Free Accidental Heiress by Nancy Robards Thompson

it is.”
    Henri frowned at her.
    â€œWell, that’s almost as inappropriate as the story,” he said. “It’s nothing to laugh about. But just for the record, Margeaux wasn’t pregnant when she left and we don’t have a child. Anything else you’d like to know?”
    Sydney had been scarce for the better part of the week surrounding Colbert’s funeral. In fact, he hadn’t seen her since the dinner at Margeaux’s house.
    He thought she was giving them room so that they could make all the arrangements for Colbert and get past the burial, but come to think of it, he wasn’t even sure if she’d been at the funeral. As an employee of the state, she would have been welcome at the service, of course. In fact, he was surprised she hadn’t been right in the thick of things given that the Queen was there. Since they’d been dating, she’d been pushing for an introduction. Because of her over-eagerness and the fact that he wasn’t certain how he felt about her, he’d held off.
    Now he was glad he’d listened to his gut.
    â€œI’m sorry,” she said. “I certainly don’t mean to be inappropriate. Do you have a moment?There’s something important we need to talk about.”
    He nodded. He had a feeling they were about to have one of those where-do-we-stand talks. Sydney was a fine woman. She deserved someone who loved her with his entire heart. He’d never been able to make that jump from dating to exclusive commitment with Sydney. Though he didn’t want to hurt her, he was still in love with Margeaux. It was time he told her.
    She closed the door, took a seat in one of the chairs in front of his desk. She crossed her legs primly at the ankle, rather than going for the maneuver where she crossed one leg over the other for maximum skirt-hiking affect.
    Good. This was going to be a serious conversation rather than a battle of flirtatious quips.
    â€œDespite the recent chaos,” she said, “the museum staff and I managed to get the catalogue printed and the show open.”
    â€œYes, you and your staff did a great job. I apologize for not having commended you sooner.”
    She waved away his apology.
    Patrons, the Crown Council and the general public deemed the show a success. In fact, itwas a welcome bright spot to offset the loss of Colbert Broussard. Henri had considered delaying the opening, but the Council had unanimously agreed Colbert would want the show to go on.
    So it did: a memoriam to him.
    â€œWell, there is one way that you can make it up to me if you feel that badly.” She arched her left brow, and Henri opened his mouth to turn the conversation away from the road he was sure she was going to digress.
    But Sydney held up her hand. “No, wait, please, Henri. This isn’t easy for me to do. So, let me finish.”
    She swallowed and he could see her throat work as she did.
    â€œI’ve been offered another job—in Dallas, Texas, of all places—and I’d like to be released from my duties immediately.”
    It was the last thing Henri expected her to say.
    She must have seen it in his face because she said, “At this point the show can run itself. My assistant is well versed in the day-to-day operations. And you have Margeaux. Please, Henri, let me go.”

Chapter Five
    T he downtown square was abuzz with people. Margeaux, Pepper, A.J and Caroline had to sidestep shoppers juggling multiple bags, merchants sweeping their entryways, and artists painting at easels set up in the middle of the walkway.
    As Caroline snapped a photo of a cat perched on the bakery’s windowsill, she nearly tripped over a dog trolling for attention in front of the butcher shop.
    St. Michel used to be a winter retreat for Britain’s elite and famous. Now, the big seasonwas summer. So, even though the square was well populated, at least they could enjoy it without the traffic jams and other