Page 60 of A Tenuous Betrothal
“Mr. Thomas is Father’s most trusted adviser,” Miss Davies explained to Marc’s brothers. “You know Prince Marc. And I’d like to introduce you to his brothers, Princes Kristoff and Henri.”
He nodded. “Pleased to meet you. This is a dangerous endeavor. I hope we pull it off.”
“We must.” Miss Davies gripped his arm. “Thank you for all you are doing.”
“You’re welcome. It’s been an honor to serve the Davies family.” He cleared his throat. “If you’ll excuse me.” He nodded to them all again and headed back to the opening, this time entering the mine himself.
Now that Marc had Miss Davies in his sights, he didn’t want her anywhere else. He stood as close as he could, and when he offered his arm for support, she took it.
“I hope they are through soon.” Her voice was tired but strong, determined. After all she had been through, was going through, she was functioning well, not fainting or complaining or having all the fluttering emotions Marc typically saw in the wealthier women. Just like she’d handled the robbers, she was as strong as ever in the difficult moments.
He placed a hand over hers on his arm. Perhaps he could be the supporting role to her strength and leadership here instead of the driving force. It would be a new role for him, but it was one he could manage unless things went south. Then he would step in. And when he did, heaven help her uncle.
Chapter Twenty-One
Rhi stood so close shefairly leaned on Marc. And he didn’t seem to mind one bit. For that, she was grateful.
“I’m glad you’ve come.” She hoped her quiet voice reached him.
“I’m glad you’re safe.” He sighed. “I’ll be happy when you’re back in London, finding your future spouse.”
She shook her head. “I can’t go back there.”
He turned to her, eyes wide. “Why not?”
“Look at this. These people, this situation. This is what matters. Nothing in a London Season matters one whit, and frankly, I’m exhausted thinking about it. And did you know there is a wager, worth eighty thousand pounds, about whether or not I will accept Lord Carmine?” She frowned. “The Londontonis ridiculous.”
“But it’s diverting.” Prince Kristoff winked, stepping closer. “Pardon my intrusion, but we are all standing right here, so your conversation cannot be too terribly private.”
Rhi smiled, her mouth tired from the effort. Marc’s brothers really were wonderful. She imagined the whole family to be so.
Prince Kristoff, particularly, was cheerful nearly all the time, and easy to know. “Why don’t we return to Oldenburg?” He grinned.
She dared not look at Marc. “I don’t think—”
Marc placed a hand over the top of hers. “You would not have to marry unless you chose to,” he said. “I’ll speak with Father. I think once you are living under his roof and he sees you are well and happy, he will see sense and allow you a choice in the matter.”
“And the servants may still come?”
“All of them who wish to come are welcome,” he assured her.
Her smile felt small at first, but then it grew. “This might be the solution.” But then the more dire reality of so many around her inserted itself again. “But how could I leave such a place again? How can I leave the miners in such awful care?” She shook her head. “I won’t. I cannot leave unless I know they will be looked after.”
“Bartholomew is coming with some possible solutions there.” Marc’s eyes twinkled, and Rhi wondered just what he had in mind.
“We must remember that even though he is somewhat of a passive fellow, he is a duke and has great influence in the House of Lords,” Marc said.
“And has a personal friendship with Prince George.” Prince Kristoff held up a finger. “As do we. The prince regent has the most diverting parties, as long as you don’t stay too late.”
They were interrupted by a great crowd of people running to make way for an equipage. The Davies carriage pulled up, dangerously close to where Rhi and the princes were standing.
“Uncle.”
Marc pulled her closer, but she stood tall. She had a few things she’d like to say to the vile man.
The workers and their families who were outside the mine stepped closer to her as well.
Uncle did not wait for a servant to open his door. He sent the door banging back against the side of the carriage. “What is the meaning of this?”
