A murmur of laughter rippled through the small group, and Amelia felt her cheeks warm.

"Yes, quiet," the Archbishop agreed. "Though we needn't practice that part."

"Shame," Alexei teased, earning an elbow from his date.

When the rehearsal concluded, they moved to a small reception room adjacent to the cathedral for a light dinner. Amelia found herself seated between Niko and Tessa, with Alexei, Isabella, and Lady Maria across from them.

"So, Niko," Tessa said casually, as if addressing ...