“Sheremetev!
Svetlana glided to the table. Her cool gaze took in nothing but the soppy woman in front of her. “Mama, please. Let us retire for the evening before the spectacle becomes too much.”
“There is never too much of a good thing. Except for you.” Ana turned to Sheremetev. “My daughter would have me give up all manner of fun for propriety’s sake. There are days when I don’t believe she knows how to smile.”
Sheremetev ran his thick finger around the rim of his empty glass, considering as he looked at Svetlana. “Perhaps she not given reason to.”
“Tosh. She has the world in her feet—no,
If possible, Svetlana straightened even further. “Come, Mama.”
“The evening is still young with too many exciting things waiting to be discovered. Is that vodka? A tipple if you will, dear friend.” Ana took the empty glass from Sheremetev and nudged it toward the bottle.
“There has been enough drink for one evening.”
“There is never enough to suit my mood, especially after that last disastrous hand. I lost a ruby ring and matching choker to a rather oily looking man. You don’t serve Cossacks here, do you, Sheremetev? The beastly lot cannot be trusted.”
“Enough, Mama. We are leaving.”
“You leave while I enjoy myself.” Ana took the glass now filled with clear liquid from Sheremetev and tipped it past her lips. “The first time in ages.”
Family squabble aside, the elder princess was well on her way to a drunken stupor. Wynn stepped forward.
“Her Highness is right, Princess. More drink will bring nothing good this evening.”
As if aware of him for the first time, Svetlana’s attention turned to him with a shot of ice. “Dr. MacCallan. How often your presence is found here. Though in this instance it is not required.”
“A gentleman should never dispute with a lady in public. This rule of engagement, however, does not impede me in a professional capacity as I’ve dealt with a fair share of inebriation and stand to argue that my unrequired presence may be of help. Allow me to escort you home.”
Svetlana’s expression never wavered, at least not to a casual observer. To one who knew where to look, indecision oscillated behind that glacier façade. An ability perfected by nobility and heightened to its zenith by her exacting standards where proper manners warred with a fuming dismissal. Which victor would he be left to contend with?
“I’m certain your services are greatly relied upon by our host, otherwise I cannot account for your continued presence when the hospital is better suited.” Ah, a cold dismissal hidden behind concerned manners. Fortunately for Wynn, he was immune to such tactics.
“As I told you before, when I find something I enjoy, I stick with it. Even when it would be easier to forgo.”
Leonid cleared his throat. “Sheremetev private carriage. I get.” Sticking his good arm into his jacket sleeve, he tugged the other side to cover his wounded shoulder and leaned close to Wynn’s ear. “Careful. Princess no appreciate hook you dangle.”
Wynn grinned. “If you want the best, you have to be willing to take a risk.”
“Risk eaten alive.” Leonid clicked his teeth together to emphasize his point. “Luck to you.”
As Leonid scuttled off to locate their transport, a waiter appeared at the table holding a bill of receipt.
“Princess Dalsky,” he said.
Ana demurred as if embarrassed to handle a concept so inferior as a bill.
Coming to her rescue, Sheremetev plucked the paper from the waiter’s hand and placed it facedown in front of the princess. “When you ready.”
To her credit, she made a good show of fumbling through her beaded handbag until at last emerging with just the right amount of disappointment.
“How embarrassing. I must have left my coin purse behind this evening. Cumbersome little thing when one is not accustomed to traveling with the common burden.”
“I understand, Lady Princess. Until next time.” Sheremetev took the bill and slipped it into his inner jacket pocket with a gentle pat.
Smiling with gratitude, Ana raised the little glass of vodka to her lips. And missed. Crystal clear drops dribbled onto the
golden beads of her bodice. “