Page 16 of A Tenuous Betrothal
“I love music as well. I often sing to cheer myself up. What else?”
“The next thing to know about me I’ve already told you. I have a plethora of brothers.”
“A plethora?”
“Yes, precisely seven. Of the eight Wilhelm sons, six are unmarried, including myself. Henri and Kristoff are as different as can be, but both are available.” He winked.
“Oh, dear me, no. Is this an attempt to pawn one of them off on me?”
“Just hear me out. Kristoff is the most easygoing soul you will ever meet. If you’re not laughing all the time with him, something is seriously wrong. And Henri. He’s a brilliant man—keeps our crops going, studies science, and the man really sees people. He listens.”
“Riveting.” She grinned.
“He is; I’m telling you. And Karl, well, people find him handsome.” His frown was amusing.
“As handsome as you?”
He shifted in his seat again. “Of all the ridiculous...” He eyed her, his eyes flashing with a hint of something delicious she wanted to explore. “I will not discuss who is the most handsome.” He fidgeted a moment more. “However, I have been called such.” At her laugh that burst forth from her mouth unintended, he leaned closer to stare into her face. “We’re all handsome, there. Stop, you. Would you like to know more about my family or not?”
“By all means. That’s three of your brothers. Keep on.”
“Frederick can be trusted in all situations. I most rely on him for my work at the palace.”
“Is he married?”
“No, these are all the single brothers I’m describing.”
“Then, he sounds like a good second choice.”
He choked. “Second choice?”
“If things don’t work out between us, or if I don’t find a husband in London...” She paused, and when he had not yet found a decent response, she shook her head. “You must know I’m joking. Of course I am. Please, Prince Marc.”
He breathed out in obvious relief. “I hoped you were. I just wasn’t certain you were so soon to the comfortable state of making light of things.” He gestured all around them.
“Hmm.” If she didn’t laugh, she’d cry. “So you are the most suited to rescuing but not to marrying?”
He opened his mouth and closed it, then rode for a moment, saying nothing. Then he turned to her, his blue eyes a brilliant shade, his attention solely on her. “I am the most suited for rescuing. But who’s to know which of all my brothers would be the most suited to marrying you?” He cleared his throat, and for the first time, she thought she saw hints of insecurity or uneasiness. “Who’s to know which of all the men inLondonwould be most suited to you?”
She shook her head, then sighed. “I would have thought that someday my finding a match might be under more romantic circumstances, but...” She waved her hand toward the entourage somewhere up ahead of them. “But, for the servants alone, I must marry.”
He appraised her. “You would marry someone to take care of your servants?”
“Notjustfor them, but yes, someone must care for them.”
“They would be welcome in Oldenburg.”
She considered him. “Am I also welcome if I don’t marry?”
“Of course you would have a home with us. But Father...” Prince Marc strained against his cravat again. “Let me be clearer about the King of Oldenburg so that you know exactly what we are hoping to avoid. Father will not rest until his promise is fulfilled, but if you were to happily choose another in London before I even return home, what could he say?”
She huffed out a long breath. “Are you as emotionless about this as you seem?”
His mouth dropped open, but he seemed to collect himself. She decided right then and there that seeing him lose that stiff facade, even for a moment, would bring her significant satisfaction.
“What about our future? Your future?” she asked.
He ran a hand through his hair. “I’m well aware of all the futures that are affected by this discussion.”
