Page 35 of In Dangerous Water

Gabriella snorted a laugh, and I slanted my eyes over at her. “She tried to dodge my invitation,” she explained to her husband.

Ignoring that, I took an experimental sip of the wine. “This is excellent,” I told him.

Philippe smiled at the compliment. “Merci.”

Gabriella raised her eyebrows at me. “You didn’t stand a chance, girl. I sent in my secret weapon to get you over here.”

Philippe shook his head. “You sent Estella toharcéler—to nag—her?”

“No,” Gabriella said. “I sent in the kids.”

Philippe simply shook his head at his wife and laughed.

“Danielle gave me a tour of your side of the building,” I said, “and the twins showed me their new rooms.”

Celeste smiled up at me with a mouth smeared in red sauce. “Now I know how to make a tent in my bed.”

“Us little sisters have to stick together,” I told Celeste.

Gabriella took her seat. “I have a schedule printed up for you, Cordelia. A calendar of the upcoming weddings and events at the mansion and in the gardens.”

I nodded. “All right.”

Philippe sat back with his glass of wine. “Living in the carriage house, you have full access to the gardens and the grounds, with the exception being if the formal garden is reserved for an event.”

With a nod, I sampled the lasagna. “Wow,” I said to Gabriella. “I want this recipe.”

“It’s a simple one. I’ll get you a copy.” She smiled. “The good news is, after this Saturday, the event spaces are clear until the annual Halloween Masquerade Ball next weekend.”

“It will be our third year.” Philippe lifted his glass in a toast to his wife.

I struggled to keep a neutral expression on my face. I was supposed to have attended the ball with Tim. But now...well, that wouldn’t be happening.

Gabriella continued. “I see that Brynn and Austin have reserved a suite in the hotel for the night of the masquerade.”

Forcing a smile on my face, I nodded. “Yes, they did. Brynn is pretty excited.”

“Skye and Kenna are coming too again this year, right?” she asked next.

Reaching for my glass I took a fortifying sip of wine, because I knew where this conversation was headed.

“Are you and Tim doing a coordinating couples costume this year?” she asked. “When you did those upscale Ariel and Eric costumes fromThe Little Mermaidlast year, it was awesome.”

“Tim and I are no longer together,” I said as calmly as possible.

She blinked. “Oh. I’m sorry. I didn’t realize.”

I took a bigger gulp of wine. “Considering everything that’s been going on, I might not attend the event this year.”

Gabriella waved that off. “Of course you will.”

“Maman!” Archer complained. “Danielle kicked me under the table.”

“Did not.” She sneered at her brother.

“Children,” Philippe said calmly. “That is enough.”

“Besides, my dress for the masquerade,” I said to Gabriella, “is back in Alton.”

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