Page 88 of A Foreign Crown
“And I am happy to be here.” She grinned.
“I must go now to have our royal council meeting, but I am eager to see you this evening.”
“Yes, I look forward to it.”
His mother approached. “I will ask the servants to show you to your quarters, and you may freshen up or rest from your journey. I took the liberty of supplying some clothing suitable for our court. You may use or not use anything at your discretion. Also, I’ve requested a lady’s maid to attend you; she has a smaller room adjoining your closet.”
“Oh, that is so kind. Thank you.”
The two most important women in Layton’s life embraced again, and then he watched while Aribella was led away, up the stairs and around the corner.
“She’s wonderful, Layton.” His mother stood at his side.
“I think so too. I can’t believe she came. I would have gone to her. I was contemplating just such a move.”
“We will take good care of her here.” The pause after her statement was thick and full of unanswered questions.
He sighed. “I have not received an answer from the English Crown. Princess Mary’s letter to me, which was very juvenile, was written before I sent my next correspondence.”
His mother’s expression turned contemplative, and then she said, “Perhaps I can think of something.”
“I hope so, because as much as I would never want to sever good relations with the British, I could never abide a marriage to anyone but Lady Aribella, if she will have me.”
“I understand.” She patted his arm. “Let me see what I can do.”
As Layton made his way to the council rooms, he hoped she would find solutions that did not involve their country losing the protection of the Royal Navy.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Aribella stood at the topof the stairs, dressed in a stunning gown she’d found in her new rooms in the main palace. Though she was still in mourning colors, the gown fit her in such an appealing manner that she felt beautiful. After she had fingered every gorgeous option the Queen had provided, Aribella and her new maid had determined this gown would make the best first impression for the Oldenburg court. It fell in great folds of gray and black with a touch of purple—colors she didn’t often see in London. Its gems caught the light at all angles. Instead of Queen Charlotte’s clinging to the earlier fashions of extreme skirt widths, Oldenburg seemed to prefer the more elegant empire waist and straight skirts of the Englishton. Aribella loved the way it felt, loved the fit. Her hair was piled on top of her head, except for one thick braid that rested on her shoulder.
Aribella rested a gloved hand on the stairway railing and held her breath, waiting for Layton. He’d said to meet at the stairs. A tall, broad-shouldered man with some of Layton’s features approached with a welcoming grin. He bowed to her. “You must be Lady Aribella.”
“I am, though I don’t claim the privilege of knowing your name.” She curtsied in return.
“Prince Hayes Wilhelm, heir to the Oldenburg throne, at your service.”
Another approached, equally handsome. “And I am Prince Frederick.”
More of the brothers came until Aribella felt herself quite surrounded by the handsome men in Layton’s family.
“We’re so happy you’re here.” Prince Kristoff winked. “And we hope that perhaps you can convince our parents we brothers need another voyage to visit the Englishbon ton.”
“Oh, well, I don’t know how much influence I would have.”
“You’d have influence.” Prince Marc nodded. “Believe us. And were you and Layton to visit Londonwithus...”
She laughed. “I see.” Not sure how to respond, she just smiled at them all. If she were to accompany Layton, they would have to be married.
“Where is that brother of ours? Did he not say he would meet you here?” Prince Hayes checked his timepiece.
“I’m here, Brothers. What’s this?” Layton stood at the bottom of the stairs with a mock frown on his face.
“We’re here to escort the lovely Lady Aribella to dinner.” Prince Frederick stood taller, adjusting his jacket.
Layton cleared his throat and lifted one brow.
“Or at least to you. We’re here to escort Lady Aribella toyou.” Prince Marc held out his arm for her to take.
