Page 87 of A Tenuous Betrothal
Rhi nodded slowly. “Shall I impress them all, then?”
“It would be your opportunity to do so.”
“You have proven to be very helpful.” She hopped down and patted Firestorm. “Don’t go far.”
Her horse nickered and went to the stream.
She and Prince Frederick walked side by side, and his expression softened. “I would be happy to help in any way while you’re here. And, now that I’ve met you, I’m also looking forward to our time together in your quest for a Wilhelm husband.”
She shook her head. “That sounds so terribly contrived.”
“While I agree, you know I’m partly in jest.”
“Teasing does make everything seem that much more... normal, or doable.”
“Good.”
They walked for many minutes, and Prince Frederick entertained Rhi with stories of his childhood. The princes were a rowdy lot, apparently, and by the end of the conversation, she considered it a miracle their mother was still a sane and seemingly young person at heart.
Then another rider came quickly toward them over the hill.Marc.Her heart hammered along with the sound of his horse’s hooves while she and his brother waited for him to join them.
“Ah, the almost-betrothed.” Prince Frederick laughed.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Marc wasn’t certain how hefelt about Frederick and Rhi riding together. He needed to talk with his brother, and instead of being in his study, Marc had heard from a servant where he must go to find Frederick and that, worse yet, he would encounter Rhi. He’d been doing well with his preparations to leave, so well that he’d not thought too much about the fact that she was present in his home, that he might encounter her at any time, in any corridor, that she was seeing his home for the first time. Without him. He’d been able to forget those things were happening. Mostly.
But now he couldn’t avoid it, and a part of him could not wait to again ride at her side. At the moment, she and Frederick walked closely together, and from his perspective, they made a stunning couple. Did others think the same of himself and Rhi when they were seen together? She would make any of his brothers look fetching. He was sure of it.
And he’d have to learn to accept such a scene at some point.
But now was not the day. Frederick could enjoy her company while Marc was gone. He approached with a big smile. “Rhi! How are you enjoying yourself?”
“Very much, thank you.” She dipped her head. “I’m so pleased we have brought Firestorm.”
“A bit of home,” he said.
“Yes. And you? I presume you are working already?”
“Nonstop. In fact, I’m happy this wastrel of a brother is out here diverting himself so that I could make an excuse to ride out for a much-needed reprieve.”
Frederick only grinned at the wastrel comment. “You know me, Brother. Any excuse to spend time with a beautiful woman.”
Marc tensed, and he knew his smile was strained. “You have chosen wisely, then, for she is intelligent as well as beautiful.”
Rhi colored prettily, but then her eyes narrowed. “So you are leaving tomorrow. And when will you return?”
“That I’m unsure of at the moment.”
“Will you be accompanying the ambassador of Prussia on his return as well?” she asked.
“Ah, you’ve found me out.” He dipped his head, impressed.
“Perhaps I’ve done a little spy work of my own.” Her daring expression, hands on her hips—he was up against a formidable task in trying to resist this woman.
“Ho, ho! Miss Davies has her eye on espionage.” Frederick’s face lit with too much happiness, in Marc’s mind.
Marc shifted in his saddle. “Will you both be returning with me? Perhaps we can converse on the ride back.”
