Page 68 of A Tenuous Betrothal
Their trip back to Londonwas uneventful, except for the coziness of their group. After her discussion with Marc, he seemed freer with his attention and even friendly affection. He’d claimed the spot at her side more often than not and was always most attentive if she found herself the slightest bit uncomfortable.
They found the servants had packed and prepared well enough that Rhi and the others merely left again to board the ship. There they would have an overnight stay before their departure at high tide the next morning.
Rhi felt oddly at peace with all of it. Her servants also seemed excited to go. Everything seemed to be moving in a positive direction at last, everything except for her situation with Marc.
They walked together toward the living quarters. The ship would soon depart, and he wished to be the one to show her to her cabin. It was near the captain’s and, she suspected, one of the nicer options.
He opened her door. “It is not the largest of rooms, but that will be yours once you are situated in the palace.” He stepped aside to let her enter. “The servants have placed your trunks. Your maid has a connecting berth, and you do have a porthole, which is more than most.” His obvious pride and slight embarrassment in what he could offer was more than endearing.
“Marc, it is lovely. I do not need anything extravagant. I’m certain I will be quite comfortable. I appreciate the window and the space.” She stepped up to peer outside. “The dockyards are so active, aren’t they?”
“They are. And here in London, they are full of all sorts of people. I’ve heard much of the London crime has a home hereabouts.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “Does that sound exciting?”
“Hmm.” She turned back to him. “I feel as though I should be heart-broken to be leaving my homeland.”
“But you’ve already left it.”
“Yes, exactly. And I know it is in good hands, thanks to you.” She grinned. “Not that I’m thanking you.”
“Very good. We cannot have any thanking going on.”
“Your parents will think I’m the worst sort of mannerless whelp.” She laughed, but though she was attempting humor, the idea of going to Oldenburg was as intimidating as it was comforting.
“They will adore you.” Marc stepped closer and brought her hand to his lips. “I most anticipate your meeting my mother.”
“I look forward to meeting her.” She could drink in this Marc, the Marc who acted as though she mattered in a very personal way to him, and she tried not to let his words mean anything to her. He was merely being friendly. There were no expectations.
Part of her was nervous about meeting his father. In going to Oldenburg, she was putting her life in his hands. Hopefully, Marc was correct and the king would see that she wished to have a choice in the matter of her marriage.
A choice. She would have to make a decision at some point. At first, she had needed someone who could rescue her and her servants from her uncle. Then she’d wanted to love that person but decided that, more than anything, she needed to marry well so that she could rescue the miners in her town. But now, with everyone rescued, thanks to Marc, she might be able to live happily in a royal palace and marry whomever she wished.
But what if the man she wished to marry would never be free to give himself to her?
Marc dipped his head and gave a mock salute as he left her in her quarters. “Meet us in the dining cabin for the meal of a lifetime at supper.”
“That delicious, is it?”
“Have you not heard of the delicacies of a ship’s fare?” His eyes sparkled with humor.
“I have, indeed, and perhaps I’ve heard different tales about the food than what you’ve experienced.”
He laughed and waved as he made his way down the narrow corridor.
Rhi went in search of Sophie.
After only a moment, she found the duke and duchess in a double-sized berth, getting settled in. Their door was open as servants entered and exited.
Her friend’s grin grew as soon as she laid eyes on Rhi. “Can you believe we are about to have the adventure of our lives?”
“I cannot, and yet, here we are.”
Sophie stood. “Come, let us explore. I must see this ship that will be our home these few weeks.”
They linked arms and made their way down the corridor and out onto the deck. But there, everyone seemed to be engaged in a task, or four, and the women felt very much in the way, so they meandered along toward the far bow and stood at the rail.
“From here, if we could see far enough, we would see France right over there.” Sophia pointed ahead.
“True.” Rhi nodded. “Instead, we have a muddy river to navigate before we even make it out to sea. And then some time squirreling around the continent before we might catch a glimpse.” She laughed.
