Page 56 of A Foreign Crown
He sat at the table with a service for tea and didn’t have to wait long. Princess Mary stepped into the room, looked up and down the hallway behind her, and then closed the door.
Layton stood. “Princess. Do you feel that’s wise? Perhaps we should leave the door open.”
She shook her head. “No. I’m afraid.”
“Afraid? Are you in danger?”
“I don’t know. No.” Then she pasted on what he assumed she meant as an engaging smile, but she looked strained and nervous.
With too many of her teeth grimacing at him for his comfort, Layton turned to their seating. “Would you like to have some tea with me?”
She hurried to the chair at his side and sat. But then she stood again and began pacing at his front.
“Princess Mary, I do offer my sympathies on the loss of your sister.”
Her face tightened, and her mouth turned down at the corners.
“Thank you.”
He waited, watching as she paced more. Not able to sit while she stood, he made his way to the windows. “The weather is lovely.”
“Yes, yes.” She waved her hand. “And thank you for your condolences. Did I say that?”
He nodded.
She came to stand beside him. “I am in the most desperate need.” She gripped his forearm with surprising strength.
“How may I assist?” She seemed half-crazed herself.
“You seem... amiable.”
“Thank you,” he said.
“And we get on well enough, don’t you agree?”
A trickle of alarm began inside him. “As well as two people who know nothing about one another can.”
“But that’s beside the point in royal families, is it not? How many of us actually meet our spouses before we marry?”
“Marry?”
“Why, yes. It’s no secret Mother is seeking some kind of alliance with your family.”
“I was not aware, no.” He lied as a matter of self-preservation.
“Oh, come now. Surely you were. How often has our family entertained a man?”
“You forget I am not from here. I don’t understand the customs of your country, nor the private habits of your family.” He took mercy on her. “But I was under the impression, from your mother in regards to you and your sister, that a certain possible regard for me might be developing.” He cleared his throat. “But I was also equally muddled as to the reasons for your attention and that of your sister, for I so desperately needed to speak with your father—”
“Father.” Her face whitened, and she reached both hands forward to steady herself on his arm.
“What is it? Are you well?”
“I’m all right.” She shook her head. “That is to say, I’m not ill.” She stepped closer.
He moved back.
“Come now.” Her young pout made him smile. “You must find me attractive.” She lifted her eyes. “Don’t you?”
