No, it was the unmistakable line of her profile and the potently sweet curve of her lips.
He would bet his last quid her eyes were the color of a summer sky.
“Good God.”
Edmond chuckled. “Lovely, is she not?”
“Lovely, and remarkably familiar.”
“Yes. There is no mistaking her father,” Edmond agreed. “A pity he was already wed to Elizabeth before meeting Leonida’s mother. Nadia would have made a formidable czarina who might have given Alexander Pavlovich the courage he needed to defy the nobles and insist upon the reforms he desired when he was still young.”
“His grandmother would never have allowed him to wed a provincial chit with nothing but beauty and sheer cunning to recommend her.”
Edmond flashed him a wry glance. “Never underestimate a determined woman.”
“Which is why I prefer a more timid female,” Stefan smoothly countered. “Life is much more peaceful.”
Edmond grimaced. “Tedious.”
Stefan returned his attention to the approaching women. “How long does Miss Karkoff intend to linger?”
“She has not revealed her plans.”
No, he did not imagine she had. Or was likely to.
“It hardly makes sense for the Emperor to send her to this remote part of Surrey if he desired her to mix among English society.”
“The London season is at an end.” Edmond’s expression was suddenly sly. “Besides, why toss the lovely Leonida among a crowd of other lovely ladies when she could be the only eligible female within miles of an unwed duke?”
“You think…” Stefan shook his head, not about to fall for such an obvious ploy. “No. Not even Alexander Pavlovich is so lacking in finesse as to blatantly dangle his daughter beneath my nose.”
“Perhaps not, but her mother would.”
“No.”
Edmond arched a raven brow. “Why are you so certain?”
“I am not so isolated that I haven’t heard the usual gossip that trickles from London. From all accounts, the Countess Karkoff has her heart set on nothing less than a prince for her daughter.”
Edmond shrugged. “A wealthy English duke would surely trump a destitute prince from a principality that is little more than a spot on the map.”
“Not if that principality possessed soldiers that Alexander Pavlovich could count loyal to his throne,” Stefan retorted. “I have many things, but no army to lend aid.”
“No, but you do have the ear of the English king. A most powerful ally.”
“A king that has peevishly proclaimed his disapproval toward the Czar.”
Edmond chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. He, better than anyone, understood Stefan’s abhorrence at the thought of being wed for his title.
“Maybe this is Alexander Pavlovich’s attempt to make peace.”
“Then the wench should be in London,” Stefan growled. “I do not doubt she could easily wrap the King about her finger.”
Edmond narrowed his gaze. “Why are you so suspicious of the poor chit?”
“I have not forgotten the last occasion you became involved in Russian affairs.” Stefan frowned. “Both you and Brianna were nearly killed.”
“Hardly Alexander Pavlovich’s fault.”