Page 19 of A Tenuous Betrothal
“The Sumter home?”
“It stands at the edge of the park. It won’t be Wales, but it will be green. And the most important part about the park is that everyone promenades in it.”
Rhi watched in silence while hints of her new city came into view as they passed. The houses became nicer, the trees trimmed, the stonework cleaner. And, after a short time, they pulled to a stop in front of a completely dark home.
She peered out at the empty street. “Is it very late?”
“Yes, well past the hour they might be awake.”
“And you know them well enough for us to intrude at this hour?”
“The housekeeper here served our sister-in-law for many years before she came to Oldenburg, and you’ll recall I mentioned the current duke and duchess are dear friends of the family. They are the closest thing to family I have in the British Isles.”
She nodded, somewhat consoled about the incredibly late hour she was arriving at a stranger’s house with two carriages of trunks and a host of servants. Perhaps it wouldn’t be so very awkward to knock on their door.
But when they knocked and no one came to the door, and then they knocked again and still no one answered, she began to wonder if she might be spending the rest of the night in one of the carriages.
The sound of a latch moving in the door did little to console her, but the woman’s eyes that peered out through a cracked opening in the door were friendly. And even though they obviously didn’t recognize her at all, kindness was their prevailing communication.
“Mrs. Givens?” Prince Marc stepped closer and peered in at the older woman.
“Prince Marc? Is that you?” She opened the door wider.
“Yes, please forgive the hour. We are dreadfully sorry to drag you from your bed this late.”
“Iampleased to see you again”—she looked between them—“though, I must tell you that the duke and duchess won’t be arriving until tomorrow.”
Prince Marc breathed out, seemingly in relief. “They’re coming, then?”
“I think they plan to spend the whole of the Season here with us.”
“I sent news of our arrival ahead by express, but I admit that if the duke and duchess know of our visit, they have not yet had time to respond. We come unexpectedly, needing a place to stay.”
Mrs. Givens stepped aside. “Please, come in. I know His Grace would want you to feel most welcome.”
“Thank you.” Prince Marc stepped aside to allow Rhi to enter first.
She hurried forward, as there were many people and items to unload.
“Would you like something warmed?” Mrs. Givens asked.
Bless this woman.“Yes, if you please,” Rhi said. “And my staff is able to help support whatever you need.”
Prince Marc nodded. “I have palace servants as well. I’m afraid we have descended upon you as quite a full party.” He smiled, and Rhi wondered at their easy interactions. A man on good terms with the housekeeper. Prince Marc was proving to be very different indeed than she’d have expected from royalty. He spoke again in hushed tones to the servant. “I wish I could bring personal salutations from the princess, but I do know the former Lady Aribella is well. Her two children are the most beautiful in the land, says my mother, and a smile crosses our princess’s face more than any other expression. They are expecting another child soon.”
“Oh, pleased I am to hear it. Thank you for the news. Her letters are dear. How good she is to remember an old servant.”
“I’ve stopped trying to steal you away from His Grace, but you know you are always welcome in Oldenburg.”
“These older bones are not the kind to be crossing an ocean, but I do thank you for the offer and your news.” Mrs. Givens dabbed at her eyes and then brushed her hands down her front. “Now, we must be getting rooms opened posthaste.”
Soon Rhi was tucked in a most comfortable room with a tea tray on her table. As she laid her head down on the softest of pillows, she whispered her thanks to her father, who had cared for her so well, even in death. “You knew. Somehow, you knew I would need this.” Perhaps he heard her. She closed her eyes. The sweet sleep of the truly comforted met her almost immediately.
She descended the stairs the next morning clean, wearing one of her favorite daytime dresses in her favorite shade of blue, and with a newer hairstyle. She hadn’t felt so much like herself since before her banishment to the hunting cabin. Simple things made a world of difference. Her steps down the stairs were lighter than they’d been in many weeks.
The sound of voices led her to a well-lit room full of delicious smells. Right before she turned the corner to enter, Prince Marc’s voice carried out to her. “I’m most desperately seeking any assistance you can offer. She must marry, you understand.”
Irritation washed over Rhi; she could feel the evidence warm her face. She rushed into the room with a great swish of her skirts. “Well, you will soon see that I am not as desperate.” She realized belatedly, as all eyes turned to her, that she did not yet even know whom she was addressing.
