Free Love and Splendor: The Coltrane Saga, Book 5 by Patricia Hagan

know it.
    Enviously, he thought of Mademoiselle Daniella Coltrane and her discovery. That had been a stroke of luck, had nothing to do with knowledge, perception, ingenuity. But had he, Cyril Arpel, discovered the hidden cache of valuable paintings, it would have, no doubt, launched him all the way to the moon in terms of being hailed by his peers.
    “ Monsieur Arpel. Bonjour. ”
    He turned quickly at the sound of the sweetly soft voice, was at once struck speechless when he found himself looking at the most incredibly beautiful young woman he had ever seen.
    Long, golden-brown hair. Soft, cinnamon eyes, limpid in their loveliness and fringed with long, thick, curling lashes. Skin almost as alabaster-smooth and white as the sculpture he had just touched. A perfectly shaped nose, slightly, saucily tipped. Lips almost petulant, pink and moist.
    She was wearing a gown of pink cotton, overlaid in delicate white lace. Her hair fell softly to perfect shoulders. He could see that the body beneath the dress was molded to perfection, and he almost gasped at the thought of such a sight.
    Dani cocked her head to one side, slightly puzzled. The man had not spoken, merely stared as though in a trance. “Monsieur? You are Monsieur Arpel?” she added, a touch of doubt in her tone.
    “Uh, yes.” Cyril began to recover. God, she was beautiful. He had never been dumbstruck by the sight of a woman; he had seen thousands, bedded perhaps hundreds, but never, had his lusty, hungry eyes feasted on such a sight as she.
    He quickly crossed the room to bestow a kiss upon her fingertips. “Forgive me. You startled me. I dared to touch the Allegrain, and I felt like a naughty child when you caught me.” He grinned affably, pretended anxiety. “You won’t tell on me, will you?”
    Dani laughed. At once, she could see that Cyril Arpel was a welcome change from the austere types she had met thus far in the art society of Paris. He had a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, and she found him handsome as well. “No, I won’t tell. I admit I have to do the same when I’m around something I find attractive.”
    “You are very kind to allow me a private showing of your Monaco discovery. I feel quite honored.”
    Dani shrugged. While it had been a thrill to find something supposedly valuable, something that was giving her much publicity for the impending opening of her gallery, she could not share the enthusiasm of others. She just was not, she privately acknowledged, that intensely interested in art. Dancing, particularly ballet, was her true love. The gallery, the antique shop, that was something to while away the hours, give her a hobby, as it were, an interest.
    She beckoned him to follow. “I am happy to oblige. My stepmother tells me that you are one of the most renowned art dealers in all of Europe. I will be interested to hear your interpretation and opinion of what we found in Monaco.”
    One of the most renowned dealers. Her words burned within him. Let me make a discovery of my own, and I’ll be the most renowned , Cyril vowed silently, fiercely.
    They entered the library, which, Cyril decided, was apparently furnished in the taste of Monsieur Coltrane, whom he knew to be, on the occasions he had been in his company, a rugged sort. Oh, he possessed all the social graces necessary for his important, respected position, but there was an air about him that hinted he would be much happier on the back of a horse, or some other unappealing activity, as far as Cyril was concerned.
    At the far end of the room, amid the rows and rows of books arranged on hand-rubbed mahogany shelves, the paintings were displayed on easels.
    Cyril began his inspection reluctantly. Suddenly, paintings, however valuable, were not on the top of his list of priorities. The captivating Daniella Coltrane was.
    She gestured to the paintings. “Here they are. Take all the time you want.”
    Cyril moved forward. It was for moments such as these that he had studied so