Page 41 of A Torn Allegiance
Elsie tucked her hand intoPrince Hayes’s arm. His brothers approached from the carriage behind. She smiled. “The Wilhelm brothers will be the most sought-after men at the ball.”
He turned to glance behind him, and Elsie watched as his attention shifted to the princesses who’d just emerged from the royal conveyance in front of her own.
Both parties approached the entrance. Prince Hayes, Elsie’s parents, and everyone else around them slowed their steps to allow the Queen to enter St. James’s first. Her daughters turned and waved at Prince Hayes. He gave a half bow in their direction.
“Do you know the princesses?” Elsie asked.
“We passed the afternoon in their company.”
“And they agreed to attend the ball?” They rarely made social appearances. Elsie couldn’t help but wonder at the import of such a sudden appearance.
“Yes.” Prince Hayes shifted as though he were uncomfortable with Elsie’s questions.
She nodded slowly. “And the first set?”
He dipped his head, but before he could answer, Prince Kristoff stepped closer. “I was hoping Princess Elizabeth might acceptmefor her first set.”
“I am sure she would.” Prince Hayes cast a grateful gaze in Kristoff’s direction, but Elsie suspected what had transpired, and she wasn’t precisely contented. Naturally, if the subject had come up, he would have been required to ask the princess for the first set. If he had indeed secured a set with the princess, there was naught she could do about any hopes or expectations that she and the prince would share that same first set.
As soon as they entered St. James’s, the princesses approached.
Prince Marc and Prince Kristoff stepped forward and bowed.
Prince Hayes bowed as well, alongside Elsie’s deep curtsy, and cleared his throat. “Might I present my brothers? Princess Elizabeth, Princess Mary, this is Prince Marc and Prince Kristoff.”
Their smiles were friendly. Perhaps they were interested in the brothers. Elsie could only hope.
The princesses’ gowns swished as they turned toward the ballroom and stepped forward with their mother. The master of ceremonies called out the names of the royal family. Everyone in the room lowered in a bow or curtsy; even Prince George, who was on the opposite side of the ballroom, paid respect to his mother.
Hayes’s brothers were announced with the Queen’s party, each with a princess on his arm, and then the master of ceremonies announced Prince Hayes and his party, which included Elsie and her family, the Duke of Sumter, and Lady Sophie.
The princesses seemed as pleased on the Wilhelm brothers’ arms as they would have been with Prince Hayes. Queen Charlotte nodded in his direction before she found her place on a dais.
Lady Elsie took note of it all. “You are quite friendly with the royal family.”
“Layton established the relationship, but yes, we are friendly. They have been of great benefit to us in the war.”
Elsie considered his words. He seemed completely sincere in his desire to have a strong relationship with England. He made no hint that he might someday be colluding with France. In fact, the very thought seemed ridiculous in this moment. And she also realized, with a sinking feeling, that his relations with the British royals must be kept, no matter the cost.
Others were announced behind them, and the room began to fill. The chatter grew louder, and after a time, the music began.
Prince George led a woman out onto the floor. Princess Mary joined them with Prince Marc. Prince Kristoff looked in their direction and shook his head.
Princess Elizabeth made her way over to Prince Hayes. Elsie knew in that moment what she should do. She should step aside. The princess outranked her in every way and more or less had her choice of any man in the room for the first set. It was a great honor for Prince Hayes to open with the English princess. It would likely be good for their countries as well.
As she saw a competitive lift of the princess’s chin, Elsie forgot everything she knew about being magnanimous and understanding and wished to stand in Princess Elizabeth’s way.
But she could do nothing.
When the princess was close enough, Prince Hayes turned to Elsie, his expression full of apology. “Have you been introduced?”
They both curtsied and said the requisite things, and then before Elsie could say another word,herprince was leading another woman out onto the floor.
Prince Kristoff stepped up to her side immediately following. “Might I please have this set?” His eyes smiled, his eyebrows wiggled just a bit, and his teeth were white and straight in his apologetic grin.
“Yes, thank you for saving me from a bout of womanly unease.”
He offered his arm. “Womanly unease? Is this something I should be aware of when it comes time for me to court a woman?”
