Page 8 of The Pureblood Princess
Honora slams a palm down on the table, causing the silverware to rattle. “This is absurd!” she snaps before pushing her chair back abruptly and casting sharp eyes at her father. “Aren’t you going to do something?”
For a moment, Nadia can only blink in surprise. But that surprise soon turns fiery. How dare this woman try to ruin such a perfect moment! She’s going to—
Theodore’s hand tightens around Nadia’s arm.
Easy,iubit. Do not let her rattle you so.
His voice calms her, if only slightly, and she stills her shaking hands, though the image of wrapping them around Honora’s throat still lingers.
Konrád smirks, and Marek just shakes his head.
Lady Kazamir sends Nadia a barely concealed glare before placing her serviette on the table and pushing her plate away. “I believe I have lost my appetite,” she says. “Come, Honora. We’re leaving.” Lady Kazamir stands and sweeps gracefully from the dining room. Honora follows on her heels a moment later, her blue eyes shimmering with contempt.
What is going on?Nadia asks Theodore, but his attention is pulled away from her.
“My daughter is right,” Lord Kazamir says. His face has turned slightly ruddy, and he wipes his mouth roughly before throwing his serviette onto the table and standing up. “I believe we need to have a discussion, Lord Rosetti.Now.”
The earl sets his teacup down, and the look he levels at Lord Kazamir makes the hair on the back of Nadia’s neck stand on end. She’s never seen the genteel earl truly upset, but he looks it now.
“You forget yourself, Lord Kazamir. You and your family will conduct yourselves appropriately while guests in my home, and you most certainly do not make demands of me or my time. My son and I will speak with you this evening after dinner. Whatever you have to say can wait until then.”
Beside the earl, Lady Rosetti hides a fleeting smile behind a flutter of her fan.
Lord Kazamir draws himself up as if ready to burst.
Nadia braces for impact.
“Thank you for the fine meal, Lady Rosetti,” Marek says quickly, before his father can get another word in. He stands and adjusts his waistcoat. “Lord Rosetti, Miss Magdalena, congratulations on your engagement. May your union be a happy one.” His smile is polite, and then he’s gesturing for Konrád to join him.
Konrád takes one last bite of pastry, then stands beside his brother.
“I believe we’re to go shooting,” Marek continues, reaching out to clap his father on the shoulder. “Let’s not ruin a perfectly good day.”
Marek jostles his father on the shoulder, and Lord Kazamir finally moves toward the exit, his face still as red as a ripe tomato. The atmosphere in the room remains tense as the Kazamirs make their exit.
Once the doors have closed, Lord Rosetti turns his attention to Nadia and Theodore, his cross expression shifting into a beaming smile.
“Miss Magdalena,” he says, standing and coming around the table with his arms held out. “Congratulations, my dear.”
Nadia steps away from Theodore, and Lord Rosetti pulls her into a warm hug. His arms are strong and firm around her, the embrace of a father.
Then he turns to his son. “Come here, my boy.” He shakes Theodore’s hand, then embraces him as well.
Lady Rosetti is quick to join them, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “My daughter,” she says, placing a hand delicately on Nadia’s cheek. “I never thought we’d see you again, and now here you are, engaged to my son.” The tears finally slip down her cheeks. “I couldn’t wish for anything more.” She gives Nadia a motherly hug, then dashes the tears quickly from her cheeks and clears her throat. “Now, let me see the ring.”
Nadia lifts her left hand, and the ruby catches the light, glowing like there’s a tiny fire within.
“This belonged to my grandmother,” the countess says, taking Nadia’s hand and inspecting the fit of the silver band about her finger. “When Theodore asked for it, I could barely contain my excitement.” Her green eyes meet Nadia’s, and they’re misting over with tears again.
“It’s stunning,” Nadia says, curling her fingers around Lady Rosetti’s. “Thank you for allowing me to wear it.”
“It brings me great happiness to see it on your finger. I couldn’t ask for a better union—for either of you.” Lady Rosetti gives Nadia’s arms a gentle squeeze, and with a quick breath, she appears to right herself, then gestures for the children to join them. “Come now. Wish your brother and future sister-in-law congratulations.”
The four younger siblings swarm them, their voices rising in excitement, and Nadia allows herself to become lost in the joy of it all, putting the Kazamirs’ outburst momentarily from her mind.
After brunch ends, Nadia pulls Theodore aside in the hallway.
“What was that?” she asks. “Why was Honora so upset?”
