“Then I go back to being Mr. Grayson Elliott, who is not an actor.”

“What are you, then?”

“Nothing more than a man of business.”

Her eyes widened. “You’re one of those captains of industry, aren’t you?”

He chuckled. “I wouldn’t say that.”

“You’re obviously a gentleman of quality.”

“Yes, well, I suppose one could say that.” He gazed down at her. “While it is most delightful to have you pressed against me like this, it might be best if we didn’t stand quite so close together.”

“Why?”

“Yes, Grayson, do tell, why?”

He raised his head. Camille stood in her doorway, arms folded over her chest, leaning against the doorjamb. She was obviously ready for bed, wearing a robe that, while eminently practical, was, nonetheless, surprisingly tantalizing. Beneath it, her nightwear buttoned nearly to her chin. In the back of his mind, he noted how the glorious redhead pressed against him triggered little more than amusement, but the sight of Camille in sensible nightwear sped up his heart.

Edwina heaved a frustrated sigh and stepped back. “Well, that’s that, then.”

On one hand, he would prefer not to be caught by Camille in what appeared to be a compromising position; on the other hand, it wouldn’t hurt to have her realize not every woman found him annoying. He smiled down at Edwina. “I’m afraid so.”

“Oh, don’t let me stop you,” Camille said dryly.

“Frankly, Camille, if there was something to stop, we would be in my room rather than here. As we aren’t”—he smiled—“there’s nothing to stop.”

“Pity,” Edwina said under her breath.

“It’s none of my concern, really.” Camille shrugged. “I simply thought I heard something in the corridor, that’s all.”

“The prince, perhaps?”

Camille’s eyes narrowed. “That would be none of your concern.”

Edwina’s gaze slid from Gray to Camille and back. Even the young actress could no doubt sense the tension, which now hung in the air. “Well, if you don’t have a book to loan me, after all, Mr. Elliott, I believe I shall go to my room. Good evening.” She nodded a bow to Camille and hurried off down the hall.

“I do hope I didn’t ruin your evening.” Camille’s gaze followed Edwina.

“As I said, there was nothing to ruin.”

“Am I to assume that was by your choice? It’s obvious that was not what Miss Murdock had in mind.”

“You may assume whatever you wish. You will, anyway.” He chuckled. “But I have no interest in Miss Murdock.”

She stared for a moment, then laughed. “Oh, come now, Grayson. Miss Murdock is not only attractive, but she is extraordinarily willing as well. Why, she practically exudes willingness around her like a fog of cheap perfume. That is not a combination most men can easily resist.”

“I didn’t say it was easy.”