"But, maybe, I won't," I answered.
His smile broadened. "Come, come, cousin mine," he said; "don't be selfish with the lady."
I smiled blandly back at him, though my hand itched to strike him in the face.
"My dear Duke," I said, "you forget I may not yet have had time to acquire certain of the—dilettante accomplishments of Royalty."
His expression changed instantly. "I beg your pardon, Armand," he said, "I was only joking."
I saw Courtney glance at Lady Helen and slowly shut one eye. He knew, as did I, that Lotzen lied.
"There is naught to pardon, cousin," I said. "We both were joking."
Then Lady Helen came to my relief.
"But there is considerable for Her Royal Highness and me to pardon," she said.
"Yes," said I, "there is."