Kenna smiled. “You said I might address you as such when you came to stay in my father’s home.”
The Comte’s eyes widened further. “Could it be?Non!C’est impossible.”
“Kenna Dunne!” Madeline announced breathlessly. “Why you were just a child when we stayed at Dunnelly Manor. And look at you now!” She pulled Kenna to her ample bosom, greeting her in the same manner she had Rhys. “What has become of your fiery hair? Please tell me you are wearing a wig!”
“It’s a wig,” Kenna said quickly. “But I’m afraid the hair beneath is not the veritable torch it used to be.”
“My dear Kenna,” Etienne said fondly. “Forgive me for not recognizing you.”
“It has been a long time. And I think I’ve changed a little.”
“You always were a diamond, darling,” said Madeline enthusiastically. “But I think you’ve acquired a polish. Isn’t she stunning, Etienne?”
“Stunning,” he agreed dutifully, but meant it with all his heart. “Will you honor me with this dance?”
Kenna agreed happily as the orchestra struck up another waltz and glided onto the floor with her handsome partner.
“If you’ll excuse me, Madeline. Rhys. I must be greeting my other guests.” Tanner shook his head ruefully as he saw Alexis circle the dance floor with another feminine partner. “I fear Captain Danty is going to break some hearts this night.”
Madeline laughed lightly as she watched Tanner stride away. “Now there is a man hopelessly in love with his wife.” She looked at Rhys slyly, tapping his shoulder with her staff. “But I think you have some knowledge of that state of affairs, yes? These old eyes observed how you looked at Kenna.”
Rhys held up his hands in mock surrender. “You have found me out.”
“I cannot believe you are standing in front of me! And married to Kenna Dunne! You must tell me everything! How is it that you’ve come to Boston? How long have you been married?”
Laughing, Rhys drew Madeline onto the dance floor and proceeded to answer her barrage of questions, albeit with a fair amount of prevarication. There were some secrets he would not share even with the Comtesse Lescaut.
Kenna was enjoying herself immensely. Etienne was an excellent dancer and she had no difficulty following his lead. He spoke fondly of the weeks he had spent at Dunnelly recovering from his illness and when he mentioned Robert Dunne it was with great respect. Kenna was pleased she could listen to Etienne’s recollections without experiencing a familiar tightening in her stomach. She was able to respond to his inquiries about Nicholas and Victorine and never indicated the circumstances in which she left England were the least unusual, Etienne partnered her through two numbers before he reluctantly released her to her husband and joined his own wife.
“Etienne did not hold me so closely, Rhys,” Kenna said as the large hand at her waist drew her nearer.
One of his eyebrows arched in question. “It’s Etienne now? What happened to Uncle Etienne?”
“He said it made him feel uncommonly old now that I was no longer ajeune fille.”
“I see.” He executed several quick turns, lifting Kenna off her feet to keep her in step. She was beautifully flushed when he set her down and clung to him. The pressure of his hand was incidental. He kissed her temple. “One would never suspect you are but a novice at this dance.”
“Etienne said I learn very quickly,” she said, fluttering her lashes again.
He chuckled at her attempt to make him jealous. There was no point in telling her he already was. She would not believe he had been envious of the comte for having the pleasure of leading her in her first waltz. “What else did Etienne say to you?” he asked.
“He said you are very fortunate to have married me.”
“I know that. Did you tell him how I came to be so fortunate?”
“Yes, but don’t alarm yourself. I said nothing awkward.”
“He has no contact with anyone in England then? No one to whom he might mention he saw you?”
“I cannot be certain, but I think not. Many of his friends have emigrated to the French quarter in New Orleans.”
Rhys breathed a little easier. “Madeline says much the same. It does not appear she has any close friends in England. I was stunned to see them here this evening.”
“Rhys? Mayhap we should tell them the truth. Then we would be sure they wouldn’t say anything. Etienne says he owes you a debt he has never repaid. He would consider what we ask a very small price indeed.”
Rhys spun her again. “Let me think on it. There is still the matter of Michael Deveraux. If he left England only a short time ago then it is possible he heard of your abduction and your death, and more than possible he still has friends in London. Please, until I can decide what is best, avoid him if you can.”
“How am I to avoid someone I can’t remember? Can you point him out to me?”
