Page 77 of A Tenuous Betrothal
But she was made of tougher material. She was excited to see her new home, and Marc’s brothers were jolly companions who seemed to know the exact moments they needed to step in for a bit of cheer.
Henri joined her this time, and they faced Oldenburg together. “The view from the harbor is the most glorious in the world.”
“Is it? When will we see it?”
“It usually takes several hours from the first sighting of land to at last arrive. But, if I remember correctly, it will start to be breathtaking in two.”
“I’m already breathless. I can’t wait to see your home.”
His smile grew. “I’m looking forward to showing it to you.”
Henri was a wonderful sort of person. His blond hair fell forward in the wind, and the disheveled, carefree look had her wishing to tousle it further with her fingers. But all feelings for Henri were those of a sister for a brother. She loved her relationship with both Kristoff and Henri for that. She felt as though she had a real family again.
Sophie joined them then, and Henri bowed and took his leave.
“Oh, you’re out!” Rhi rested a hand on her friend’s shoulder. “This is most excellent. The air will do you good.”
Sophie clutched at the rail, seeming weak. “I’ve heard the view is not to be missed.”
“That is what I keep hearing as well.”
A deckhand brought over a chair. “If you are needing the support.” He nodded and then backed away.
Rhi wrapped her arm around Sophie. “I wish the journey had been easier for you.”
Sophie leaned into her and murmured, “I as well. But it has been fruitful for you, I have heard. Has our prince finally declared himself?”
Rhi shook her head, not wanting to discuss this at all. “He has, but not in the way you’re thinking. I feel I was right all along.”
“What? Oh dear. What did he say? If I need to have Bartholomew talk to him...”
Rhi just kept shaking her head. “He doesn’t love me enough to marry me. He said so himself.”
“I won’t believe that. Anyone who has seen you together, especially these past weeks, and even at the mine, would agree with me. He loves you.”
Rhi knew he cared, but his love was not strong enough to overcome his fears. And there was nothing she could do about that. “I don’t believe he does. And I wouldn’t want to be with him unless he wanted me above all else.”
They stood together until Sophie needed to sit, and Rhi stepped closer to the railing. Oldenburg got closer and more beautiful all the time.
Would this new location be as exquisite in its pain as it was in its beauty? She suspected it might. Even though she had nowhere else to turn, she wondered if it had been a poor idea to come to Oldenburg. How would she ever get over a man she saw all the time?
Soon Kristoff joined the women, nodding to Sophie and then standing at Rhi’s side at the rail. “So one thing you need to know. We brothers like to tease.”
“Oh dear. How should I prepare?” She smiled. Kristoff always took the sting away from her worries.
He rubbed his chin as though deep in thought. “Now, that depends. You can handle teasing in all manner of ways.”
“True. I’ll look to you to know the best ways.”
“For example, you could take it with a demure smile. Some women might do this sort of expression and say nothing.” He made a small smile and raised his eyebrows as he looked down his nose at her.
She grinned. “I don’t think I could manage it.”
“No, you are not the demure kind. Some women might laugh along. I could see you laughing. And others...” He took on a touch of wickedness in his expression. “Some women would tease back with a vengeance.”
“That might be what you can expect most from me.” She laughed.
“Excellent. I feel, in you, I have found a worthy opponent.” He held out his hand to shake, as though they were making an agreement.
