Page 50 of A Tenuous Betrothal
“That would be useful but not an entire solution.”
She frowned. “I know. And Uncle’s employment of the women, as putters... I can hardly bear to think of the danger.” Tears stung her eyes. Who else could she talk to but him? It must all come out now, despite her emotions. “If the women and children will be the first to go in those poorly ventilated crawl spaces and the lamps they currently use cause an explosion...”
Prince Marc reached for her hand and held it. Though the gesture was meant to be comforting and perhaps calming, it did nothing to calm her. A rush of sensation raced up and down Rhi’s arm. And the thoughts she’d had at the ball, her errant desire to kiss him, came flooding back. But she must concentrate. This was not a romantic conversation.
His eyes filled with kindness, and he ran his thumb across the back of her hand. The motion was comforting at first but grew warmer and more intimate. He responded, but she had to focus all her attention on his words or they’d be drowned out by the new sensations running through her fingers. “It sounds as though Mrs. Powell will update you if things worsen. And we can do our best by notifying your uncle about the new lanterns, perhaps even providing one for him to see how useful it could be.”
“I have written him, but sending him a lantern is an excellent thought. Could you? Would you help me with that?”
“One of the things my father particularly wished was to leave things in the best stead possible. We may have left Wales, but I don’t see that as a conclusion to our task there.”
Rhi’s heart slowed. Marc was helping her fix every one of her concerns. Briefly, she stopped trying to resist her feelings for him. He was everything she needed right then, including someone she could easily love. But he didn’t love her. Prince Marc was without a doubt the most dutiful person she knew, if not the most romantic. The irony of her situation was not lost on her. She picnicked with a man who acted out of duty, whomarriedout of duty. And here she was, falling for him. She could try to forget that her whole body jumped in response to this enticing prince at her side. But she knew if she continued spending time with him, she could never not notice. “Your duty to your father and to your responsibilities is honorable and impressive.” Her smile was weak as she tried to keep her distance.
“It is not only out of duty that I wish to assist.” His voice was tentative, which surprised her. He seemed so sure of himself in all other matters, carried himself with such confidence. But as she searched his face, she saw caring and a hope that melted her heart. “I wish to ease your burdens. I care about your happiness.” He encased her hand in both of his.
She couldn’t look away from the sincerity she saw in his face. “I would say thank you, but—”
“You’re correct that I do not seek your gratitude. Please view this as a sign of my... caring.”
She nodded. He released her hand, which burned with longing to be held again. They ate a few more bites, Rhi unsure how to begin a more casual conversation. At last she said, “And tell me what you do in Oldenburg. What is your assignment on the council?”
“Ah, Henri told you about the royal council.”
She sipped her lemonade from the decanter he’d provided. “Yes, he said everyone has a job and he helps Hayes with the agriculture.”
“He does, yes, and inventions. He’s more our scientist.”
“Intriguing. He was very interesting to talk to. Because of him, I feel much more enthusiastic regarding tools and gardens and growing things.”
“He is one of my favorite brothers, but I don’t hold quite the same interest in those matters.” Prince Marc laughed.
“No, I’d imagine not.” Her smile grew. “But do tell me what you do.”
“I cannot speak of all I do.”
Her eyebrows rose. “Oh?”
“I can tell you that I work in security. I aid in the activities for our government that help keep us all safe and let us know the hidden agendas of our enemies.”
“Are you a spy?”
“I am.” He nodded, watching her.
She inched forward, her curiosity piqued. “Whatcanyou tell me about it?”
He toyed with a bit of something on the blanket for a moment. “Now that Napoleon has been placed in exile, there is considerably less to worry about; I will tell you that.”
“But there are still others to worry about?”
“There are. Some who believe in the ideology of Napoleon, some who simply wish us harm, others who would like to take over our country. Most would love access to our ocean border, our port. We are surrounded on three sides by other nations, with one border on the sea. Our neighbors used to be friendly, but France has altered the atmosphere in the whole region, I’m sad to say. And...” He sighed, and while his pause lengthened, the intrigue surrounding him grew.
“I’m incredibly interested. Please, go on.”
“I was worried about boring you. Sometimes, political problems are just as tiresome as snails, I’m afraid.”
“Not to me.”
Prince Marc squeezed her hand, and Rhi wanted to hug it to her chest.
