Page 40 of A Tenuous Betrothal
“According to these guests, your beauty is your highest virtue.”
She snorted. “Ridiculous.”
Prince Marc laughed and placed a hand at the small of her back. “I have found yet another reason to admire you, Miss Davies.”
She lifted her chin. Their faces were close, much closer than she’d anticipated. “Are you collecting reasons to admire me?”
“I am indeed.” His voice lowered. “It seems I cannot help myself.”
Lord Carmine approached then, flanked by three other lords who carried themselves well.
Marc lifted his chin toward them. “Ah, and here is your admirer.”
“Have I an admirer?”
“More than one.” Prince Marc’s eyes held hers for longer than a casual comment would merit, and she studied him before turning to the approaching group of men.
Prince Marc bowed and kissed her hand a final time. “I’ll come for you for our set. And I would love to reserve another if you find you have the inclination.”
“I do.” She smiled. “Thank you.”
He nodded and then shook hands with Lord Carmine. “Good to see you. You’ve come at the perfect time. Miss Davies, these gentlemen are Lords Johnson, Havisham, and Lentley.”
Bows and curtsies were made, and Rhi moved her hand to Lord Carmine’s arm as Prince Marc made his escape.
“He was in a hurry to transfer his duties, was he not?” Lord Carmine looked amused.
But Rhi’s stomach twisted nervously, and she suddenly doubted the new closeness she felt to Prince Marc. All of his goodness could be motivated by duty alone. She turned her attention back to Lord Carmine. “And, all you gentlemen, can you believe the crush? Are you expecting to enjoy this ball?”
“I am now.” Lord Carmine smirked. “These men will have to find other reasons to be pleased at the ball.”
“Surely, there will be fine distractions for us all.” She kept her smile placid, her conversation bland. She wasn’t certain she wished to encourage him. She did not much like his haughty words about Prince Marc or the other gentlemen. The Season was young, after all, and perhaps she could find a man more suited to her, one who could not only help her care for her town and servants but also earn her love—or at least her esteem.
They entered the main hall, and she considered Prince Marc. He already had her esteem. She sought him out among the crush and was stunned by what she found. He was surrounded, on all sides, by women. And they weren’t simply politely conversing. They looked as though they might crowd each other out to stand at his side.
Surely, he found this tiresome. But his laughing face seemed to be one of pure enjoyment. She shook her head. Perhaps her esteem might be reserved until further notice at the ball.
Lord Carmine followed her gaze. “Oh yes, the prince is quite a sensation. I hear that last Season, the men had quite a difficulty of winning a lady’s hand, as most eligible women found themselves completely smitten with the prince and his brothers—or the idea of them, at any rate. At least his brothers are not here with him this time.”
A great murmur rushed through the crowd then, and many turned toward the entrance.
Two men as tall and as broad as the prince entered the room. They walked side by side, completely at ease. The similarity was undeniable. Not only did they share features with Prince Marc—the same strong nose, sharp jawlines, and bright eyes—but they held that confidence Rhi admired, that surety that no matter what anyone in the room thought, they were comfortable in their own lives. Oh, how she envied that surety.
“Looks like I spoke too soon. Are they also staying with the duke?” Lord Carmine asked.
“I honestly don’t know. This is my first sight of them.” She laughed. “They do know how to make an entrance.”
Prince Marc approached his brothers. They embraced, and Rhi felt like she was intruding on a private moment. Then they turned together, Prince Marc found her, and the group headed in their direction.
Her heart pounded. She tried to keep a blank face, but she couldn’t be more pleased that he wanted to introduce her to his family. The closer they came, their walks slow and sauntering, the more her breathing quickened.
She was sure her excitement was visible to Lord Carmine, but he merely grinned. “Well, we shall be the center of attention now with such a royal distinction.” Was he mocking the Wilhelms? It didn’t look like he was. And he was right. The princes’ status was honored here. The entire room was glued to their movements and would soon be actively interested in whom they singled out first.
The princes stopped before them, and she curtsied low and respectfully but rose with a good bit of daring. “I cannot tell, Prince Marc. Are these men related to you?”
The dark-haired one chuckled.
Prince Marc dipped his head. “These are two of my brothers. Father would want you to know them. Prince Kristoff and Prince Henri, this is Miss Davies.”
