Page 91 of A Foreign Crown
“How so?”
“I’m not certain, but I wonder... how easily might Princess Mary’s preferences be swayed?”
Aribella’s eyes widened. “Depending on the distracting enticements, it would take very little, I expect. What are you proposing?”
Now he turned to face her. “I think a marital alliance with England would benefit both countries, and I would be willing to pursue such a course in Layton’s place.” He stretched his neck against his cravat. “If she would have me, of course.”
“Of course.” Aribella’s smile grew. “And if it didn’t work well between you or she is unready to pursue anything of that nature or you find interests elsewhere, even the talk of such a thing would deter her preference for Layton, would it not?”
“Certainly.” Hayes reached for her cup. “And that would be the goal, but perhaps I might find a balm to my lonely castle as well.”
“As the heir, do you have a castle also?”
“We all do. Each brother has an estate, most with a castle of some sort on the land. We spend most of our time here at the palace, particularly with the war going on and our new involvement. But this palace will one day be mine.”
“That’s lovely. No wonder half of the English court is in love with the Wilhelm brothers.”
“I’d heard something along those lines, but are they really?”
“They certainly are.”
“I’m pleased to hear it.” He stood taller. “We do our father and mother justice.”
“Perhaps we ought to return to England, as you said.”
Hayes smiled.
Layton approached. “Have you a moment to spare, Lady Aribella, for an old acquaintance?”
“An old acquaintance?”
“Yes, for we’ve been stripped apart long enough for me to feel as though we must make amends for such a separation.”
“And this seems the most opportune moment to make myself scarce.” Prince Hayes dipped his head.
“Thank you, Prince Hayes.” Aribella nodded to him.
“My pleasure, I hope.”
She laughed. “Time will tell.”
“Do you speak in riddles?” Layton lifted her hand and held it between his own.
“Not at all. In fact, we were speaking of the best situation. Prince Hayes is considering a pursuit of Princess Mary.”
“That is excellent news.”
“You don’t sound surprised.”
“Mother told me as much moments ago.”
“Do you feel another obstacle has been cleared from your path?”
“I do indeed.” His eyes sparkled with a nervous intent that made Aribella’s heart pound. He placed her hand on his arm. “Perhaps we can go for a stroll in the gardens.”
“I would love that.”
They walked together out the rear double doors of the ballroom onto the veranda. He led her down the thick stone steps to the lit gardens below.
