Page 45 of A Tenuous Betrothal
“I don’t—”
“But am I ready to declare myself and beg you for my own? No.”
Rhi could almost feel herself deflate against him. But then she found her core and stood taller. “And who’s to say I’d be ready to hear such a dec-laration?”
Prince Marc’s eyes closed off. “Precisely. You did ask for my thoughts. And there they are, as unpracticed and ill thought through as they could be.”
She softened her irritation at his assumption that she was pining for him, though she was. “I hold no demands on you.”
“That I know. I’d be only too lucky to win your heart.” He shook his head. “We’ve been caught unawares by the request of our fathers. I don’t doubt their wisdom.” He studied her, indecision seeming to battle inside him, and then his features cleared as though he’d made a choice. “Perhaps I might also accompany you tomorrow.”
“With Prince Henri?”
“Or after. Perhaps I can arrange a phaeton for us?”
“That sounds lovely. I do have several concerns I wish to hear your thoughts on.”
“Oh?” His reaction turned from the amorous to the practical, and she missed the former immediately.
“Yes, I received a letter from home.”
“Then, of course I will be at your service.”
“Thank you.” She lowered her chin.
“What is it?”
“I owe you gratitude for so much, for basically everything. It is odd to be so beholden to one person.”
“While I’m humbled by this feeling of gratitude, such sentiments are not what I’d hope to inspire in you during a waltz. Come, are my skills at wooing a woman so lacking?”
Rhi felt her cheeks flame, but she rallied. “Is that what you are doing? Wooing me?”
He spun her again and pulled her close for one brief moment. “I cannot decide.” Their eyes met, his full of hunger. Her own probably mirrored his.
Her heart hammered, or was it his? Then she breathed. “Perhaps you’d better make up your mind.”
He returned them to a more respectable distance and pace with their dance. “And if I were to woo you?”
She studied him for a long time, unsure exactly what he was asking but enjoying his patience as he waited for her response. At last, when the final strands played out on the violins, she stepped closer again. “I am certain I would enjoy the attention. Look around, Prince Marc. You are by far the most appealing man of my acquaintance.” She daren’t look away, watching him, suddenly confident in her ability to capture his interest.
“And you are the most appealing woman of mine.”
Nothing more was said. She was, admittedly, confused as to his plans. But she was also satisfied that she was not the only one struggling with feelings of attraction between them.
Chapter Sixteen
The next morning Marc pacedthe room in front of his window as Henri led Miss Davies out onto the street and crossed into the park. He didn’t like it. A maid followed, a footman was also in tow, and Henri was one of the most honorable men in the world. Marc would trust him with his life. And yet he could not be at ease. Was Henri more to Miss Davies’s taste? Would she choose to marry a Wilhelm after all and Marc would be forced to see her day in and day out, knowing she should have been his?
He stopped himself.Not should have. Could have.
A low chuckle startled him from behind.
Kristoff sauntered over and stood next to Marc. “Was I just able to approach the greatest spy in all of Oldenburg without his knowledge?”
Marc sighed. Kristoff was way too perceptive. Marc would have to confess.
“Anything concerning in your correspondence?” Kristoff asked.
