Page 48 of A Foreign Crown
No one else drank ale. Prince Layton found it odd but, at the same time, entirely in keeping with Prince George’s personality.
The soup was delicious, smooth, and felt pleasant as it went down. “My compliments to your cooks,” Layton said.
“Oh, they’re wonderful. Mother won’t let me snatch them away for Carlton House, but I will, mark my words.”
“I can see why you’d want such a talent in your own kitchens.”
Conversation picked up around them, and Prince George leaned forward. “I see someone was blessed with the seating arrangements.” He wiggled his eyebrows and laughed overly loudly. “Does Mother know of this engagement?”
Prince Layton coughed.
Lady Aribella gasped. “You are mistaken. We are hardly engaged.”
“Ho ho!” Prince George nearly choked on a carrot. “Not affianced. I was merely speaking of your tête-à-tête here for luncheon. Does she know you’ve come together, I wonder? Not that I blame you, and you are to be applauded for the mettle to do such a thing.”
“I beg your pardon, Your Highness; you must know I am here at her request,” Lady Aribella said.
Prinny’s eyebrows rose to his hairline. “I am most devilishly curious to hear what has happened to bring this about.”
The table had quieted while those nearest to their little group listened. Lady Aribella paled somewhat, but her back straightened. “Princess Amelia has taken ill again.”
Layton wished to take her hand in his own. Her errand to bear such news would not be an easy one.
Prince George’s lips turned down, and he frowned into his food. “Is she worse?”
“I believe so. The doctors don’t know what else to do.”
“And how is Father?” His eyes were sharp as he stared into hers.
“I was with your mother this very morning, and she and the King were terribly sad, but they are hopeful a cure can be found and are planning how to proceed.”
Prince George nodded. “I am deeply concerned as well. I shall ask after her doctors myself.”
“My deepest apologies. She’s such a beautiful woman, your sister,” Lady Aribella said.
“Have you met her?” Layton set his food aside and instead turned his attention to Lady Aribella.
“I only saw her on the first day of my arrival. She was full of energy.” Lady Aribella gave a small smile.
“That one? She ran every governess ragged if allowed.” Prinny chuckled, but his eyes had turned sad.
Lady Aribella’s voice carried down the table, and she turned in that direction. “The Queen wishes everyone to know the King is leading the crusade to see his daughter well, that he is in contact with Parliament as needed, of course, and is in all ways serving his people as he ever has.”
Layton watched the tight grip of her hands together in her lap, watched her lip tremble ever so slightly as she addressed the group. So this was her assignment: to assure the court of His Majesty’s wellness. The fact that such a reassurance was needed gave rise to a greater concern and distrust of the King’s ever making good on his promise.
Aribella turned away to answer a question.
“I don’t trust that report for one minute, but I’m as happy as could be not to be named regent,” Prince George murmured.
Layton turned to him in surprise. “Do you think Lady Aribella is misrepresenting the truth?” He kept his voice low, unheard by other ears, but he couldn’t help the indignation that arose in his heart.
“No, certainly not.” Prinny winked. “Officially. But unofficially”—he leaned closer and whispered—“she’s touting my mother’s lies.”
Layton felt a sudden urge to stand and call Prince George out. His voice turned steely. “Surely without her own knowledge.”
Prince George studied his face and then nodded. “Surely.”
“What is to be done?” Layton leaned back.
