Page 82 of A Tenuous Betrothal
“Thank you.” Her emotions rose up again. “I’ve lost everyone in my own family.”
“And you’ve just gained a very large new one.” The queen laughed again. “If you need some space from us, just go to your quarters and ask for a tray.”
“Oh no. I can’t wait to meet everyone.”
A knock on the door made the queen smile. “Enter.”
Two women and three children rushed in with a great bustle.
The queen stood and hugged the children, who climbed into her lap. “Ah, my grandchildren and two of my other daughters, whom I’m very happy for you to meet.” She gestured to the women. “Please introduce yourselves while I attend to these lovelies.”
Rhi, too, stood as the first, a brilliant redhead, curtsied. “I’m Elsie, from England and Scotland. I married Prince Hayes just this past year.”
“Oh, I’m so happy to meet you. I’ve heard wonderful things from Sophie.”
Her eyes lit. “My dearest friend. I cannot tell you how happy a reunion we’ve had, full of joyful tears. And to think she will stay through her entire confinement.” Her face really was full of joy, and Rhi knew if this woman loved Sophie like that, Rhi would love her just as well.
The other woman seemed a bit more tired, but her smile was sincere as well. “These children are mine and Layton’s. I, too, am from England. Bartholomew inherited my childhood estate and my father’s title.”
“Ah yes, Princess Aribella?”
“Just Aribella, please. I am so happy you have come.”
“I’m overwhelmed and amazed by it all. What a beautiful place and a lovely family.”
“It really is. The Wilhelms are wonderful.” Aribella eyed her children, who were peppering the queen with question after question. “And I am quite amazed with so much energy in ones so small.”
Rhi laughed. “They’re beautiful, though, as are both of you. I’m so happy to be here.” She hesitated, then asked, “Have you heard?”
“About you? A bit. Only that Marc is half in love but won’t admit it.” Elsie shook her head.
“Don’t listen to her.” Marc stepped in the door from the room he and his father had retreated to, then turned to his sisters-in-law. “Any man who truly knows her could soon be in love. I admit to being susceptible myself—I do admit such a thing—but I also know she can find a much more worthy and appropriate man.”
The sisters approached with quick embraces before the children ran at him all at once, nearly knocking him to the floor, and he laughed. “And how are you rascals?”
But Rhi hardly noticed the commotion. She didn’t think she would be able to breathe. Did he say love? How could he jest about such a thing?
Elsie stood next to her and squeezed her arm.
The king joined them next, and the children switched their focus to him. But he called out over the tops of their heads, “Our son is correct. After listening to the complications he’s dealing with right now, I realize he is not ready to marry. Miss Davies will simply have to choose from the others.” He winked. “Who, might I add, are perhaps even more handsome.” His jolly laugh and warm smile were meant to cheer Rhi, but with that carelessly spoken sentence, her world tilted in an odd way that felt totally foreign.
She wasn’t sure where to look, felt lots of gazes on her. And she refused to look at Marc.
“Miss Davies?” The queen approached and put an arm around her.
All Rhi could do was nod. “I understand.” Then she faked a large smile, forced herself to look at them—all except Marc—and curtsied. “Maybe I’ll take that rest now.”
“Of course, dear.” Her Majesty waved, and a servant appeared. “Please walk Miss Davies back to her quarters and have Cook send up anything she wants.”
“Oh, try the fruit.” Elsie nodded. “And the cakes.”
“Thank you.” Rhi lifted a hand and then followed the servant out the door.
The room was quiet behind her, and the door shut.
Who knew what they would say now? Who knew what Marc wanted or why a simple meeting with his father had convinced the man she was all wrong for his son? But whatever the reason, they were not talking about it in front of her.
And she needed to recover.
