“Have you seen any of the men other than Hawkins?”
“I met Masterson in Spain after the emperor’s abdication. I sent him on a mission that very nearly got him killed.” Simon’s amusement deepened. “He wrote me a thank-you note later.”
Suzanne blinked. “Why?”
“Apparently he thought the benefits outweighed the dangers.” Simon turned the carriage into an area of parkland and grand houses. “This is Berkeley Square. Kirkland House is directly across from Gunter’s confectionery shop, which is famous for its ices. I’d like to take you there when the weather is warmer.”
She tugged her shabby cloak closer. “That won’t be anytime soon.”
“Spring will come eventually. The weather is no worse than Paris.”
“And no better!” But she would take rain and cold over the scorching sunshine of Constantinople any day.
* * *
Suzanne schooled her expression to polite amiability as they entered Kirkland House. With Hawkins and Rory attending, at least not everyone would be a stranger.
The butler accepted her worn cloak with no visible sneer. “The guests are gathering in the drawing room,” he said as he ushered the new arrivals into a spacious room on the left.
Their hosts approached to welcome them. Lord Kirkland was dark and handsome and fashionably detached, though his greeting was friendly. His lovely blond wife was warmer, with a smile that made Suzanne feel immediately at ease.
Lady Kirkland was performing introductions to the guests who had already arrived when a newcomer cried out, “Suzanne!”
Suzanne turned and was engulfed in a swift, rose-scented hug. “I’m so glad to see you!” Lady Aurora Lawrence exclaimed. As golden and vivacious as always, Rory stepped back, radiant with pleasure. “When theZephyrarrived in London, I was so excited about seeing my family that I didn’t say a proper farewell to you, and later I realized I didn’t even have an address.”
“We owe this reunion to our gentlemen of the Portuguese cellar,” Suzanne said, delighted by Rory’s exuberance. “Are your cousin and her husband still in England?”
“No, Constance and Jason sailed for Maryland almost immediately to avoid the worst of the winter storms. Just yesterday I received a letter, though. Constance loves America, and Jason’s family loves her. She sounds thoroughly happy.”
“I am so glad to hear that,” Suzanne said sincerely. “Though you must miss each other dreadfully.”
“Very, but we both have compensations.” She glanced mischievously up at Hawkins, who was at her side. He returned a swift, intimate smile that made Suzanne feel a pang of envy.
Tanned and solid and reliable as the earth, Hawkins looked more relaxed than Suzanne had ever seen him. “I’m glad Duval has found you, Suzanne,” he said, returning her greeting. “I gather you’re cousins by marriage?”
“We are.” Simon laid a light hand on her lower back as he replied. “I am also courting the lady, but the outcome is uncertain.”
Suzanne felt herself flush, sure that she was red from her hairline to her décolletage. A tall woman said with amusement, “Colonel Duval, full frontal assault may work well in battle but it’s not the best of courtship techniques.”
She offered her hand to Suzanne. Though not beautiful, she was striking and had an air of natural authority. “I’m Athena Masterson and it’s my pleasure to meet you. Since dinner is half an hour or so away, shall we ladies take a bottle or two of claret into a corner and become acquainted while the men trade their war stories?”
“What a fine idea,” a dazzling woman with red-gold hair agreed. “You can tell us whether you want to say yes, no, or maybe to the colonel. We shall support you in whatever decision you make.” She offered her hand. “I’m Callie and that handsome blond fellow with the shifty expression is my husband.”
The handsome blond fellow was grinning, uninsulted, and Suzanne decided this evening would be more entertaining than she’d expected. “Lead me to the claret, ladies, and let us become friends!”
Smiling, Lady Kirkland ushered them to comfortable chairs set around the fireplace. The butler, a quick thinker, followed with claret and glasses.
Suzanne settled in her chair, saying, “It’s early in the evening for the men and women to separate, but I’m sure the Irredeemable Rogues need time together. I hope Lord Kirkland doesn’t feel too left out.”
Lady Kirkland chuckled at the reference to the Irredeemable Rogues. “Kirkland went to school with two of these rogues and he is eternally curious about people, so he’ll manage very well.” Her thoughtful gaze settled on Suzanne. “Have you and Colonel Duval known each other long?”
“We met when very young. I was on the verge of marriage and Simon was a second cousin of my fiancé. We struck up a friendship, but I haven’t seen him from then until yesterday. So we’ve known each other long, but not well,” she said candidly.
“If you’re uncertain what sort of man Colonel Duval is now, I can give him an unqualified endorsement,” Athena said seriously. “I met him in San Gabriel, a small country in the mountains between Portugal and Spain. San Gabriel had been ravished by the French, and Duval was instrumental in getting the country back on its feet.”
“Simon said he sent Masterson on a mission that almost got him killed, and Masterson wrote him a thank-you note?” Suzanne said with a questioning tone in her voice.
Athena laughed. “I didn’t know about the thank-you note, but it’s true that Will came far too close to being killed. Luckily he survived and was made a knight of the Order of Saint Deolinda, patron saint of San Gabriel. He got a grand shining medallion that is large enough to block bullets. Colonel Duval has one, too.”
