Alesandra was mesmerizing the man. Colin wondered if she had any idea of her effect or if it was deliberate. Her smile was innocently sweet, her gaze direct, unwavering, and if she started in batting her eyelashes, then Colin would know the seduction wasn't quite so innocent after all.
'Have you had an opportunity to look into the other matter we discussed?' she asked. 'I realize it was bold of me to ask anything of such an important man, Sir Richards, and I want you to know how grateful I am for your offer to send someone to Gretna Green.'
'I've already taken care of that duty,' the director replied. 'My man, Simpson, only just returned last evening. You were correct, Princess. There isn't a record with either Robert Elliott or his rival, David Laing.'
'I knew it,' Alesandra cried out. She clasped her hands together as though in prayer and turned to frown at Colin. 'Didn't I tell you so?'
Her enthusiasm made him smile. 'Tell me what?'
'That Lady Victoria wouldn't elope. Your director has just confirmed my suspicions.'
'Now, Princess, it's still a possibility-remote, of course-that she did marry there. Both Elliott and Laing keep accurate records so each can boast the number of weddings performed. It's a competitive thing, you see. However, they aren't the only men in Gretna Green who can marry a couple. Some less reputable gents just don't bother with records. They would fill out the certificate and hand it over to the husband. So you see, my dear, she still could have eloped after all.'
'She didn't.'
Alesandra was emphatic in that belief. Colin shook his head. 'She's stirring up a hornet's nest, Richards. I've told her to leave it alone but she won't listen to me.'
She frowned at Colin. 'I am not stirring anything up.'
'Yes, you are,' Colin replied. 'You're going to cause Victoria's family additional heartache if you pester them with questions.'
His criticism stung. She bowed her head. 'You must have a low opinion of me if you believe I would deliberately set out to hurt anyone.'
'You didn't have to be so harsh with her, son.'
Colin was exasperated. 'I wasn't being harsh, just honest.'
Sir Richards shook his head. Alesandra smiled at the director. She was pleased he'd taken her side.
'If he would only listen to my reasons for being worried, Sir Richards, he wouldn't be so quick to call my concern interference.'
The director glared at Colin. 'You wouldn't listen to her reasons? She makes a sound argument, Colin. You shouldn't judge without knowing all the facts.'
'Thank you, Sir Richards.' Colin snorted.
Alesandra decided to ignore the rude man. 'What is our next step in this investigation?' she asked the director.
Sir Richards looked a bit confused. 'Investigation? I hadn't thought of the problem in that light…'
'You said you would help me,' she reminded the director. 'You mustn't become discouraged so quickly.'
Sir Richards looked to Colin for assistance. Colin grinned.
'It isn't a matter of giving up,' Sir Richards said. 'I'm just not certain what it is I'm investigating. It's a plain fact your friend did run off with someone and I believe Colin's correct when he suggests you let the matter go.'
'Why is it a plain fact?'
'Victoria left a note,' Sir Richards explained.
She shook her head. 'Anyone could have written a note.'
'Yes, but…'
'I had so hoped you would help me, Sir Richards,' she interrupted. Her tone of voice sounded forlorn. 'You were my last hope. Victoria could be in danger and she only has you and me to help her. If anyone can ferret out the truth, it's you. You're so intelligent and clever.'
Sir Richards puffed up like a rooster. Colin had to shake his head. One compliment had turned the man into mush.
'Will you be satisfied if I can find a record of the marriage?'
'You won't find one.'
'But if I do…'
'I'll let the matter rest.'
Sir Richards nodded. 'Very well,' he agreed. 'I'll start with her family. I'll send a man around tomorrow to talk to the brother. One way or another, I'll find out what happened.'
Her smile was radiant. 'Thank you so much,' she whispered. 'I should warn you, though. I sent a note to Victoria's brother and he refused to grant me another audience. Colin, you see, was rude to him and he obviously hasn't forgiven him.'
'He won't refuse me,' Sir Richards announced with a hard nod.
Colin had heard enough of what he considered a ridiculous topic. He didn't like the idea that the director of England's Security Section was lowering himself to snoop into another family's private affairs.
He was about to change the subject when Sir Richards's next remark caught his attention. 'Princess Alesandra, after the cooperation you've given, looking into this delicate matter is the very least I can do for you. Rest easy, my dear. I'll have some answers for you before you leave England.'
Colin leaned forward. 'Back up, Richards,' he demanded, his voice hard. 'Exactly how has Alesandra cooperated?'
The director looked surprised by the question. 'She didn't explain to you…'
'I didn't believe it was necessary,' Alesandra blurted out. She hastily stood up. 'If you'll excuse me now, I'll leave you two gentlemen alone to discuss your business.'
'Alesandra, sit down.'
Colin's tone suggested she not argue with him. She let out a little sigh and did as he ordered. She refused to look at him, however, and kept her gaze directed on her lap. She wanted to run and hide rather than talk about her decision, but that would be cowardly and irresponsible, and Colin deserved to know what had been decided.
Dignity and decorum, she thought to herself. Colin would never know how upset she was, and there was a bit of victory in that, wasn't there?
'Explain to me why Richards is so pleased with your cooperation.'
'I've decided to return to my father's homeland,' she explained in a bare whisper. 'I'm going to marry the general. Your father has given his approval.'
Colin didn't say anything for a long while. He stared at Alesandra. She stared at her lap. 'All of this was decided while I was sick?'
'Yes.'
'Look at me,' he commanded.
She was close to bursting into tears. She took a deep breath and finally turned to look at him.
Colin knew she was upset. She was twisting her hands together and trying not to cry.
'She wasn't coerced,' Sir Richards interjected.
'The hell she wasn't.'
'It was my decision,' she insisted.
Colin shook his head. 'Richards, nothing has been decided. Understand? Alesandra is still reacting to the incident last week. Her guard was injured and she feels responsible.'
'I am responsible,' she cried out.
'No,' he countered, his voice emphatic. 'You were frightened.'
'Does it matter what my reasons were?'
'Hell, yes, it matters,' he snapped. He turned his attention back to the director. 'Alesandra has obviously forgotten her promise to me last week.'
'Colin…'
'Be silent.'
Her eyes widened in disbelief. 'Be silent? This is my future under discussion, not yours.'
'I'm your guardian,' he countered. 'I decide your future. You seem to have forgotten that fact.'
