At first, when she caught sight of him in conversation with an attractive, dark-haired young woman behind the reception desk, she received the impression that he was making enquiries about something or someone, until he turned and came quickly towards her, ignoring Edouard in the first few moments of recognition.“Signorina Brown!” he exclaimed. He put forth his hands and clasped both of hers. “Bianca and I have been searching for you everywhere! The hotel said you were in for lunch, but that afterwards you went out again.” He glanced with an air of displeasure at Moroc. “Presumably with you, Edouard? Were you the ‘gentleman’ with whom Miss Brown lunched?”“I was.” Edouard’s expression was faintly challenging.Count Paul seemed to relax a little. He made a shrugging movement with his shoulders, as if deploring the enterprise of some people, and then once more seized hold of Cathleen’s hands and this time retained them in a slightly moist grip.“You are looking delightful, Miss Brown,”
