Page 28 of A Tenuous Betrothal
“I’m here to do neither, if you must know. I am here to do my duty by my father as a Prince of Oldenburg, and...” He searched her face and leaned closer.
“And?” Her bright eyes lit with the tiniest bit of happiness. Was that sparkle appearing because of his closeness? A part of him hoped it was.
“And help a friend find happiness without interfering an overly large amount?” He watched each flash of emotion pass over her eyes. Surprise, shock, doubt, distrust, and the tiniest bit of pleasure, he thought. He would take that pleasure and work with it. Somehow, he would earn her trust and her friendship. And then they could get on better to find her the husband she deserved.
“I like that,” she said.
“I do too. Now, come, we mustn’t linger too long. They are all about starting rumors, this group.”
“Are they? Oh dear.”
“Why ‘oh dear’?”
“I may have said how anxious I am that you find happiness.” She let her head fall forward.
He continued walking but shook his head. “And how can I call you friend after that?”
“Is it so terrible? To find happiness?”
“Not at all, but you shall see how interested the nobility can be when faced with a possible love story and a prince.” How would he be free to help Miss Davies select the best man if he was distracted by half theton? “They can be a touch overexuberant during the Season here in London.”
“Over... exuberant?” She studied him. “Are you saying that news of your intent to marry might create unwanted attention?” Her eyebrow rose, and he could tell she tried to dim her smile.
“Do you find that amusing?”
“No...” Her smile grew.
“You do. What about my situation here is amusing?”
“Nothing at all. I’m certain this will be quite trying for you, to be sought after by so many women. I can only imagine they have each been holding their breath to hear when you will at last be available to marry. It will be a trial, indeed, but you shall bear it stoically, I am certain.” She laughed.
“Oh, you think you are so amusing. Perhaps you think I have grown an inflated ego, is that it? You think, rightfully so, that I enjoy attention from the beautiful women of the Londonton. I would never deny such a notion. But to receive attention from women who have no need for marriage is one thing; to receive attention from women and their mothers who expect that any positivity sent in their direction is a declaration of my interest to pursue them... that is another thing entirely.”
She opened her mouth to respond, but he was not finished.
“Perhaps you have unearthed a good solution as to how, Miss Davies, I will be able to assist in your safekeeping when, I am afraid to inform you, you will be equally inundated with potential suitors.”
“Was there a question in there?” She laughed again. And blushed, so he knew he had affected her, something he gained no small amount of pleasure to realize.
“My question is are you prepared for the inundation you, too, shall receive?” His grin was teasing, complimentary, and companionable.
“Oh, tosh. No one knows me here.”
“But they will. After this dinner party, they will.”
“I cannot believe it. I’ve no title, no standing, not an ounce of influence, and not even a home in London. I’ve nothing they seem to desire.”
“A pleasing woman with a healthy dowry, a lovely disposition, and connections as high as that of a duke and a visiting prince? I’m sorry to say, Miss Davies, that you have the makings of what they call a diamond of the first water.”
She seemed uncomfortable with that knowledge, as she should be, and he only respected her more because of it. They entered the drawing room as people were dividing into groups of four for whist.
Duchess Hampton raised a bejeweled hand. “Come, Prince Marc. You must sit by me so I can hear all talk confirmed. Have you returned to get yourself a wife?”
Every woman’s eyes in her group gleamed, and Marc groaned.
“Perhaps apologies are in order.” Miss Davies’s murmur almost brought a smile back to his face.
Lord Carmine raised a hand. “I’m still in need of a partner as well.” His grin was charming—too charming—and from the looks of Miss Davies, she appreciated it.
