Page 30 of A Tenuous Betrothal
And then Prince Marc laughed out loud and nudged her so that she did the same. “You are quite amusing. For a moment, I believed you truly angry.”
She hissed, “I was truly angry.”
“Yes, but new debutantes don’t get angry. They are always poised and entertaining and complimentary.”
“Always?”
“From what I’ve seen. And they make their adoration blatantly apparent.”
“What if I have no adoration?”
“We’ll have to consider our options, if that’s the case.” He smiled at those around them as they made their way across the room.
The curious and somewhat concerned expressions had turned to indulgent complacency.
“So do the people of thetonand the nobility carry no passion, no drive, no feeling?” she said between her teeth with a fake smile.
“Oh, they have passion and drive and feeling.”
She walked at his side, the muscles in his arm flexing when he spoke, as if he wished to give extra emphasis to each word, as if he cared deeply about what he said. How intriguing to her since her only interactions with those of any higher class had shown her the antagonistic nature of her uncle or the perpetual boredom of visiting nobles. But for the prince to care so deeply, to be so intense about his words, was refreshing.
She chuckled. Prince Marc reminded Rhi of herself.
His eyebrow rose, but he continued his placid walk, which she imitated, making a game of it.
“Are you attempting to look as bored as possible?” His eyebrow quirked again, the tiniest wiggle on only one side.
“Yes I am. Is it working?”
“I’ve never seen you look less intrigued. Perhaps I should be concerned for my failing reputation at capturing the interest of the Londonton.”
She snorted and then raised a hand to her mouth.
“Ah, that’s better. There, you see? I’m still amusing.”
“Perhaps, but not intriguing.”
“No?” His small frown appeared for a fraction of a second and then disappeared behind inanity.
“No, for you reveal nothing of yourself.”
He dipped his head in unspoken acknowledgment. “And the mystery does not keep you glued to my side?”
“Perhaps you could dangle a tempting tidbit for me to ponder.” She smiled at the faces in the room as they passed, not truly seeing a single one.
He nodded. “Very well. I, too, am passionate about a great many things.”
“Are you?”
“Yes, one of them being hessians.”
“Pardon?” She couldn’t stop the upturn of her lips.
“Hessians. Take mine, for example. They are the epitome of German fashion, reborn here in London. That man there”—he used his eyes to indicate their host, standing by the fire—“his are the very latest in design as well. See how they hug his calves?”
Rhi turned away, blushing.
“Are you embarrassed by the mention of so fine a fit?” He laughed.
