"Richard!" On Hortense's lips, the name was soft and exotic, Reeshard. She demanded of him in French, "When did you return?" Richard bowed over Mme Bonaparte's hand before kissing her daughter's. "I returned Monday night." "And you have not called until now! Cad! Is he not a beast, Mama, to have deprived us of his company for so long? Eugene will be disappointed to have missed you - he is off at the theatre tonight." Amy was about to back quietly away, when Hortense laid one gloved hand gently on Amy's arm. "There is a lovely countrywoman of yours to whom I would like to introduce you!" Beaming, Hortense tilted her head in Amy's direction, and drew Amy forward. Amy tried not to balk visibly under Lord Richard's knowing eye. "Mlle Balcourt, I would like to you make zee acquaintance of Lord Reeshard Selweeck." "We've already met," said Amy hastily. "You 'ave?" Obviously intrigued, Hortense looked up inquiringly at Richard from under her eyelashes. "Don't matchmake, Hortense; it's a beastly habit," Richard advised in French."