The restaurant was lovely. The food was delicious. The service was impeccable. I was bored out of my brain.

Lord Cameron (and he insisted that I call him Lord Cameron) was a bore and priggish and I now understood why his title hadn't netted him an appropriate wife back home in jolly old England. As much as any social climbing husband hunter would dearly love to be a vicountess, Lord Cameron, Viscount of Westhaven, would be a challenge for even the most committed of them. So what was I doing here with him?

I sighed as I took a sip of my wine - white wine because he didn't think it proper for women to drink red - and let his monologue flow over me. He didn't seem to notice that I stopped listening about fifteen minutes after we sat down, which was over two hours ago. He barely asked me a question or let me talk, which left me free to check out the rest of the patrons in the restaurant. I'd already made up stories in my head about the other people at the tables closest to us, in between having my meals sent back - not once, but twice - because they weren't up to Lord Cameron’s standards. This restaurant had two Michelin stars with a world-famous French chef and yet Lord Cameron felt the need to show his superiority by being one of those annoying customers who thought he knew everything.

Of course, I didn't say anything. I smiled politely and hoped that the waiters didn't poison the food - I knew they wouldn't but I was pretty sure they wanted to. I would have to go back tomorrow and apologise for his behaviour because I did not want them to think that I didn't like the food. If not for my date, I would have loved every minute of it.

“I just seem to have this way with people,” I heard him say and I was so shocked by the statement that I tuned back into the conversation. “People are drawn to me.”

He took a breath and sipped his wine and I wondered if he had any clue about the real reason people were ‘drawn’ to him. Watching him was like watching a train wreck - awfully tragic, but one couldn't help but look on with morbid fascination.

“You are quite fascinating,” I replied, lifting a piece of chocolate to my mouth. I was savouring the dessert that he so magnanimously allowed me to order - but only because I wasn't a fatty (his words not mine) - and hoped that this interminable evening would soon be over. I saw his disapproval of my use of my fingers, or maybe it was because I dared eat such a rich dessert, and I just didn't care. Quite a liberating feeling, really.

“I didn't think you were actually going to eat that,” he said as he watched me clean my plate, “I thought ordering it was just for show.”

“I like food,” I replied with a careless shrug, “And I have a naturally high metabolism that means I am lucky enough to be able to indulge my whims.”

“Yes, well, it's a bit unseemly,” he said and turned away as if to see if we were being watched by the other patrons. “Viscountesses shouldn't be seen to overindulge, its bad form really.”

His words made my stomach churn and I pushed my plate away, thankful that it was already empty. If being here on this date had been my choice, I would have walked out when he presumed to order for me. But it wasn't my choice. I was here out of obligation and I stayed because I was a good girl and did whatever my mother told me. She wanted me to marry this man and although the idea sickened me, I would do what I was told. I'd take one for the team, close my eyes and think of England and all that jazz, because my easy acquiescence was expected.

The skin on the back of my neck prickled and the air around me seemed to change. Slowly, surreptitiously, I turned slightly so that I could look over my shoulder and my eyes were drawn to him immediately. Drew had just walked in and he was looking straight at me. The corners of his lips curled up in a sinful smile and it took every inch of breeding I had not to get up from the table and go to him and beg him to save me from Lord Cameron.

“Who is that?” Lord Cameron asked, breaking my stare with Drew. It was then I noticed that he was with Freddie and Alex.

“Lord Bingham, Earl of Avonlea and his fiancée.”

“Friends of yours?” he asked and I could tell he wanted an introduction.

“Yes, actually. Lady Alex was the queen’s personal assistant before she was engaged to Lord Frédéric.” I used their titles deliberately because I knew how hung up on titles Lord Cameron was.

The hostess led Freddie, Alex, and Drew into the restaurant and directly past our table. I stood to greet them as they approached. Alex’s face lit up when she saw me and Freddie gave me one of his cheeky smiles. The man was an adorable rogue who had his heart stolen by Alex. Theirs truly was a fairytale.

“Lady Jeanette,” Freddie said, greeting me with a kiss on the cheek.

“Lord Frédéric,” I replied and his eyebrow quirked up. Everyone called him Freddie, so he knew that games were afoot.

Alex greeted me with a hug and then we all turned to Drew.

“You remember Drew Taylor, of course, my new CFO.”

Drew took my hand and bowed over it, his lips brushed the skin and sent tingles coursing through my veins.

“Lovely to see you again,” I said and my voice sounded weird in my own ears.

“The pleasure is mine,” he replied.

I heard, rather than saw, Lord Cameron stand. I cleared my throat and pulled my hand from Drew’s.

“Lord Frédéric, may I please introduce Lord Cameron Broadcloth, Viscount of Westhaven.” I turn to Lord Cameron. “Lord Cameron, may I present Lord Frédéric Bingham, Earl of Avonlea.”

The men shook hands and I could see that Freddie was dying to ask questions. He was an absolute shark in business, but had a mischievous side and I could already see I was going to get the third degree next time I saw him in the palace.

“Lord Cameron,” he said, “Westhaven, was it? I don't believe I know it.”

“It's in England,” Lord Cameron replied not at all offended by Freddie’s obvious slight, or maybe he was just oblivious to it. He did seem the type to not pick up on social cues. “A rather large estate outside London.”

“And are you in Merveille on business or pleasure?” Freddie’s eyes cut to me when he said pleasure and I could feel my cheeks heat as I looked down, not able to meet his eyes.

“A bit of both, actually,” Lord Cameron replied and I was surprised. I didn't realise he had business here. “With the Marquess of Astonbury.”

“Ah, of course,” Freddie said, his eyes shooting to me assessingly. “Well you'll have to ask him to bring you by the club. Good to see you.” Freddie led his party away but not before giving me a wink. Oh yes, I was in trouble now.

I followed Freddie to our table and took my seat, all the while my mind was racing. Who was that moron that Jeanette was with? And why didn't she tell me she had a date tonight?

“Do you know Lord Cameron?” Alex asked Freddie.

“No,” Freddie responded, but I could tell his mind was working. I had no doubt that he would find out everything there was to know about the other man and I had to say I liked his style.

“A friend of Martin’s perhaps,” Alex mused, “From when they lived in London?”

“Maybe,” Freddie said, but he was still preoccupied. “Do you know if the marchioness has returned to London?”

“I believe she is still in Merveille, staying at Ferny Grove.”

“Their country estate?”

“Yes, although I did see her in town earlier today, so maybe she is still at Farraway House?”

“Interesting,” he said before looking at me. “Sorry Drew, we must be boring you with all this court intrigue.”

I forced a smile to my face and shook my head, “I suppose I need to be up on all the town gossip. It's a little different with all the lords and ladies and titles, but I'm sure I'll pick it up in no time.”

“Well I, for one, would be very interested in finding out more about whatever business the viscount has with the marquess. Martin is a very good businessman and I've been looking to work with him, but if he is doing a deal with the viscount then I may have to rethink that plan.”

“You don't like the viscount?” Alex asked.

Freddie shrugged, “I don't know the man, but I just get a feeling…”

I respected Freddie’s instincts, even more so now that I knew he had reservations about the viscount. The man seemed slimy to me and gave me a bad feeling and I definitely didn't like the fact that he was on a date with Jeanette. And it was a date.

I looked up from the table and caught her eye. She looked lovely, but in a reserved way. Almost like she was trying to blend into the background and not at all the way she looked in black leather astride a hot pink Ducati or how she would look in that red dress. It was almost like they were two different people, the Jeanette I knew and then this one with her social mask in place and her very proper manners that she used like a shield.

They were leaving and I was glad. If they had stayed I knew I wouldn't be able to concentrate on Freddie and Alex and that would be rude. I couldn't help it, though. It seemed when I was around her I lost my focus.

“How are you settling in?” Alex asked, cutting into my reverie.

“The house is amazing,” I replied with a smile. “Not sure MacClaren approves of me though.”

Freddie laughed, “No, probably not. He only tolerates me because of my father.”

“He seemed a bit upset when I told him I didn't need a butler, but more of a personal assistant.”

Freddie laughed louder, earning looks from the customers seated around us. “Well, he would,” Freddie said in explanation. “It's a bit of a step down from running the household to being your secretary.”

I grinned, “I didn't actually think of it like that.”

“If you need an assistant, we can find one for you.”

I shrug. “It might be useful, I'd hate to offend MacClaren’s sensibilities and I don't want Mandy to have to do my personal errands.”

We moved on, making small talk while we were waited on. The wine was excellent, not that I knew much about it, and the atmosphere was sophisticated without being snobbish. The service was very good, but I didn't know if that was the norm or because I was here with Freddie. Most people knew him on sight and from what I'd heard from Brooks, he had been a bit of a tabloid favourite until he had settled down with Alex.

I told them about my bike, but not about bumping into Jeanette. I promised to keep her secret and I would. Freddie gave me some suggestions for places to ride and his voice was a little wistful - in a manly way of course - and I wondered if he rode.

“You should come with me sometime,” I said and I saw the quick moment of joy followed by the look of regret.

“Maybe,” he said, “But probably not. I haven't ridden in ages.”

Alex put a hand over his and smiled at me.

“I think it's a wonderful idea,” she said, “Why not ask Will to join you and I can organise a girls’ day. I've barely had a chance to catch up with Alyssa since they got back from their honeymoon and I dare say they both could do with a little bit of fun before their tour starts.”

“Tour?” I asked.

Alex sighed. “Apparently it is tradition for the king and queen to tour neighbouring countries after they get married. It's a little different of course because Will isn't king and Alyssa is head of state, but there is still pressure for them to do it. They have it planned for after our wedding.”

I noticed that Freddie squeezed her hand and looked at her adoringly when she mentioned their wedding. The man was hooked and it didn't make me nearly as uncomfortable as I thought it would.

“We could do it this Sunday,” I suggested.

“Perfect,” Alex replied, “I'll set it up.”

I hadn't been around Monticorp for long, but I knew Alex was a ‘get-er-done’ person. From what I had heard, she had run the queen’s office with military precision and was stepping into the same role at Monticorp. I made a little mental note to myself, if I wanted things done, I needed to talk to Alex.

I didn't sleep well and I didn't know if it was because of the lingering jet lag or if it was seeing Jeanette out with that guy. I just didn't understand why she would be with someone like him. I could tell, just from the brief introduction - the man barely even glanced in my direction and didn't offer to shake my hand - that he was an uptight prig. I was beneath him (not having a title and being Australian probably didn't help) and he couldn't even spare me a glance or the social niceties that the situation demanded. I didn't like him in the slightest.

But what was a snob like him doing with Jeanette? She didn't have a title, and if I knew my royal titles (I didn't, but I would take a guess anyway) then a viscount was above a marquess and from what I had gathered about Lord Cameron, he didn't really associate with those below him. So I ask again, why was he with Jeanette?

I was waiting for her at the storage shed, fifteen minutes early. She arrived on foot, walking from the general direction of the row of boutiques, Calanais’ answer to Rodeo Drive. She was wearing a lovely little summer dress, her pale shoulders bare and I noticed for the first time, the sprinkling of freckles there. They were light, but I found them fascinating.

“Aren't we riding today?” I asked. I actually didn't mind either way, I just wanted to spend time with her.

“Of course we are,” she replied and rolled her eyes like I was an idiot, which I was whenever I was around her. “But I can't exactly leave the palace wearing my leathers, can I?”

“Oh.”

She unlocked the roller door and lifted it up. “Wait here, I'll be back in a minute.”

She pulled the door back down and I was left standing there, staring at it. Was she getting changed in there? She must be and the thought made me turn away and grit my teeth while I waited.

True to her word, she didn't take long and I heard the roller door as she opened it and then she was standing there in her skin tight leathers, her hair cascading around her shoulders and her brown eyes sparkling with anticipation. I realised in that moment what was missing last night. That sparkle. Last night her eyes had been flat and lifeless, but today they were alive and dancing and it was a beautiful sight.

“Help me with my bike?”

I snapped out of my deer-in-headlights impersonation and grinned at her. “Sure, but you're going to have to build up some muscles to do it yourself.”

She shrugged. “I know,” she replied with a grin, “but as long as you're here, you may as well be a gentleman and help a lady out.”

I chuckled as I pushed her bike out of the shed and into the sunlight. We donned our helmets and mounted our steeds and then we were off. I felt the tension I didn't even know was there melt away as the wind whipped around me and the engine rumbled beneath me. I couldn't remember ever feeling as good as I did in that moment, riding beside Jeanette.

We didn't have in-helmet communication and I made a mental note to get some as soon as possible because the only thing that could’ve made this better was if I could talk to her as we rode.

I let her lead the way. She knew the roads better than I did and I was happy just to ride behind her. She was not afraid of the power of her bike and we cruised at a decent clip past fields filled with odd looking cows. I knew all about the Pemberton cows and how they saved Prince Will’s estate, and I knew about the superior cheese they produced. Brooks got me hooked on the stuff and I couldn’t get enough of it. But I had never actually seen one of the cows until now. Well I assumed they were the Pemberton cows because they looked nothing like any cow I had ever seen… okay, not true, they looked like miniature jersey cows, which was odd to see.

Eventually Jeanette pulled over and I had to be quick to remind her to put her kickstand down before the bike fell over again. The poor Ducati was going to be sporting some rather unsightly scratches if she didn't get a handle on her memory lapses soon.

I dismounted and pulled off my helmet, looking around at where we were. It was an estate of some sort with sweeping fields that looked a lot like a vineyard.

“What is this place?” I asked, stepping up beside her.

“This is Ferny Grove, my family’s estate.”

“You grow wine?”

“It's one of Martin’s endeavours, although Joshua is the brains behind it. They produce a boutique wine. It’s not quite ready for sale yet, but has had some early interest.”

“I thought this whole bike riding thing was a secret, aren't you worried that someone will see you?”

“None of the family are here at the moment,” she said as she gazed wistfully over the undulating fields of grape vines.

“You love it here.” It wasn't a question, but an observation.

“I didn't even know it existed until I came here to be one of Alyssa’s ladies in waiting. I knew abstractly that we had land here, an estate, but I didn't know that Joshua was working it and growing grapes. But now that I've discovered it, I do love it. It's so peaceful and pretty.”

We gazed out over the fields for a little longer, the silence one of companionship, and I felt the last vestiges of tension fall away like scales.

“I brought us some lunch,” I said eventually.

Going to the bike, I pulled out a blanket and a packed lunch that I had asked the cook to make. We made a picnic on the grass and Jeanette sat and turned her face to the sun, a smile on her lips.

“This is perfect.”

“Better than your date last night?”

I knew I shouldn't ask, but it had been bugging me.

“So much better,” she replied with a sigh.

“So you won't be seeing Lord Cameron again?” I knew it was none of my business and I had no hold on her, but I wanted her to tell me that she wouldn't be going out with him again.

Her smile dimmed. “Unfortunately, I will be,” she replied.

With those four words, the tension was back in my shoulders.