“Really?” asked Killian Crewes. He made no effort to hide his incredulity.
Luke was just about to lie again, but Fernsby rushed up. “It’s time, Bannock,” he called. “Vicar Broom would have us convene beside the nave.” He tipped his hat at Killian Crewes.
“Is that Jamie Roundhouse?” asked Mr. Crewes. “All grown up?”
Fernsby squinted at the man and then said, “Killian Crewes? Well hello, sir. How do you do? It’s been an age, hasn’t it?”
“I’ll say,” said Killian Crewes. “I read that you were the royal cousin rescued by Captain Bannock—and now here you are. And a viscount to boot. Fernsby, is it? But are you standing up for the captain?”
“I am indeed, if I can get him to the church on time.” Fernsby gave a wink.
Luke looked back and forth between the viscount and Killian Crewes.
“I made the acquaintance of Mr. Crewes on visits to St. James’s Palace in my youth,” Fernsby explained.
“Old friends, then,” Luke muttered. When they were alone, he would ask Fernsby more about the man.
“I was always fond of you, Jamie,” Mr. Crewes said. “One of the good ones. I was gratified you survived. A credit to Captain Bannock, to be sure.”
“Thank you, sir,” said Fernsby.
“Well, off you go,” said Killian Crewes. “I’ve not been told if we’re staying, or going, or pressing on to Guernsey and the home of Elise’s brother. I serve at the pleasure of my wife and daughters.”
“There’s a good man,” said Fernsby on a laugh. “Well, you’ll excuse us while I haul this bridegroom to the altar. I hope to see you again, Mr. Crewes.”
“Likewise, Jamie—er, Fernsby,” Killian Crewes called, watching Luke follow the viscount away. “Likewise.”
Chapter 17
“Dani is just here, madam,” said Amelia Broom, pushing open the door. She extended an open palm. “It is my extreme pleasure to present Princess Danielle d’Orl—”
“Amelia please,” Dani called, horrified. “?‘Dani Allard’ will be sufficient.”
Dani could not see her visitor, but she heard a softThank youfrom a woman’s voice, her French accent giving a slight bend to the words. Dani’s heart stopped. She would be married, she would leave home and reside on a grand estate, and she would meet her sister. What had she told Miriam about the compound effect of secret keeping? A wellspring? Dani now swam in it.
There was shuffling in the corridor. Elise had not yet stepped into the room. The space was small, and Amelia’s hat was so big. Miriam’s cat chose that moment to dart to freedom.
“Oh, sorry,” called Amelia, “do mind the cat.”
When Dani could bear it no longer, she stepped up and called, “Hello?”
“I’ll just get the cat, shall I?” said Amelia, sliding down the wall.
And then there she was. Princess Elise Allard d’Orleans Crewes. She wore a dress of pale coral, the color of a sunset. She was small, with chestnut hair and a full mouth. Her eyes were hazel. Something about the shape made them look strikingly like Dani’s own. And the strong brow. And her nose, of course. Like Dani’s, Elise’s nose was proudly Gallic. If ever there was a doubt this woman was her sister, it vanished. The resemblance was clear. Dani felt the echoey ache deep inside her chest again, the one she’d felt when Bannock had first said Elise’s name. The first time, it felt like a call. Now, looking at this woman, she heard the answer.
“Bonjour,”the woman whispered.
“Bonjour,”Dani whispered back. Beside her, Miriam let out a little whimper. Dani wrapped an arm around her mother’s waist, pulling her against her. Miriam resisted, owl-eyed and rigid. Dani tugged her again, and this time Miriam came.
“I am Dani,” Dani said simply, switching to English.
“Yes,” the woman said.“Danielle.”Her French accent made Dani’s name sound lyrical and foreign. It was like a song.
Elise Crewes took a step toward Dani.
“Please allow me to introduce my mother, Mrs. Miriam Dinwiddie,” Dani said.
Elise paused, her eyes going wide. She blinked at Miriam with a careful smile.
