Vanya’s lips thinned as she was forced to acknowledge Stefan’s rebuke.
“It is admittedly haphazard and at his convenience, but your arrival is certain to recall it to mind.”
Stefan covered her fingers that lay on his arm, regretting his sharp words. Vanya had been nothing but kind since his ill-mannered intrusion into her home.
“I appreciate your concern, but I cannot ignore an invitation to the Summer Palace.”
“No, but you can avoid incurring the Czar’s wrath.”
Stefan smiled wryly. “I seem to hear that with monotonous frequency.”
“No doubt because it is excellent advice.”
“I promise to do my best,” he soothed, attempting to lighten the mood. “So, before I walk into the hornet’s nest, do you have any other words of warning for me?”
With a shrug she stepped back, obviously accepting that she had done all she could to keep Stefan from disaster.
“There are the inevitable squabbles among the minor nobles and the Austrian ambassador is currently out of favor, so if he sends you an invitation it would be best to refuse.” She paused, an expression of distaste rippling over her striking features. “You will also discover the Court littered with peculiar gentlemen and ladies who claim to be mystics. It is important that you disguise your opinion of their absurdities.”
“You forget I have spent time in English society. Ignoring absurdities is as obligatory as a properly tied cravat.”
Vanya’s smile returned. “I suppose I should also warn you that you will not be particularly welcomed by those gentlemen who had hoped to claim Leonida as a bride. At least not if they believe you to be a rival. There are many who are convinced that marriage to her will further their position in society.”
Stefan’s brows snapped together. Leonida wed to further the ambitions of some worthless buffoon? Never.
She deserved a man who could appreciate her rare combination of sweet innocence and fiery courage. A man who would lavish her with his undivided attention and make certain she understood just how extraordinary she was.
A man like himself.
“If that is true then it is little wonder she has refused to wed,” he said, caught off guard when Vanya tilted back her head to laugh with rich humor. “What is so amusing?”
“Miss Karkoff is unwed because she has not yet discovered a man worthy of her heart. Such an intelligent and spirited woman would be foolish to settle for anything less.”
Stefan’s scowl remained. Somehow he had the sense that he was included in those men whom Leonida found unworthy.
“And precisely what makes a man worthy?”
“That is for her to decide.” Vanya pursed her lips. “I do hope for her sake, she will consider carefully before committing to any man. A woman in her position has the luxury of remaining independent for as long as she desires.”
Even knowing the woman was attempting to provoke him, Stefan couldn’t halt the stab of annoyance.
“It is little wonder you are considered a danger to young ladies of society,” he said tartly.
“Because I believe that women are capable of making their own decisions? The world is changing, Stefan. Women are no longer the property of men.”
“A pity,” he muttered.
“Hmm.”
“What?”
“You sound remarkably like your brother before he at last accepted he would have to put aside his pride and earn the trust of the woman he loved. No doubt you intend to be just as stubborn.”
Stefan froze, refusing to consider why the accusation had made his heart clench in alarm. Edmond’s stormy courtship of Brianna had nothing in common with his desire for Leonida.
Nothing at all.
“Good God, I am suddenly relieved that I am forced to endure dinner at the palace,” he retorted. “An evening in the Emperor’s company is fraught with far less risk than sharing a brandy with you, my dear. At least with Alexander Pavlovich I stand a fair chance of coming out unscathed.”