Page 19 of A Torn Allegiance
But his intelligence, his interest in her conversation, were perhaps the most enticing things about him. He was different in that way from any other man she knew. When she talked to others, she immediately noticed a lack of attention on their faces, an interest that was always present on Prince Hayes’s face. When she was with the prince, she felt his attention so pointedly, so keenly focused on her, the effect was slightly intoxicating.
And she longed to hear him speak again, the manner in which he said her name. There was a slight emphasis onLadythat she enjoyed, as though he were doing her honor by supporting her title. And her name seemed to dance around on his tongue as though he enjoyed saying it as much as she enjoyed hearing it. In truth, with him, she felt as if she were the last and most important woman on Earth. Special.
His attentions were not the kind of obsequiousness that others might give, but estimation. She felt he genuinely held her in high esteem, and she craved his company for it.
At least she’d see him at Almack’s. He would not be arriving with her family. He had sent word that he and his two brothers and the Duke of Sumter would arrive together.
When at last she was on her way, she shuffled her feet in the family carriage and adjusted her sitting so many times that her mother placed a hand on her arm. “What is it?”
Caught, Elsie widened her eyes. “I don’t know. I have this energy, this desire to move my feet.”
Her mother nodded, and then said, “I haven’t seen Prince Hayes since our visit to the museum, have I?”
“No. He’s been visiting with Duncan.” Elsie frowned at her twin, but he only laughed and continued a conversation with their father.
“Has Father dismissed you officially from your spy work?”
She watched Father for a moment, then shook her head. “I don’t know that I’m dismissed. I am certain I will be needed in some situations when Brother is not able. Tonight, for example. What might I learn from him were we to waltz? Or speak on the veranda?” She kept her voice as nonchalant as possible.
Her mother’s smile said she knew the true motivations behind Elsie’s words, but neither said more about it.
The footman opened their carriage door upon arrival, but before they exited, Mother said, “I think your father’s concerns have altered somewhat with regards to the prince. Perhaps you won’t be needed at all, as he says.”
Disappointment thundered through Elsie.
“But you could still dance with the man. He is handsome, after all.” Mother’s eyes gleamed with wickedness, and Elsie could only laugh. “Mother, you are a tease. I am perfectly aware of his handsomeness.”
“I suspected you might be. And that is fortunate.”
“Why is that?”
“Because he is outside the carriage waiting to hand you down.”
She sucked in a breath.
Her mother stepped out first, in the hand of the Duke of Sumter. She, her father, and the duke all made their way inside. And then Prince Hayes’s hand, outstretched, reached for Elsie’s. Two handsome, equally tall men stood just behind him.
When she placed her hand in Hayes’s larger, stronger one, an awareness rose up inside her, a soft tingling sensation all through her fingers, that broadened her smile. When she lifted her lashes, his answering pleased expression filled her with warmth.
“Prince Hayes.” Her breathless voice could not be helped. “It is so good to see you.”
“Have I been missed?” His open and ready grin, a teasing one just like her mother’s but more appealing, put her in a coy mood.
“Not missed exactly. But you are a welcome cure for boredom.”
“Just boredom? Thatissomething important, I suppose. I shall make myself satisfied as a cure for boredom, for now.” He seemed to think deeply. His brows furrowed, and his mouth opened as though he might say something, but then it closed again. Elsie was caught up in the feeling of words almost spoken, so much so that she caught herself holding her breath.What?She wanted to ask him to spell it out, whatever it was.
Then he cleared his throat and adjusted the fit of his jacket on one side. “I would like to introduce you to my brothers.”
Something about the way he said the words, as though he wanted her known to his family, brought a pleasing warmth to her chest. “I’m delighted to meet two more Wilhelm brothers. You, Your Highness, have given such a favorable impression that I am sure to appreciate them all.”
She held her hand out to the first, who had blond hair, stark against Hayes’s deep brown and that of the other man at his side.
“Prince Kristoff, this is Lady Elsie, daughter of the Duke of Shelby,” Prince Hayes said.
She curtsied low while Prince Kristoff pressed his lips to her hand.
“I am enchanted,” he said. “Already I know you to be the best London has to offer. I am happy Hayes left at least the second and third best for his brothers.” His grin was charming, mischievous, and she decided to like him.
