Page 56 of A Torn Allegiance
Lady Sophie eyed her with no small amount of skepticism, but she said nothing more. “We shall make our plans, and since watching Prince Hayes is likely to put me near the Duke of Sumter, all the better.” Her excited laugh brought more of the lighthearted happiness Elsie had been missing, and she could only be all the more grateful for her friend.
A knock at the door interrupted, and a maid bobbed her curtsy when told she could enter.
“Yes?”
“Excuse me, my lady, but Her Grace is asking for you in the front drawing room.”
“Thank you.”
When Elsie and Lady Sophie entered the room, Mother was already receiving her wrap from a servant. The carriage waited out front.
“Are we leaving for the park already?” Elsie said.
“Prince George sent over a card just now, asking if we might attend an early reception in the palace and be part of a processional for all the guests at the start of the garden party.”
“A processional?” Elsie laughed. “I wonder what he would say were we to carry books and don laurel leaves?”
Her mother grinned. “Seems a good opportunity with nearly the entirebon tonlooking on.” She held her arm out. “Votes for women!”
“It most certainly does.” Elsie shook her head. “What that man could do if he gave half a fig for anything.” She often found herself unaccountably angry with Prince George.
The duke joined them. “Confound Prinny. So we’re to parade about in front of theton? And then what?”
“It’s a party just like any other. I’m certain you’ll find your set and enjoy yourself as usual.” Mother placed her hand on his arm.
The large hand he placed over hers and the tender looks that passed between them comforted Elsie. Love was possible. Love could last.
When she turned to her friend, Lady Sophie held the same wistful expression Elsie imagined was mirrored in her own.
They linked arms and followed her parents out the door.
Steps hurried behind them. “I finally got this beast of a cravat to look normal.”
“Duncan!” Elsie reached for him and kissed his cheek.
“I wouldn’t miss this opportunity to behave as a peacock, not in a million years.”
Lady Sophie laughed. “A peacock. That’s an apt word for it. Perhaps I shall preen my feathers with all looking on.”
He offered his hand to help them up, and soon Elsie was surrounded by those closest to her.
Her brother adjusted his seat on the bench. “You know, I’m missing Prince Hayes. He’s played such a large part in our family lately that I feel he belongs.” Duncan winked at her.
She and Lady Sophie exchanged glances, and Elsie smiled. “I wonder if he’s been invited to the promenade.”
“Of course he has. Prinny would love to add visiting royals to his entourage.”
Elsie half-hoped half-feared Prince Hayes would be there.
Her father sat taller. “Perhaps we misjudged him. I don’t think we can be too careful, but now that we know the fellow, it’s difficult to believe he would be caught up in anything nefarious.”
Elsie didn’t answer. Her brother watched her carefully, then added, “I completely agree. Elsie and I have been saying as much from nearly the beginning.”
“Elsie has had her moments of suspicion as well.” Father looked at her.
“Yes, I have.”
“And do you now feel, like your brother does, that Prince Hayes is a harmless visiting dignitary?”
