UNKEN ROSE GARDEN was thankfully wrapped in shadows as Dimitri strolled past the Italian sculptures and marble fountains. Despite his connections among the most elite members of the Russian court, he was still a bastard. Which meant he entered the fine homes by the servants’ entrance.
He was moving toward the narrow door at the back of the garden when his instincts prickled and he turned to discover a statuesque woman stepping into the garden from the French windows.
“Dimitri.”
Hiding a smile at Vanya Petrova’s imperious tone, Dimitri followed the flagstone path to halt before the older woman and perform a deep bow.
Vanya was one of the few aristocrats he truly admired.
“Vanya, as beautiful as ever,” he murmured. “I trust Richard Monroe appreciates just how fortunate he is to have captured your fair hand?”
A warm smile curved her lips at the mention of the Englishman who had been her devoted suitor for the past twenty years. Much to the surprise of St. Petersburg, Vanya had at last agreed to Monroe’s proposal.
“I presume he does.” She touched the large strand of pearls that encircled her neck. “The wedding is less than a month away and he has not yet bolted.”
“If I were not a dedicated bachelor I would attempt to steal you away.”
Vanya allowed her gaze to roam over his jacket in a pale blue-and-silver waistcoat that he had matched with black knee breeches. She smiled, almost as if she suspected he had taken particular pains with his attire.
“Every gentleman is a dedicated bachelor until he encounters the perfect woman.”
He clicked his tongue. “I did not expect such a predictable response from such a delightfully unconventional lady.”
“I intend to be even more predictable when I warn you that I am depending upon you to protect my young and decidedly innocent guest.”
“You have no need to fear. I promise that Emma Linley-Kirov will not leave my side.”
Vanya narrowed her eyes. “That does not entirely relieve my unease.”
Dimitri frowned, pretending that he had not spent an inordinate amount of time dwelling on his encounter with the bothersome female.
“For all my sins I am no debaucher of the innocent. Especially not when that innocence is wrapped in such a prickly package.”
“Do not allow her indomitable spirit to deceive you. Emma has taken on responsibilities that would have broken a lesser woman,” Vanya chastised. “Underneath all her pretense of courage, however, she is a young maiden who is terrified for her sister.”
His expression hardened. He was unaccustomed to being lectured as if he were a school lad. Not even the most cutthroat villain dared to question him.
“I will attempt to keep that in mind.”
There was the sound of footsteps and they both turned to watch Emma step from the house.
“Ah, here she is,” Vanya murmured.
Briefly caught in the candlelight from the house, Emma’s honey curls tumbled freely about her shoulders, but Vanya had cleverly hidden the young maiden’s face with a charming hat made of gold feathers and a diamond-encrusted veil that ended just above Emma’s lush lips. It added a hint of provocative mystery that would stir a man to investigate more. With the same masterful touch, Vanya had wrapped Emma’s slender body in a long cape of black velvet trimmed with matching gold feathers.
There was not a soul who would recognize her.
“Well done, Vanya,” he murmured. “I knew I could depend upon you to be rid of the nasty wool.”
The older woman chuckled, as if she harbored a secret. “You have no notion. Good luck, my dear.”
Moving toward the house, Vanya paused to kiss Emma on the cheek before disappearing through the French doors. Dimitri traced her footsteps, halting at Emma’s side to offer an arm.
“Shall we go?”
She hesitated, and Dimitri sensed her silent battle to overcome her fear. Then, with that courage he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt was destined to lead her into trouble, she laid her hand on his arm and allowed herself to be led to the carriage Dimitri had left next to the mews.
Assisting her into the vehicle, Dimitri placed the heated bricks at her feet before settling at her side and tugging the rug over both of them. The night air was crisp enough to be uncomfortable.