Page 68 of Ravishing Camille

“Did she…” Lord, she hated to know. “Did she marry a man from Tipperary?”

“He loved horses? Yes. Yes, she did marry him. Sweet fellow.”

Camille ran a hand over her brow.

“I say, you are not yourself. What’s the matter? Headache? Chills?”

“No. No. I am fine. Really. I just had forgotten that Doro had married.”

“Lucky girl. He loves her madly. Quite rich, I understand. Breeds racing stock and has notable French relatives in the bargain.”

“He does?” Camille grabbed Brianna’s hand. “Fabulous. Where? Do they visit?”

Brianna was alternately amused and confused by her words. “Yes. She and Lord…what was his name? A second son who inherited. Papa knew the first son, hated him. But Doro’s man is a swell fellow. His family have French relatives in the Loire Valley somewhere. Why? What is the matter with you?”

“The Loire. Oh, thank heavens. Tours is in the Loire.” Her mother couldn’t be too upset with her.

“It is indeed. Why are you concerned about Tours?”

“Oh. Well. Because I…I am…going there myself.”

“Is that so?” Brianna pulled back, skeptical. “When?”

“Soon.”

“I see.” Brianna arched a brow. “Why?”

“I…. It’s a secret.”

“Good to know. Why?”

Camille struggled with an answer. “Because it is.”

“My goodness. Is it really so? You do! Ha! You have a gentleman.”

Camille sank into the settee. “Am I so transparent?”

“You? Yes!” She chuckled. “A man for Camille.”

Camille widened her eyes. “Please don’t.”

“An affair will be good for you. Who is he?”

Camille shook her head. “I can’t tell you.”

Brianna pressed a hand to her heart. “I am almost insulted.”

“Don’t be.”

“No, I won’t. I won’t because I know.” She paused to scan the room and lit upon the tall, dark elegance of Pierce in his swallowtail evening suit. “It is he.”

Camille could’ve turned to stone.

“It is then! Congratulations, darling. He is superb.”

“You don’t understand.”

“I do, sweet girl.” She patted her hand. “I definitely do. Enjoy him, whatever you do. Enjoy him and take him forever if you wish him. It’s what I would do. Will do.”