Page 31 of A Torn Allegiance
“And sometimes we find that associations with some are preferable above all others, or at least, we’ve been told as much.” She looked from Lady Annabeth to Prince Hayes and back.
“Familial obligations would explain why we might be unaffected by brash conversations and the bluestocking ways of others. I’ve heard some even go so far as to have the likes of Lord Byron in their home and talks of suffrage reform, Whigs, and others.” She fanned her face with her free hand. “Can you imagine? Not the topics usually discussed in a ballroom.”
“Or on a tour at St. James’s.” Lady Elsie’s pointed expression seemed lost on Lady Annabeth.
“I am quite familiar with that side of Lady Elsie.” Prince Hayes led them both in a slow walk after their tour group. “She is a valiant supporter of good thinkers of our day. If great change were to happen for any of us, I am certain she would lead the charge. It is what first attracted me to her.” Prince Hayes’s head was turned as he made some sort of eye contact with Lady Annabeth that caused a widening of her eyes and a slight flutter of her lashes.
Were Elsie versed in the language of the eyelashes, she might have guessed what went through Lady Annabeth’s head, but as it was, she could only squeeze Prince Hayes’s arm in gratitude. She was quite without words. How bold a response. What a defense. Had she ever viewed herself in that glowing light? She had not. Had she ever imagined a man would think such things? Never. She stood closer to him. She knew her bluestocking activities were discussed when she wasn’t around. She knew a certain number of thetondid not tolerate the broadening of ideas for women, the sharing of political thought, or even the antics of Lord Byron, but he was an intelligent man. Perhaps Elsie was an oddity, but if thetoncould not appreciate intelligence, creative thought, or attempts to make a positive difference in the lives of those around them, then she was happy not to be a part of theton’s friendships anyway.
Or so she told herself. But she couldn’t help but feel a bit of the sting at so obvious an evidence, from the lips of Lady Annabeth, that her suspicions of being discussed in a negative manner were well-founded.
They arrived at the next piece, a sculpture from Greece, looking extraordinarily familiar. She and Prince Hayes exchanged a glance.
The servant giving the tour began. “This is one of the Elgin Marbles that perhaps you have already heard much about.”
“I can’t believe it. How did he get one already?” Elsie shook her head.
“I believe he’s basically the King.” Prince Hayes laughed.
“That would give him power to have whatever he wants whenever he wants it? I heard Lord Elgin is working on an arrangement with Parliament as we speak. Their very ownership has become a disputed topic.” Elsie kept her voice low. “To think the prince acquired one even when the whole lot might be shipped back to Greece...”
“I suspect being the regent would give him power to do most anything he wanted, I would imagine, but it is healthy to have a governing body like the Parliament with both houses to assist with the management of all affairs.”
She studied Prince Hayes, who seemed perfectly at ease. “And you are of the mind that he is in the right of it?”
He turned more fully toward her. “I am of the mind that he abuses his power at every turn, but that yes, if the monarch desired to display a magnificent piece of art in his home to show on tours to his citizens and visiting dignitaries, then he would be wise to do so. This very tour brings enjoyment, aids in my impression of the prince and of England as a result, and no doubt is a magnificent conversation piece. Consider all we’ve discussed in just these few moments.”
She considered him and decided he might be in the right. They approached the figure, one of the fully headed pieces. “I will never complain of the opportunity to see another of the marbles.”
“What?” Lady Annabeth sniffed. “I am not privy to what such a conversation signifies. Please tell me what I am looking at.”
The servant began to further describe the marbles and explain their presence in England.
Prince Hayes shifted closer to Elsie, and she was suddenly filled with the desire to rest her head on his arm. Instead, she wrapped her arm closer around his. Was her brother right? Were these feelings of closeness, this endless desire to be closer still, evidence that Prince Hayes had captured her heart?
She could only wonder if she should give in to the impulse to be at his side. She had been infuriated with him only moments before. This man could still be colluding with Lord Everly. He could still have relations with Lamoreaux. She tried to remind herself of her earlier feelings of suspicion, but they had disappeared with the touch of Prince Hayes’s arm.
She shook her head, and she knew her small pout was making an appearance. So many things to muddle through in her brain. She found it difficult to decipher her emotions.
He raised an eyebrow in question, and she narrowed her eyes.
Then, to her amazement, he leaned closer and whispered, “He is not my friend. I am merely trying to learn new techniques to help my country.”
Her mouth dropped. How had he known what she was thinking?
“If your expressions could kill a man, I’d have been dead thrice today.”
Her whole face and neck heated again.
“Perhaps you wish it could be so,” he said.
She looked away.
“Ah, I see I am not forgiven.”
He didn’t seem at all bothered by her disappointment with his choice of association. That thought rankled almost as much as his associations themselves.
“He is the lowest cretin in all of Scotland,” she hissed.
