Page 86 of A Tenuous Betrothal
Rhi looked away.
“Too much too soon?”
“No. Not really too much. You are all too good to me. She is ready to welcome me as a daughter, and her son doesn’t even want to marry me.” She sighed, forcing her lips not to waver. Their generosity plus her exhaustion, Marc’s rejection, and his father’s agreement with himwerealmost too much for one day.
“I don’t imaginedesireto marry you is the problem.” Prince Frederick dipped his head. “I have heard we are all to spend time with you and that, from the lot of us, a match will be made.” He grinned. “That sounds like an interesting proposition.”
“Or perhaps the makings of a perfect storm.”
“Or simply the most efficient manner in which to become a Wilhelm.” He chuckled, and she bristled.
“You don’t thinkIhave somehow contrived a manner in which to be in this position?”
He held up his hands. “Not at all. From what I’ve heard, you are part of the delay.”
She considered him. “Your honesty is refreshing, even though I’m not sure I like what you’re saying.”
“I will always be honest with you.”
“Where is Marc going?”
His eyes widened. “Testing my honor with the first question?”
She waited.
“He is accompanying the ambassador from Prussia to Vienna for the Vienna Congress.”
Marc had told her about the Vienna Congress but not about his accompanying the Prussian ambassador. She was pleased his brother would respond so openly. “And are you involved in his work?”
“As much as any of us are. We have a council to run the country, and in that council, each member of the family plays a part. We hold rather large positions, even the wives.”
Pleased, she nodded. “That’s excellent.”
“Excellent that we all work as much as our farmers or excellent that the women have roles?”
“Both.” She shrugged. “We were the same in Wales. It only seems fair.”
“I tend to agree with you.” He looked like he would say more but closed his mouth.
“But?”
“Well, in the case of Marc, for example, I wish he employed someone else in his stead. I think all of us Wilhelms would do well to learn to delegate. And the country would benefit as well, I believe.”
“How so?” All her attention was centered on his response. Perhaps the others also wished Marc would be more available to marry.
“If we broaden our council to include others, then we are open to more ideas and wider influence. We could learn from many.”
She nodded. Then she turned her horse to the stream. “Shall we dismount? Let them water here?”
“Yes, and then we must return and prepare for dinner.”
“Prepare?”
“We usually have state dinners, meaning there is always a guest, one who could benefit from a visit with the royal family or with whom we need to solidify relationships. Tonight, it is the King and Queen of Prussia.”
“Goodness. And I shall also attend?”
“Naturally. This will be an important dinner for you as well.”
