Page 43 of A Tenuous Betrothal
“I admit to placing my own bet, but that was before I met the woman and before I saw her with you.” He clucked. “I’ve never seen a couple more suited.” Before Marc could say anything, the man held up his hands. “No need to stand here conversing with this old man. I know our hostess will be much disappointed if you dance with only one woman this evening.”
“You are correct. Thank you.” Marc bowed and excused himself.
He spent the rest of the evening trying not to monitor Miss Davies’s movements. But try as he might to ignore her, he knew how often she smiled while dancing with Lord Carmine. He knew when she laughed. And he was so surprisingly proud when any of her dance partners laughed in delight. Proud and then intensely curious to know what had amused them. She was winning over theton, one lord at a time.
But as he spun by her in a waltz, the very dance he’d wished to dance with Miss Davies, he caught the expression of some of the ladies as they noticed her. None were pleased, and he realized his mistake. She would need allies in the women. And, so far, she had only one, with perhaps some few from their dinner party last evening. With so many men wishing for her attention, she would absolutely need some allies. Why hadn’t he thought of it before? He searched the room for Duchess Hampton or Duchess Salisbury.
As soon as the set was complete, the bell rang for dinner. And Miss Davies was laughing and smiling on the arm of Lord Carmine as they headed in.
Kristoff and Henri joined Marc, and Henri spoke in an undertone. “You look as though you’d like to punch something.”
“Perhaps I would.”
“Some might guess the nature or direction of your thoughts. And others might form an unfavorable impression of Oldenburg,” Henri cautioned.
“And others might laugh at you for being so emotional,” Kristoff added. “You remind me of a woman in her adolescence.” He clucked.
“I am not emotional. I’m merely keeping an eye on our responsibility.”
“You act as though she’s our ward,” Kristoff said.
Something inside Marc went taut. “And how would you feel, Brother, if Father had commanded you to marry someone? A woman you hardly knew? I am doing the best I can with this situation.”
Kristoff stood closer. “I don’t know how I’d feel. I imagine the same as you. It’s a good idea, to encourage her to choose with her head and her heart.”
Marc eyed him. “But?”
“Have you not considered courting her yourself? She’s a beautiful woman, quite likable, and you might find you suit each other despite the fact that Father is mandating things.”
Marc looked away. “Every day I consider that. It would assuage this guilty, clenching feeling in my gut, at any rate.”
“That’s the spirit.” Henri clapped him on the shoulder.
But Marc shook his head. “No, man. I’m not going to pursue a woman simply because I feel like I’m shirking Father’s mandate. She deserves better.” He watched her laughing again on Lord Carmine’s arm. “Besides, it’s not likely she’d even have me.”
But something inside told him he should give heed to his brothers. Per-haps he could attempt to win her despite his situation in Oldenburg.
Chapter Fifteen
Rhi waited in anticipation forthe final set, the moment she would spend time with Prince Marc again. She told herself she wanted to talk to him about the problems in the mines, but she also admitted she had taken note of every set he’d danced and every woman he’d entertained the whole of the evening. Her own dance partners had been entertaining, well-educated, and successful. Prince Marc had indeed found several respectable gentlemen for her.
Lord Carmine was the most attentive. She wondered if other men were keeping their distance out of respect for him. She found it odd that he moved with such a singular mind in the matter. Did he not wish to dance with others? Know others? He’d spent very little time with anyone but her. After every set, he was present to accompany her for a lemonade or drop her off at the ladies’ receiving room. Honestly, she’d felt more than a little stifled by the attention. But also flattered, somewhat. Might he make a good spouse, someone who cared so immediately for her? Dinner had been entertaining enough. He was engaging, humorous, and polite to others.
She finished another lemonade. The instruments played the beginning sounds for the final set, and she knew Prince Marc was coming. She felt his eyes on her before she turned. He and his brothers were a step above everyone present. Or perhaps they just carried themselves in that way. They seemed taller and more significant than any other man. And all three were making their way to her now.
She studied them. The Wilhelms were a handsome family, no doubt. But Prince Marc was by far the most intriguing—dare she say the most handsome? Prince Kristoff was humorous, and she guessed Prince Marc would be, too, if he’d stop brooding. Prince Henri seemed quiet but just as handsome as the others. She suspected there was an emotional depth to him someone would really appreciate. Perhaps she was wasting her time with these men of the Londontonwhen the very best were right in front of her.
They bowed, all three, and she knew the jealous eyes from many around her were merited.
“And to what do I owe the approach of the three most sought-after men in the room?” She winked.
Prince Kristoff laughed.
Prince Henri took her hand and placed his lips on it. “You are a difficult woman to approach. Since our introduction, I have had no opportunity to do more than smile in your direction this evening.” His expression was warm, engaging. “Perhaps we might take a turn in the park tomorrow morning?”
A quick glance at Prince Marc told her he was just as surprised as she was.
“That sounds lovely. I admit to gazing longingly at the stretch of green. Thank you.”
