“And with my betrothed, no less.” The portly lord elbowed his way into the midst of the fray.
Armand turned to look down at the old man. “You know this fop, Halbrook?”
“Yea, the baron and I are acquainted.”
Nicholas extended his hand to the old man. “Cecil, you’re looking well. My deepest sympathies on your impending nuptials.”
Simone shrieked in wordless rage.
Halbrook released Nick’s forearm with a flustered look at Simone. “Ah, er…my thanks. Good to see you again, my lord.”
Nicholas then turned to Armand. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Nicholas Fi—”
“I heard who you are,” Armand ground out, cutting Nicholas short and ignoring his proffered hand. He spoke to Simone over his shoulder, as if he could not bear the sight of her. “Fetch our cloaks and wait for me.”
Simone reached a hand toward her father’s back. “Papa, you must not believe a word he says! He—”
“Go now, Simone!”
Simone dropped her hand and turned toward the doors but, in her fury, paused long enough to toss at Nicholas, “You are naught but a…a cowardly beggar, and I shall hate you forever!”
Nicholas growled and took a menacing step toward her, but the redheaded woman intervened, taking firm hold of Simone’s arm and dragging her from the balcony.
Once inside the chamber, Simone jerked her arm free and stormed toward the corridor, the woman close on her heels.
“Lady du Roche, wait,” she called as Simone gained the doors.
Simone spun around, her arm pointing toward the balcony. “That man,” she said, “is a bastard!”
The woman gave her a sheepish “I know” smile. “I am Haith D’Argent, the baron’s sister-in-law. Might I walk with you to retrieve your things?”
“Non.I wish to be alone.” Simone wrenched the heavy chamber door open and disappeared into the passageway.
“Didier!” she hissed as she made her way—she hoped—toward the hall, trying to recall the correct turns. Right or left here? Her cheeks flamed when she realized she’d been too caught up in the baron’s attentions to notice the way they’d come. “Didier, where are you?”
“Who is Didier?”
Simone jumped at the sound of Lady Haith’s voice directly behind her. “I said I wish to be alone,” she said over her shoulder before turning left and stalking in that direction.
“Very well,” Haith called down the corridor, “but you’re going the wrong way.”
Simone stopped and closed her eyes, taking deep breaths and trying desperately not to cry. When she had composed herself, she turned to see Lady Haith still waiting, a sympathetic smile on her lips.
And Didier stood right beside the woman, staring up at the redhead as if she were some Celtic goddess of old.
Simone quickly made her way back to the intersecting passages, trying not to glance in her brother’s direction. “Please forgive my rudeness, Lady Haith,” she said. “I’ve had a trying evening and wish only to return to my rooms.”
“Of course,” the woman said kindly. “This way.”
“I’m sorry, Sister,” Didier said, falling into step between the two women. “But Ididtry to warn you.”
“Wait.” Haith stilled and looked to Simone. “Did you hear that?”
Simone’s heart skipped. “Hear what?”
Haith frowned. “Naught, I suppose.” To Simone’s relief, they began to walk once more.
“Can youhearme?” Didier asked, his voice incredulous.
