Page 62 of A Torn Allegiance
“How did you know?”
“A prophetic guess.”
“I don’t know why you don’t just walkwithhim. He’d rather be with you, and I’d rather be with His Grace, who is conveniently standing near your prince.”
“If all he’s going to do is entertain half the women here, then perhaps we’d better.” Elsie stepped forward.
“Wait! A footman just brought him a letter.”
“A letter! What does it say?”
Lady Sophie turned to her and stared for a moment.
“Sorry, I know you cannot see it. But this is important.”
“Well, we could see it, if we were a little brave and, as I said, standing at his side.”
Elsie stood taller. “Of course.” She winced and then linked arms with Lady Sophie again. “Must we make a spectacle of ourselves?”
“Perhaps not a complete spectacle since the duke is close by.”
“Understood. And we aren’t ten years old any longer.”
“Correct, though this method worked remarkably well back then.”
“Of course it did.” Elsie had thought their younger years gone and forgotten, but now perhaps they would be of great benefit.
They picked up their pace and then walked right into Prince Hayes while he was trying to read his letter. “Oh! Oh my.” Lady Sophie placed a hand at her mouth. “We are so terribly sorry. We hope nothing is amiss.”
“Lady Elsie, Lady Sophie, are you well?” His concerned voice gave Elsie pause, and she heartily wished not to deceive the man.
“Prince Hayes, truly, we’re very sorry.” Elsie glanced over his letter. “We were not paying attention.”
“You’re sure you are all right?” he said again, though his voice held a note of amused suspicion.
“We are well, yes.” She skimmed the letter again, but then the prince lifted it up against his chest.
“If I didn’t know better, I would guess you two are bound and determined to read this letter.” His mouth twitched as though he were attempting to hide a smile.
“Letter?” Lady Sophie’s confused pucker worked every time.
“Have you a letter? Here in the park?” Elsie then made a show of trying to read it. In truth, she’d not seen as much as she’d have liked.
He tucked it away in his jacket pocket. “Yes, this very letter, one that a footman brought to me, which I am certain you noticed and therefore came to discover its contents.” His face twinkled with humor, which Elsie tried to ignore.
She avoided eye contact. “How absurd.”
“Completely. As if we follow the actions of letter-bearing servants.” Lady Sophie snorted as though she hadn’t a care, and then the two tried not to look at each other lest their resolve not to laugh be weakened.
“I’m pleased to hear it. But now, you see, the letter did have some rather urgent matters detailed for me to read. Might I have a moment to peruse them in private?”
“Oh, certainly. We would never dream of intruding on such an important letter. I wonder what could be so important. I wonder—” Elsie paused midtease and frowned as the prince wandered away, obviously deep in thought.
Lady Sophie stood closer to her. “That is the first time I have seen the prince and you together when he wasn’t completely fascinated with your every breath.”
“Oh, stop. He’s never been fascinated with my breath.” She waved her hands.
Lady Sophie shrugged.
