The Adventuress by TASHA ALEXANDER Page B

declined the invitation because she is still recovering from la grippe. It would not have been wise for her to travel.”
    â€œThe south of France is known for its recuperative powers,” Cécile said. “If anything, it would have done her good to come.”
    â€œOnly if the journey itself didn’t cause a relapse.”
    Cécile shrugged. “I do not think she is delighted that her son is marrying an American. I have no basis for this, bien sûr , but my instinct tells me it is so.”
    â€œShe may have objected to Mrs. Wells’s party in principle—a fortnight-long fête to celebrate an engagement is not the sort of thing to which she would be accustomed.”
    â€œShe would find it gauche, as do I,” Cécile said. “But that is of no consequence. I never object to a holiday in the south.”
    â€œBe that as it may, Augustus unsettles me.”
    â€œI am certain that if he ever spoke to me, I would feel the same. A man who torments a butterfly—”
    â€œCould be guilty of far worse.”
    â€œ Non, non, non , Kallista. I agree his actions may indeed reflect extreme deficits in his character, but they do not necessarily correlate with—with what? Wanting to fling his sister’s fiancé off a medieval parapet? Promise me you will not mention this to Monsieur Hargreaves.”
    â€œWhy ever not? Have you not always counseled me that honesty is essential in marriage?”
    â€œI have, Kallista, but I am afraid that this current manner of thinking would only make him—and others—believe you are in some way jealous of Mademoiselle Wells.”
    â€œI have never heard anything so absurd! We are speaking of her brother.”
    â€œ Oui , but by extension, you criticize his family, including his sister. Given that you and Bainbridge have shared such a close friendship, anything that suggests you do not wholly approve of his betrothal makes you appear envious.”
    â€œThat is absurd,” I said. “I have no objections to Amity.”
    Cécile raised an eyebrow. “None?”
    â€œWell, none of any significance. I only want Jeremy to be happy.”
    â€œThen let him be, Kallista. The marriage will be what it will be. It is for you to judge neither its merits nor its flaws. Tolerate the Wells family with equanimity for the rest of our holiday. When we are back in Paris, we can then express ourselves with more candor.”
    *   *   *
    I took Cécile’s words to heart, although I did not wholeheartedly agree with them. She was correct on one count: Jeremy’s happiness mattered above everything, and if throwing myself into enjoying our time in Cannes would help secure his happiness, I would do so with abandon. The following afternoon, we embarked on a sailing expedition. Amity had planned a luncheon on the ship, and we were treated to all the delicacies of the region, served as a buffet: plump olives, tapenade, bouillabaisse, pissaladière, and raviolis niçois, which reminded me how recently the Riviera had been part of Italy. Waiters poured rosé wine as soon as we had stepped on board, and kept our glasses filled throughout the trip.
    â€œIf I consume any more wine my head will never stop spinning,” I said to Colin, glancing around me to make sure no one would notice as I tipped the contents of my glass over the side. “Do you think you could play horrified husband and refuse to let anyone pour more for me?”
    â€œAmity has a rather specific idea about what a raucous afternoon must include, doesn’t she?” Colin took the glass from me. “Fear not, I shall protect you.”
    â€œEmily, do settle something for me, will you?”
    I turned around to face Amity, who had Jeremy on her arm.
    â€œHappily,” I said. “What is it?”
    â€œI have been told that your extremely handsome husband swam across the Bosphorus for you when you were in