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meeting a royal. “My lady.”
    “How do you, my lord. I admire your fine, stout companion.”
    Edward grinned, emphasizing the Harcourt family charm and the same mischievous twinkle she had seen in Lord Kendal’s eyes. Like his older brother, Edward was destined to break many hearts. But she would never give her heart to a man who confused her with Yvette or Mimi. Or that was what she told herself.
    “Edward, is Uncle Charles up from his nap yet?”
    “I’m not sure, Hen. He didn’t join me and Mr. Marlow in the library.”
    The door opened again, admitting two burly footmen with trays laden with food. Another footman carried a tray with cups, saucers, and two teapots.
    She wouldn’t impose any longer once she had eaten. Then she would insist on being taken to Lucien’s home.

Chapter Seven

    Michael was hungry, tired, and more than a little irritated with his new brother-in-law. He didn’t want to act like an ass in front of Ashworth, but he’d really like to settle a few things with Rathbourne in the way of men.
    Michael always had imagined that Hen would marry someone he could relate to, someone easy to joke with, and, more importantly, someone who cared about linguistics. There was nothing humorous or relaxed in the way Lord Rathbourne pulled back his shoulders into a rigid posture or the way he stared at Michael, as if he were some strange foreigner from Arabia.
    “What can one innocent young woman do in your home?” Michael demanded.
    “Go through my office or your sister’s. Pick Uncle Charles’s mind for codes.” Rathbourne’s tone was condescending.
    Michael wasn’t used to being treated like an idiot. His intellectual prowess was well respected in both the academic and espionage circles. Some considered him a genius; not that he would ever use that term in describing himself. Uncle Charles and Henrietta, though, were definitely in the genius category.
    “Does she know about your work as a code breaker or about your mission in France?” Rathbourne questioned.
    “No. I told no one.”
    “But the woman tended to you when you were delirious. Was Denby always with you? How do we know that you didn’t disclose your code breaking role in England?” Rathbourne asked in a steely voice as if he was interrogating a treasonous spy.
    Michael sucked in his breath and tried for civility. “She knows nothing. She told me I spoke about Hen and our mother.”
    “You don’t know what you might have shared in your delirium. We will have to keep her under surveillance.”
    “This is ridiculous.” Michael had enough. He walked toward the door. “Gabby will not be treated badly after saving my life. I will take her back to Kendal House where she is no threat to England’s secrets.”
    Rathbourne bolted from his chair, his harsh jaw clenched again. He spoke in a precise, clipped manner. “I won’t allow it. You’ll upset Henrietta.”
    Michael spun around. He was known for his easygoing manner, but since arriving at Rathbourne House he was a cauldron of seething frustration. With his hands fisted at his sides, he was ready to inflict physical harm. “Allow it?” he shouted. “You might have stolen my entire family, but you have no control over me or my actions!”
    “Stolen your family?” Rathbourne’s face contorted into rage. “Of all the asinine comments. You would separate Edward and Uncle Charles from your sister?”
    Michael stepped closer, ready for an altercation. “As asinine as thinking Mademoiselle Gabby is a spy. Uncle Charles and Edward are my responsibilities. And I don’t shirk my responsibilities.”
    Ashworth, now standing, waved his arms in the air. “Gentlemen, please. Kendal, sit down. Let’s discuss this like the English gentlemen we are. You don’t want Lady Henrietta rushing back in here when she hears the shouting, do you? You both promised her to try to get along.”
    “As long as he didn’t provoke me,” Michael protested.
    Lord Rathbourne pinned Michael with a