How many times had Lee heard that before?

Knowing this was Sophie, the girl who in the past had got into more trouble than any other boarder at the school, Lee had the distinct impression she wasn’t going to like what her friend was about to suggest. The back of her neck started to prickle.

By the time Sophie had finished explaining her plan, perspiration had broken out on Lee’s body. “You actually want me to come on to him?”

“Yes. Please do it for me! You’ve seen pictures of him and know how attractive he is; it won’t be so hard. If my own best friend can tempt him to spend the weekend with her then I’ll go to my parents and tell them I refuse to marry a man who can’t even be faithful to me eight weeks before the wedding!

“If they want proof, you’ll be able to provide it. My parents love and trust you like a daughter. To hear the truth from your lips will appall them, and Daddy will call off the wedding. It has to be my father who calls it off, Lee.” Her voice trembled. “It’s the only legitimate way the betrothal can be broken. After I’ve gone through a suitable period of grief, I’ll introduce them to Luciano.”

“Sophie-you haven’t thought this through. Raoul will call the château to find out your condition and discover you’re not there!”

“Not if you give him my cellphone number. Then it won’t matter where I am. I’ll think of something to tell my parents so it won’t alarm them if he does call Geneva to check up on me.”

By now Lee was shaking, because it was impossible to say no to Sophie. “And what am I supposed to do if His Royal Highness decides he wants to enjoy a weekend affair with me?”

“Knowing you, you’ll think of a gracious way to get out of it.”

“You mean I’m to blow hot, then cold?”

“Exactly.”

“What if he’s not a gentleman?”

“Then I need to find that out too! I’m sure you’ll know how to handle him. You weren’t the most brilliant girl in school for nothing! I’ll reserve a room for you at the Belle-Vue in Zermatt. I’m sure you could use a few days’ vacation. Who knows? While you’re walking around, you might even meet a man who’ll help you put the past away. It will give us a lot to talk about on Sunday when I join you for the return trip to Geneva.”