“I was abroad and engaged in enterprises that fully occupied my time and thought.” Even to himself, he sounded somewhat defensive. “Surely, you understand how the demands of business supersede all else?”

Pruzinsky cast him a condescending smile. “I know nothing about business, nor do I imagine I will ever be engaged in such.”

Gray clenched his jaw, but kept his tone level. “Nonetheless, I would think there are any number of demands put upon you by the very nature of your position. Being the heir to the throne and all.”

“It is a position I was born to,” he said in a lofty manner. “But admittedly, the responsibilities of state can indeed be most demanding. However, at the moment, as I am far from home and traveling on my own, my time is free to do with as I please.”

“Ah yes, you disdain the accoutrements of royalty when you travel.”

“I find travel without accompaniment to be both exhilarating and enlightening.”

“Still, you can’t travel forever. You must return to your country eventually. To assume the throne, if for no other reason.”

“My father is in excellent health, and, God willing, it will be many years before I take his place as ruler. However, I intend to return to my country soon in the new year.” He met Gray’s gaze. “With my new wife.”

“I see.”

“I am a man used to getting precisely what he wants, Mr. Elliott. I want Camille. I am fairly certain she wants me as well.” His eyes narrowed. “You would do well to remember that.”

Gray forced a light note to his voice. “I could scarcely forget it.”

“See that you don’t.” Pruzinsky nodded. “Good evening.” He started for the door.

“Count Pruzinsky, I believe you have forgotten something.”

Pruzinsky turned toward him. “Oh?”

“Your book.” Gray pulled a book off the shelves and offered it to him. “Samuel Bailey’s Letters on the Philosophy of the Human Mind should induce sleep rather quickly, I would think.”

“Ah yes, this will do.” Pruzinsky accepted the book. “Once again, I bid you a good evening, Mr. Elliott.”

“Count.” Gray watched him take his leave. Even if he didn’t have all the facts yet, regardless of Win and Beryl’s caution in the matter, there wasn’t a doubt in his mind that Pruzinsky was a fraud. Why, the man talked about assuming the throne of a country that no longer existed. Still, Beryl was right. Solid proof was needed.

He turned toward the shelves, then thought better of it. If Miss Murdock noticed he had gone to the library, after all, she might well follow him. No, he could return to the library in the morning for this.