“No doubt.” She paused. “She’s very pretty, isn’t she?”

“If you like red-haired vixens with the figures of goddesses, flawless skin and long lashes.”

“And do you?”

“A man would have to be dead not to.”

“I see. Not that it’s any of my business,” she added quickly. “Not really.”

He studied her curiously. She was not nearly as unconcerned as she would like him to think. “I believe you mentioned that.”

“I simply want to make certain you understand. You may certainly do as you wish regarding Miss Murdock. Or any woman, for that matter.”

“Thank you for granting me permission.”

She drew her brows together. “You are being deliberately annoying now, aren’t you?”

“Not deliberately.”

“Then it’s a natural gift of yours?”

He chuckled. “Apparently.”

“I know you find this all so amusing.”

“It’s hard not to.” He grinned. “Surely, even you can admit some of it has been most amusing.”

“Not in the least,” she said in a lofty manner.

“Come now, Camille.” He stepped closer. “You can’t tell me Mrs. Montgomery-Wells not being able to remember your mother’s given name isn’t amusing.”

“Not at all.”

“Or that Henderson’s unending and, for the most part, fabricated stories aren’t cause for at least a bit of a smile?”

“No. In fact, I find Mr. Henderson’s ability to completely dominate the conversation to be of great benefit,” she said firmly, but the corners of her lips twitched as if she were indeed holding back a smile.

“And certainly Miss Murdock’s unrelenting charm—”

“There is nothing about Miss Murdock I find the tiniest bit amusing.”

“Not even wondering how appalled the real and eminently proper Delilah would be at the actress’s version of her? At least according to the comments Win has written about her. Unless, of course, your younger sister has changed in that respect.”

“No, if anything, she is even more stuffy than she used to be. And, yes, admittedly, that thought is cause for a modicum of amusement.” Camille bit her lip, but laughter danced in her eyes. “Good God, Grayson, she would be apoplectic if she knew of Miss Murdock’s portrayal. I gave all the actors detailed information on the parts they were to play, you know. I can’t imagine how she came to the conclusion that Delilah is something of a tart.”

The tiniest twinge of guilt stabbed him. He ignored it and shook his head. “You know actors. They are a mysterious lot.”

“Yes, I suppose.” She paused. “In spite of the fact that you and Miss Murdock—”

“There is no me and Miss Murdock.”

“Regardless.” She waved off his comment. “While it is none of my concern, I would be most appreciative if you would refrain from any dalliances with her while you are here. It’s very important to me to have this family look as proper and respectable as possible.”