Courting Miss Vallois by Gail Whitiker

apology for what she just said, I doubt she would thank me for doing so.’
    â€˜I most certainly would not,’ Jane said tartly. ‘Pray do not fear that I am always so outspoken, Mr Vallois, but Robert and I were discussing the importance of a smile in the early stages of courtship. I took leave to disagree with him in the way brothers and sisters so often do.’
    The gentleman inclined his head. ‘I understand perfectly. I’m sure Sophie has often despaired of me in such a way.’
    â€˜I have never despaired of you, Antoine. If anything, it is the other way around.’
    Drawn by the sound of her voice, Robert glanced up to see Miss Vallois standing in the doorway. She looked radiant in a pale blue gown, her silvery blond hair tucked up under a fetching straw bonnet, her blue eyes bright with anticipation. She looked as fresh and as appealing as spring itself, but with a sensuality that seemed strangely at odds with her innocence. Robert found it a very disturbing combination. ‘Good afternoon, Miss Vallois.’
    â€˜Mr Silverton.’
    â€˜ Bonjour , dear Miss Vallois!’ Jane cried. ‘Haven’t we a splendid afternoon for our drive?’
    â€˜We have indeed,’ Miss Vallois said as she approached the carriage. ‘And what a fine pair of horses you drive, Mr Silverton. So perfectly matched, even to the flash of white on their faces.’
    â€˜Robert is most particular about his cattle,’ Jane said. ‘Aren’t you, Robert?’
    â€˜No more so than any other gentleman.’ Robertjumped down from the seat. ‘A well-matched pair is always to be preferred.’
    â€˜In horses and in marriage, I dare say,’ Jane said. ‘Which means I must marry a lame man. Isn’t that so, Mr Vallois?’
    His reaction was one of mild confusion. ‘I cannot imagine why you would think so, Miss Silverton. You must marry as your heart dictates.’
    â€˜Ah, but my heart is not free to choose. Were I to fall in love with a prince, I should expect to be disappointed, for he would not turn a kindly eye towards me,’ Jane said, her unaffected smile stealing the gravity from her words. ‘Like Mr Oberon, he would wish his lady to be perfect in all ways.’
    â€˜Then I could only think the prince, like Mr Oberon, a fool,’ Mr Vallois replied quietly.
    Robert was astonished to see his unflappable sister momentarily at a loss for words, but the lapse was brief and, quickly recovering, she patted the vacant seat beside her. ‘How droll you are, monsieur . I insist you come and sit next to me. It will give me an opportunity to show you that I am not as gauche as you must surely believe me to be.’
    The gentleman inclined his head. ‘It would be my pleasure to sit beside you, mademoiselle , but I will not be joining you this afternoon.’
    â€˜Why ever not? Surely your sister told you that you were included in the invitation.’
    â€˜I did,’ Miss Vallois said, ‘but unbeknownst to me, Antoine and Lord Longworth had already made other plans.’
    â€˜Quel dommage.’ Jane studied Mr Vallois thoughtfully for a moment. ‘I understand you are not stayinglong in London. I would regret not having an opportunity to show you that there is a more refined side to my nature.’
    â€˜I have no doubt you possess as refined a nature as any other young lady, Miss Silverton.’
    â€˜But she does smile a great deal more,’ Robert said drily. ‘Though whether that is to recommend her, I cannot say.’
    â€˜I would consider it a recommendation,’ Mr Vallois said. Then, speaking quietly in rapid French, he added, ‘Qu’est-ce qui est plus doux que le sourire d’une belle dame?’
    Robert watched his sister’s cheeks go bright pink and turned to glare at Antoine. ‘Forgive me, sir, but if you wish to converse with my sister, I would ask that you do so in