Page 33 of A Tenuous Betrothal
“But?”
“He was angry with Miss Davies last night in a game of whist, and I think he’s all wrong for her, but she’s as stubborn as any woman I’ve seen, strong-willed, and much too striking for her own good. She simply refuses to see reason and is determined to consider him even though I’ve already suggested such a course is ill-advised.” Marc paused.
Both brothers were eyeing him with surprise. Kristoff, of course, looked greatly amused, and Henri appeared more shocked than anything.
“Striking? How so?” Kristoff leaned forward as if counting every breath.
“Oh, stop with your ideas. She’s probably the most beautiful woman any of us has ever seen—just wait and tell me ifyoucan deny it.”
They looked way too pleased as they watched him.
“And don’t think that will make anything easier for us,” Marc said.
“Make what, exactly, easier for us?” Kristoff adjusted his sleeves. “What are we doing here in London?”
“Marrying her off, of course.”
Henri frowned. “I thought that’s what you were doing.”
“Well, like I said, neither she nor I is ready to be forced into something that’s not our choice.” He splashed water onto his face and ran his hands through his hair. “This way, she has a choice, and I am free.” He nodded.
Henri grunted. “And you think Father will be satisfied?”
“What can he say if I return home and she is already married to someone else? If she haschosensomeone else?”
They didn’t say anything in response, but the feeling of discontent grew.
Marc headed in the direction of his closet. “Let’s have our breakfast, shall we? I’ll finish dressing, and then we can be on our way.”
Once they’d eaten, they gathered with Bartholomew in the entry hall for their top hats and coats. The butler opened the door, and Lord Carmine stepped into the already-crowded entryway. “Ah, and here we are. Who are these others?”
Bartholomew introduced everyone to each other.
Lord Carmine bowed smartly and appraised them all. “And how are the princes from Oldenburg?”
“How are we? As in, are we well, or how are we in a match?” Henri stood taller.
Lord Carmine turned toward the door with an overconfident smirk. “Either, I suppose.”
They followed him out, and Marc muttered under his breath, “I think, for my own health, I need to go many rounds today.”
“That can be arranged.” Bartholomew laughed. He was perpetually amused with Marc this visit, and the prince wasn’t certain how pleased he was to be considered so amusing.
But he could never fault his friend, and he was forever grateful for his wonderful hospitality. “You know, Bartholomew, it’s high time you come to Oldenburg and bring Sophie as well. I know Princess Elsie would be overjoyed, and Layton and Hayes. Come, return with us.”
“I just might.” Bartholomew looked from one brother to the other, his eyes lighting. “Sophie does miss Elsie and is lonely for friends. I’ll bring it up to her tonight. Thank you.”
“Of course,” Kristoff said. “You and Hayes can compare crop notes, and I’m sure he will show you his sheep.” He laughed. “Everything is much improved in that area, by the way.”
Marc wished other situations in Oldenburg were more in control as well. Napoleon was contained, at least, but his ugly influence was not. And, though the other brothers were not aware, Marc’s security team was working twice as much as usual. “Have you any messages for me?” he asked his brothers.
“A stack of correspondence arrived shortly after you went ashore. Honestly, you’d think you were the king instead of Father, with how much people feel the need to tell you while you step away.” Kristoff shook his head. “I’ve got the letters in my trunk.”
Marc nodded, his fingers itching to head there straightaway to hear the news. Were these just updates on the current security status because his team knew he would expect and appreciate the news? Or were these items of serious interest that would require immediate attention?
“Marc, you cannot possibly do anything about a single word in that stack,” Kristoff said as if reading his thoughts. He gripped Marc’s arm in a brotherly way. “I can promise all is well. That much I know.”
Marc allowed his shoulders to relax, and his cravat felt much roomier. “Thank you, Brother. I left during a time when I wished to be present. Much more is still going on, although Hayes is probably exerting his influence.” Hayes had encountered Napoleon supporters near Oldenburg’s southern border as well as in London and Scotland the last time he visited. He was as well aware of the potential menace and gravity of the situation as Marc was. The fact that one of Napoleon’s supporters had found his way onto the palace grounds was not as well-known by the rest of the family, but Marc had to trust that his team and of course Hayes were more than capable of ensuring safety at the palace.
