Free By Fire and by Sword by Elaine Coffman Page A

right ear across his throat to disappear beneath his collar, close to the collarbone. She also noticed a small scar near his left temple, though it was hard to drag her attention away from his unbelievable, crystalline blue eyes.
    “Lady Kenna, I have been looking forward to our dinner this evening.” He bent over the hand that she offered and brushed it lightly with a kiss. His lips were cool, yet the hand that held hers was warm and strong.
    He lifted his head and looked her directly in the eyes. He was a handsome man, and she felt certain thatin his day he was quite sought-after, not only for his obvious wealth, but also for the beauty of his face. She wondered how many women he had seduced with his charm; how many men he had dazzled with his sword-play.
    “It is an honor to make your acquaintance. It is something I have anticipated since receiving your note and the introduction from Sophie de Bourbon…forgive me, I understand she is now Lady Graham.”
    He spoke in French, and Kenna answered him in the same language. “It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Comte Debouvine. I thank you for extending your courteous invitation to a complete stranger to dine with you this evening. I am most appreciative for Lady Graham’s generous introduction. She speaks very highly of you, and also said the two of you were acquainted, but she did add that it did not mean you would necessarily remember her.”
    “Not remember a beautiful woman who raised the ire of her cousin the king, by leaving France rather than marry the man of his choosing? Such a woman is not forgettable, my dear. I remember a great deal about your friend, Lady Graham.”
    “I must be truthful with you, Monsieur le Comte. There is a family connection there as well, for Sophie is the sister-in-law of my sister Claire, in her own right Countess of Errick and Mains.”
    “Your sister is a countess?”
    “Yes. She is married to Fraser Graham now and has one son, Alex. She has spoken of her intent to pass the title to Fraser, who would have to change his name toLennox. He would then be known as Fraser Lennox, Earl of Errick and Mains.”
    “She will do this for her son, I assume.”
    “Yes, so he will one day inherit the title and continue the line of Lennoxes who bore the title.”
    “By the way, I must compliment you on your honesty. It is good to know you are a woman of principle and truth.”
    She could feel the heat as it rose to her face and she cast her eyes down to the floor. “I am not as saintly as you paint me, Monsieur le Comte, and cannot accept your praise. I do my best to tell the truth in every situation, but I must confess that there are times when I have found it necessary to stretch it a wee bit.”
    When he recovered from his laughter, he said, “I will be honest with you as well. I already knew of your family connection with Lady Graham, and was most curious to see if you were going to tell me of it. Your French is excellent, by the way.”
    “Thank you. So is yours,” she said, knowing her eyes were alight with humor.
    His aristocratic brows went up, and a slow smile curved crookedly across his mouth. She noticed the sparkle in his eyes that told of his pleasure at her comment.
    “You had an exceptional teacher,” he said.
    “Yes, my father. He was a student of languages, and insisted his daughters learn French and Latin. My brothers were taught Italian and Spanish as well.”
    “Aah, a learned father, which is why you are so proficient. There is nothing like having someone close toyou give instruction. When you care about someone, you naturally want to please them. It makes both learning and teaching a joy.”
    “That would apply to you as well, Monsieur le Comte, for it is evident that you have enjoyed your time as a fencing master, and it is quite obvious that you did not do it for the money.”
    He laughed, and began speaking English. “You have a quick mind and a fine wit. I am going to enjoy dining with you very