Page 16 of A Torn Allegiance
“We already know. It’s as simple as he says.”
“Excellent. You can report as much to your father tonight.”
“Report?” Something about this situation was beginning to sit in an odd, twisted location in her belly. “That feels so... unnatural.”
“But your work is important. Think. This type of thing is exactly what England’s spies do.” Her mother’s words should have excited her; they were probably meant to. But Elsie couldn’t shake a pang of discomfort now that she had talked with Prince Hayes and found him so approachable and... she resisted the thought for only a moment, but there was no way around it... appealing. And he perhaps was showing an interest in her. His eyes were on her more often than not. Should she be spying on a man with things the way they were?
They approached the carriage, so she squeezed her mother’s arm and then stepped over to Prince Hayes’s side.
His openly pleased expression made her equal parts guilty and drawn to him. He offered his hand and helped her up and then sat beside her. “I’m looking forward to this singular opportunity.”
“I as well.”
“And dare I suggest that the activity has more than one enticement?”
Though she knew what he might be saying—she suspected he might be looking for a bit of flirtation—she resisted. “A tour of the museum itself? There are many exhibits of great interest. If you have time, my mother and I are always looking for those of similar interests to walk the exhibits.” Her eyebrow rose slightly.
His smile started small, but it grew. “I would enjoy a broadened tour with you and the duchess.”
“Very well, then. If not today, we will return to the museum another day for just that.”
“And perhaps we might walk in the park again,” he suggested. “I find myself seeking such diversions on most mornings.”
She studied her hands. “There might be days I join you, then. Thank you for letting me know.”
Fulfilling her father’s wishes was becoming at once easier and much more complicated than she thought it would be.
Chapter Six
The rest of their partyjoined Hayes and Lady Elsie in the carriage, and with mild pleasantries to entertain them all, they set off toward the museum.
Hayes found Lady Elsie difficult to understand, but he continued to be intrigued by her mind, her conversation, her captivating eyes. She might not be as equally intrigued by him, but undaunted, he determined to use what moments he could to acquaint himself more with the lovely Lady Elsie.
And he wanted to know more of the family’s Scottish tenants. Lord Devon was now of rising importance in Hayes’s mind, both as Lady Elsie’s twin brother and as the man who could tell him more about the intriguing notion of sheep as a means to help his people.
They soon arrived in front of the museum, and as soon as Hayes helped Lady Elsie down from the carriage, her brother stepped to his side. “Your Highness.” His tone was polite, but his eyes held questions as he looked from Elsie back to him.
“Lord Devon. I’ve been grateful for your family’s assistance in easing my way into the Season.” He glanced at Lady Elsie. “Particularly your sister, who has been gracious enough to entertain me these two days now.”
“Will you be staying for the whole of the Season?”
“I believe so. I’d like the weather to warm somewhat, the waters to calm as well, before I depart. How long will you be in London?”
Duncan glanced at his father before he answered. “I’m uncertain of my plans at this time.”
Lady Elsie’s fingers pressed into Hayes’s arm as she turned to her brother. “Perhaps you’d like company when you return.”
Hayes caught the wistful tone in her question.
Lord Devon shook his head. “If you are asking me, you know you are always welcome, though there might be more for you to consider before taking such a journey.”
“Tosh. There is nothing of import for me here. For you, yes. I don’t know why it is not I spending months on end in Argyll and you remaining here, learning your responsibilities.”
“There is time for everything yet. I know more than you think about how to be a duke. Ask Father.”
The duke paused before answering. But then he nodded. “Aye, you do. Your time in Scotland has been good preparation, and we need you up there now as we navigate coming change, but Elsie’s correct as well. The time will come when you need to be in London. Find yourself a wife. Start working with the stewards here.”
Lord Devon’s sigh was loud enough that Hayes sympathized with him. “Argyll must be a place of much beauty for you both to desire it so.”
