai said with a pleasant smile. “I have been to a great number of balls and soirées and dinners since my arrival in England. Obligatory sorts of things, you know. Representing my country and all.” He shrugged. “Not that they aren’t enjoyable, if somewhat overwhelming. My apologies, but surely you understand. One meets so many people.”

“Yes, of course,” Stillwell said politely.