Page 58 of A Foreign Crown
She stood back and eyed her work. He lifted his chin so that she might get a better view. “Well, I’m sure your valet would be appalled at my efforts, but it is better than the King’s attempt.”
He laughed. “Yes, he would never make a decent valet.”
“Would a sip of tea help?” She turned to the couch.
“Yes, let’s sit.” They lowered together onto the couch, and he moved as close to her as he could, put his arm around her, and leaned back in their seat. “What just happened?”
She sighed. “I think the King has well and truly lost his mind again.”
He nodded. “I’d say.”
“The family is going to inform Parliament, and then the country can move forward with its regent.”
“Prince George.”
“I don’t know that he’s any better. Sometimes he’s helpful and even caring, but other times...”
“I know. The man has grown up entirely devoid of morals. Perhaps having his own house and establishment at so young an age—”
She clucked, and he laughed at her governess sounds. She waved away his laugh. “I don’t imagine you have done the same. You are young, after all, and have a ship and your own home.”
He considered her words and then lifted her hand in his own. “True.”
“And what did Princess Mary want?” Her soft voice made him wish to wipe away any concerns she might ever have.
“I think she was hoping to ensure a marriage with the visiting prince.” He stretched his neck, still sore from the encounter with the King.
“What? I’m shocked!”
“Yes. Why would she do such a thing? And at this most inappropriate time?” He himself was most baffled by the whole encounter.
Aribella pressed her lips together. “The princesses have a real fear they will never marry. Their parents are more than overprotective. They keep their daughters huddled together, allowing them to see no one. And with news of their father’s ill health spreading, there are real concerns among royals about the potential bad blood in the line.” She shrugged. “But I can’t say, except perhaps it was a last-minute effort, motivated by fear, to secure you.”
“I can’t say I appreciate the effort.”
“I’d imagine not. Did you ever think before coming that people like these existed in the world?”
He wasn’t certain how to answer her question. His own royal court was abounding in sense comparatively, but he wasn’t devoid of knowledge of the blacker sides of life.
“What will you do now?” She snuggled into him, pressed up against his side.
“I suppose I will wait until it’s appropriate to approach Prince George with my request for aid and then do so. Again.”
Lady Aribella sighed. “This time he will be in a position to wave a hand and grant all you ask.”
“Let us hope he does not become too bored with my request before I finish asking.”
She laughed, the sound more wry than truly amused.
“That will be the first obstacle,” he said.
“And the second?”
“That some advisor or other may talk him out of it.”
She nodded and then looked away, a sadness filling her face.
“Are you well? We’re talking so much of me.”
