Page 24 of A Torn Allegiance
“There is, I admit, an unfortunate strain with those nations.” He thought again of his southern border. “Why do you ask?”
“I find it intriguing that you have arrived right when Sweden has declared war, that a famous French minister singled you out, and that you spent the length of four dances with him, out of sight, though you say you are enemies.”
“You counted the dances till I returned?” He’d meant to lighten the conversation to distract her from her inquiries, but she stiffened.
“When you avoid answering a direct statement like that, it causes more concern.”
“What is the concern?” Had she worries that he was in some kind of collusion with France?
“I don’t have a concern, exactly. I’m asking because... well, it’s curious.”
He nodded. “And you are curious by nature. I will ease your curiosity. Nothing of any import whatsoever has or is happening with the weasel Lamoreaux.”
Her shoulders relaxed, and she softened in his arms.
How singular to meet a woman so interested in matters of state and unrest and war with other countries. “Perhaps we can return to more enjoyable topics? What news does your brother bring from Scotland?”
Her eyes lit. “He said everything is turning to green, that the skies are blue and the crops are starting to come out. Perhaps its occupants will have a good year after all.” Her hope and love for the Scottish tenants returned the tone of the conversation to one more pleasurable.
They spoke of Scotland and her people for the rest of the waltz, Hayes relieved to be out from under suspicion in her eyes and basking in the light and warmth in her face. Watching her passion on full display, he became torn, a part of him hoping for her to be as happy as she looked in longing for Scotland and the larger part of him hoping that, one day, she could be happy far from Scotland. Why he hoped for such a thing was not something he cared to spend too much time addressing just yet.
Chapter Nine
Elsie’s next two dances weremonopolized by the Princes Wilhelm. Princes Marc, Kristoff, and Hayes helped make the eight of their square, and she found herself under scrutiny from nearly everyone in the room. But she couldn’t notice for long. The three brothers had her laughing more than she had in years.
Prince Marc circled with her. “If you circle with me, then you must save a waltz.”
“Must I?”
“Naturally. It’s a rule I have.”
“Hmm. Though I was not aware of your rule, nor am I proficient at rule following, I should like that.”
“Hah! Brother, I have won a waltz.” Prince Marc’s overly triumphant face made her laugh harder. Even his dance partner thought him ridiculously funny.
Prince Kristoff shook his head. “You will be the last to do so.”
“How can that be?”
“She’s danced one with Hayes, of course, and I have reserved the next.”
Prince Marc’s mouth dropped. “You have?”
“Yes.”
“And how did you know which of all the dances would be a waltz?”
“I have made a good friend of the conductor.” Prince Kristoff pointed to the orchestra. “He was so kind as to explain the order to me.”
Prince Marc frowned and then nodded in approval. “I see I have much to learn from the maestro of Almack’s.”
Prince Kristoff held her hands as they moved closer and apart two times. “I think if you waltz with three Wilhelm princes in one night, you are required to dance with all the others. Before you agree, you must know there are eight.”
She laughed, delighted. “I would love nothing more. How can such a thing be accomplished?”
“That is the quandary.” Prince Kristoff backed away, and Prince Hayes took his turn with her in the center of the square.
“I think there is but one solution.” Hayes’s boyish grin made her laugh again.
