Page 36 of A Torn Allegiance
“He may not think you are really willing to discuss matters of state, but the more he knows you, the more he will realize you are open to such discussions and might share his position with you, his plans, his thoughts and opinions on his nation’s situation. What does he think about Sweden? Their declaration of war also disturbs slightly his position in the North Sea. Does he know how Everly and Lamoreaux are acquainted?”
“I cannot imagine many of these topics will come up as we dance a quadrille. It is difficult, to say the least, to encourage conversations on these topics. He doesn’t seem to enjoy them, not when there are so many other topics to discuss. He said so himself. It’s like we are of one mind on nearly every other thing. He will make the briefest mention of a matter, and I will ask question after question, and before I know it, the dance has ended.” She paused, noticing that her father and brother were giving her strange looks, her brother’s slightly amused. She cleared her throat. “But I shall do my best. Er... how do I proceed? Personally? Do we continue to befriend a man who could be making an allegiance with France?”
“Come, Sister, do you really believe that he is?”
“When I walked in that study door, I did. Do you not think so?”
“I, for one, do not,” Duncan said, giving their father a definitive nod. “Every-thing I’ve seen in Prince Hayes shows a reasonable, sincere, and loyal man. He gives every indication of being a wise and caring future King.” When Duncan turned to Elsie, he looked as though he might share more, but he paused. “I think as far as your... personal... relationship is concerned, you may move forward as your instincts direct.”
She did not know what to make of her brother. Or her father. They seemed at odds in their purposes and what they were telling her. And the familiar guilt that she was spying on someone who could very well be a friend returned full force. But there was nothing for it but to continue. She felt invested in the discovery of the truth. She must know his true character. And she must know if he was making an alliance with France. Was he also intruding on the affairs of her people in the Lowlands? What did Lord Everly have to do with Lamoreaux?
As she exited her father’s study in a relatively calm and hopeful state, she couldn’t believe the transformation in her mood. Had anything at all changed in her knowledge of Prince Hayes and his motivations? Nothing. But somehow her brother’s assurances and her father’s plan to get to the truth gave her purpose. One thing she knew she must take great care to remember. She must guard her heart. Prince Hayes could never know she was spying on him for her father, and he could never hold her heart, not fully, not unless she came to see him exonerated from all suspicious dealings with France and her beloved Scotland. Even then, was it wise to give her heart to a man who would never live in Britain? All her same questions paraded through her thoughts until she shut them out.
She would address those issues later. Because right now, she must ready her finest gown for a ball at St. James’s. She hurried into her mother’s rooms. “I’m to go to the royal ball this evening.”
“Are you?” She clucked. “I suppose that means I am also attending?” She stood. “Your father, as much as I love him, does not realize he must tell me these kinds of things with enough time to ready myself as well as you.”
“I shall call Abigail.”
“We are lucky to have our finished gowns from the modiste.”
“And they shall be perfect for St. James’s and can be worn again. Not many from thetonwill be present, will they?”
“They might, but none we couldn’t wear our dresses for again.”
Elsie nodded. “We’re to go with Prince Hayes, his brothers, and the Duke of Sumter. I will send a note to invite Lady Sophie as well.”
“Lovely. Now, tell Abigail to use the new gems and to pile your hair high. And we will cinch your stays tighter than usual.”
“Such a to-do.” Elsie laughed. She enjoyed the preparations as much as her mother. “But I’m growing more excited by the moment. Perhaps it will be fun as well as enlightening.”
“Enlightening?”
“I must watch and listen for Prince Hayes’s true designs. Duncan doesn’t think he has any bad intentions.”
“And what do you think?”
“For several hours today I was convinced he was secretly working with France.”
“And now?”
“Now I don’t know what to think.”
“What about when you are with him?”
“Well, we cannot trustthosefeelings.”
Her mother laughed. “And why not?”
“Because when I am with him, I can barely breathe. All I think of are the ways we can stand closer or in what manner I might tease a smile from him.”
Her mother’s own triumphant grin made Elsie shake her head. “You are not listening to me.”
“Oh, I’m listening, and so far, everything I’m hearing makes me happy. He is a good man. I am almost convinced of it.”
“Almost?”
“Yes. I’m happy your father has you engaged astheperson to discover the prince’s goodness.”
