and waited, coffeepot poised, her expression indicating that her employer had breached quite enough of the laws of hospitality already.
‘Please.’ Helen gave her a swift conciliatory smile, and subsided unwillingly on to the chair opposite him.
She was bitterly aware that she’d neglected to put on a bra that morning—a fact that would not be lost on her unwanted guest, she thought angrily, burning her mouth on an unwary gulp of coffee.
‘You mentioned unfinished business?’ she said after a pause. ‘I presume it’s something to do with the house?’ She forced a smile. ‘After all, why else would you be here?’
‘Why indeed?’ he agreed cordially.
‘So …’ Helen gestured awkwardly. ‘If I can help …?’
‘I was not able to see all the rooms in the house during the tour yesterday, because your charming guide told me they are the private living quarters of yourself and your staff.’ Marc Delaroche paused. ‘Perhaps you could show them to me presently?’
Helen put down her mug. ‘Is that strictly necessary?’
‘It is,’ he said. ‘Or I would not have asked. Your application to the committee covered the entire building, not merely selected sections, as I am sure you understand. And your accommodation includes rooms of historic importance—the library, I believe, and the Long Gallery, and also the State Bedroom.’ He gave her an enquiring look. ‘Is that where you sleep, perhaps?’ He added gently, ‘I hope you do not find the question indelicate.’
‘I have never slept there,’ Helen said coldly. ‘It was last occupied by my grandfather, and I wasn’t planning to make it available to the public.’
‘Even though one of your kings used it for a romantic rendezvous? Charles the First, I think?’
‘Charles the Second,’ Helen corrected. ‘He’s supposed to have come here to seduce the daughter of the house, who’d fled from court to escape him.’
His brows lifted. ‘And did he succeed in his quest?’
‘I haven’t the faintest idea,’ Helen said shortly. ‘And, anyway, it’s just a legend. I don’t believe a word of it even though I was named after her!’
‘Quel dommage,’ he murmured.
‘Well, Sir Henry always said it was true,’ Daisy interposed from the stove.
‘My grandfather liked to tease people,’ Helen said stonily. ‘He said the room was haunted, too, if you remember.’
‘And you thought if you slept there you might wake to find a ghost in your bed?’ The dark eyes were dancing.
‘Not at all,’ Helen denied. ‘I simply prefer my own room.’
‘Until you are married, hein?’ Marc Delaroche said carelessly. ‘When you have a living man beside you at night, ma belle, there will be no room for ghosts.’
‘Thank you,’ Helen told him, biting her lip. ‘You paint such a frank picture.’
He shrugged. ‘Marriage is a frank relationship.’ He paused. ‘But, legend or not, the State Bedroom and its romantic associations should be available to your public. I hope you will allow me to be its first visitor.’
Helen finished her coffee. ‘Just as you wish, monsieur. Would you like to begin now?’
‘Pourquoi pas?’ he said softly. ‘Why not?’
Oh, Helen thought wearily as she led the way to the kitchen door, I can think of so many reasons why not. And having to be alone with you, Monsieur Delaroche, heads the list every time.
And, heaven help me, I’m not even sure whether it’s you I don’t trust—or myself.
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