Page 37 of A Torn Allegiance
Elsie turned to leave. “I’d better get that note sent to Lady Sophie and then ask Abigail to start working on me.”
“Yes, I must ready myself as well.”
“You will be magnificent, Mother. You always are.” Her mother had the most regal bearing of any woman, besides perhaps the Queen. Elsie hoped one day to be the same.
As she began the work of preparing for the ball, she still wasn’t at all certain how to feel, and she didn’t know if she ever would be, not without coming to fully understand the prince. And if she found him to be as noble as she half-expected, would she be content in her feelings? No. For then she must know his feelings for her. But were he to be in love and wish to marry, could she give up her beloved Scotland and go to live in Oldenburg, to be the future queen of another country?
So many things she didn’t know about Prince Hayes battled what her heart tried to tell her whenever he was near.
Chapter Fourteen
Bartholomew and Hayes prepared toleave Buckingham House after a surprisingly comfortable and even enjoyable visit with Princess Mary and Princess Elizabeth, daughters of Queen Charlotte.
They walked at his side as he approached the Queen to make his farewells. Queen Charlotte was a lovely woman, beautiful in her own way and surprisingly simple for a monarch. He bowed deep. “I’ve been honored by your invitation and this visit.”
Her smile was small but sincere. “We are so pleased you could come. Perhaps we shall repeat the visit soon. And we would enjoy entertaining your brothers as well.”
“We are at your service.”
Bartholomew also paid his respects, and then the princesses walked with them toward the entrance. Princess Elizabeth’s light touch on his arm reminded Hayes of many of the ladies in his own royal court at home.
“I’ve enjoyed our walk,” he said. “And may I be so bold as to compliment your shuttlecock arm?”
She laughed. “You may. I know I am quite proficient.”
Princess Mary shook her head. “So she says.”
They paused at the door. Prince Hayes turned to Princess Mary. “I am happy for the correspondence we’ve had. And might I congratulate you on the possible increase in your own happiness?”
“Yes, thank you.” Princess Mary dipped her head. She had, at first, wished to align herself with Layton, but the situation in her family had made it impossible to pursue anything romantic for a time. And Layton was much happier with Aribella. “At times, my sister and I have wondered if we would ever marry.” She looked from Hayes to Princess Elizabeth and back. “But now we know happiness is available even to us.”
He bowed. “I wish both of you every happiness.”
When Bartholomew made his bows, he added, “We will attend the royal ball this evening. Perhaps we shall see you both there.”
Princess Elizabeth stepped closer to Prince Hayes again. “We think Mother will allow it.” Her eyes widened, and he could do naught but meet her expectations.
“Might I have the first set if we are so fortunate as to enjoy your attendance?”
“You may. Thank you.”
The men nodded again and then stepped up into the carriage. And his heart filled with dread. He had wished to ask Lady Elsie for the first set. He suspected she would hope for the same, and, naturally, he would greatly prefer her company. But precedence and custom demanded that he dance with one of the princesses. Since she had so openly showed her desire that he ask, he couldn’t very well ask Princess Elizabeth for the second set. That would only insult the family. With any luck, the Queen and her daughters would not attend. They were rarely present at any social events, he’d heard, and if they did make a rare appearance, he hoped Lady Elsie would understand.
While Buckingham House faded in the distance, Bartholomew rubbed the bridge above his nose. “Are you considering a marriage alliance with the British Crown?”
Hayes closed his eyes. “I should be.”
“But it is not vital, nor expected, correct?”
“Correct. We are firm allies without any other entanglements.”
Bartholomew hummed. “Have you given more thought to your meetings in and outside of White’s?”
Hayes nodded. “Every hour.” As they returned to Bartholomew’s London home, Hayes reviewed in more depth the words of Lamoreaux and Lord Everly and then the admiral.
As soon as they walked in the door of the town house, Bartholomew led Hayes into his study. They both took a seat, and Bartholomew watched Hayes, drumming his fingers on the desk.
“I’m torn between rushing back to Oldenburg and staying here to ensure our continued protection as allies to England,” Hayes concluded.
