Page 91 of A Tenuous Betrothal
“Yes, and I have to get back and talk to Frederick.”
They walked together back into the house.
As soon as they entered the door, they were met by a very pleased Mother. “There you are!” She smiled and put a hand on each of their shoulders. “I shall put you two together tonight at dinner. Our Miss Davies will be a wonderful influence on the Queen of Prussia, don’t you think?” She waited for Marc to respond.
“Of course. Excellent.”
“And then, of course, I’ll put Frederick on her other side, and Henri across.” She nodded. “We are so pleased. Tonight is a state dinner—well, they are all state dinners—and this weekend we shall have a ball in Rhi’s honor. And that will include the royal court and our family and friends.” She squeezed Rhi’s arm and then linked her hand in Marc’s elbow. “You have been too elusive, Marc. I know you’re busy, but even busy Wilhelms need to eat. Come, let us chat while the beautiful Miss Davies gets her much-needed rest.”
As he was led away by his mother, he couldn’t help but want to linger instead with the beautiful Miss Davies, as his mother had just called her.
Chapter Thirty
Marc and Rhi entertained theKing and Queen of Prussia together at the state dinner. He wasn’t certain why his parents had not taken on that honor and responsibility themselves, but he had his suspicions, and he didn’t think it had anything to do with a particular diplomatic strategy. His mother insisted on encouraging a union between him and Rhi.
Well, that was all very well. They all supported it. Even he loved the idea. Except that it wouldn’t work. At least his father had seen reason in the end.
What Marc hadn’t counted on was the presence of the Prince of Prussia. He was a tall and powerful man. And greatly enamored with Rhi, or so it appeared. The King and Queen of Prussia had asked for music and dancing after dinner, and his parents had complied, naturally.
The Prussian prince had now danced three sets with Rhi. She seemed cheerful enough to grant them, even laughed naturally with him.
But this next set, Marc would step in if he had to.
Thankfully, the man bowed and at last led her back to the table, where Marc immediately took her hand.
Her eyes widened in surprise. “Are we dancing?”
“Yes.” He tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow.
“Hmm.” She hesitated.
“Do you not wish to?”
“I wish to be asked.”
He stopped. “I do apologize.” Then he bowed and kissed the back of her glove. “Miss Davies, would you do me the great honor of dancing with me for the rest of the evening?”
She laughed and then nodded. “I will dance with you this set.”
“And another?”
“And another, but as you know, in England, at least, once you dance more than two, you have created a scandal.” She returned her hand to his arm, and they walked together out to the center of the dancing space.
They turned to face each other. “That custom seems utterly ridiculous to me, especially now.”
“Of course it does, but what if the Prince of Prussia had continued dancing all evening with only me?”
“You would have allowed such a thing?” Their bow and curtsy were deep and respectful.
She stepped closer to him. “Well, no, but consider that the English custom is helpful for all.”
“I see your point, yes.” He rotated his neck and frowned.
She laughed. “And what about your brothers?”
“What about them?” He waved his hand, dismissing them as if they were of no significance in the conversation.
“What if they also wish to dance?” Her eyebrows rose.
