Page 47 of The Secret of Flirting
Looking down at the offending garment, she blanched, then hurried to remove it. “Lord, what you must think of me, greeting royalty dressed likethis.”
“We think you are very gracious to take us all in at such short notice,” Monique said swiftly.
Lady Fulkham smiled at her and curtsied. “You must be the princess, though I wouldn’t have guessed it from that portrait in theLady’s Monthly Museum. You are far prettier. Welcome to Canterbury Court, Your Serene Highness.”
“Thank you,” Monique said. “We’re pleased to be here.” How many people had seen that stupid portrait? It wasn’t even a good likeness of Aurore, according to Lady Ursula.
Her great-uncle stepped up next to her. “My niece is right—we are quite delighted to be here, Lady Fulkham.”
Gregory introduced him and Lady Ursula, then frowned when the count took his mother’s hand and lifted it to his lips to kiss.
“May I say,” her great-uncle murmured, “that I had no idea his lordship’s mother was so beautiful, or we would have been here at dawn.”
The woman withdrew her hand with a polite laugh. “And I had no idea that gentlemen from Chanay were so prone to flattery.”
“As it happens, I am not from Chanay originally. I’m from France, where we have a deep appreciation for fine ladies.”
He winked at her, and Monique nearly fell over. Her great-uncle couldwink? She’d assumed that that particular muscle was permanently atrophied.
Apparently Lady Fulkham regarded his wink with skepticism as well, for she raised an eyebrow ever so slightly, reminding Monique of Gregory when he was being sarcastic. But the lady merely said noncommittally, “I hope that you will enjoy your stay.”
Lady Ursula stepped forward. “I know we will. And I must share my companions’ thanks for your kind hospitality. I’m sure we are causing you some difficulty, descending on you with little warning.”
“Not at all. I love guests, I assure you.” With a twinkle in her eyes, the lady added, “Besides, how else was I to coax my terribly busy son home for a visit? He can bring the entire royal family with him, as long as it means I get to see him.”
“Good God, Mother,” he bit out, his cheeks flushing.
A delighted laugh spilled out of Monique. She’d never seen Gregory nonplused, and she couldn’t resist teasing him. “Why, Lord Fulkham, do not tell me you are a bad son. I would never have guessed.”
“Oh, he’s a wonderful son,” Lady Fulkham said quickly. “But you know mothers. Our children can never come home often enough.”
“I’m afraid I wouldn’t know,” Monique said. “I don’t have children.”
“Yet,” the count said. When everyone stared at him, he added, “You don’t have childrenyet.”
That remark surprised her... until she remembered that he was speaking of her as the princess, not as herself.
Perhaps that was why Gregory’s frown deepened into a surly scowl. “Yes, well, now that we’ve dispensed with the introductions, I suggest we go inside. I confess myself eager for a glass of wine and a chance to warm my hands by the fire. It’s damned cold today.”
“Gregory!” his mother said with a furtive glance at Monique. “Such language in front of the princess!”
“Don’t worry, Lady Fulkham,” Monique said dryly. “I’ve heard far worse from my great-uncle when he thought I wasn’t listening.”
The woman regarded the count thoughtfully. “You don’t say.” Then she glanced past them down the drive. “Where are the others? I did hear from Prince Leopold, accepting your invitation and saying he would be able to come tomorrow, but aren’t there supposed to be more guests?”
“They’ll be here in time for dinner,” Gregory said. “The duke travels with a larger retinue than the princess, I’m afraid, and Danworth is stopping to visit a friend before continuing on here.”
His mother’s face brightened. “Mr. Danworth is coming? You neglected to mention that.”
Gregory had told Monique and the count that the prime minister’s private secretary was coming, but she hadn’t understood why. It clearly had something to do with politics.
“How fun!” his mother went on. “Danworth is much better at remembering the popular bon mots than you are.”
“Forgive me, Mother, but I have a few more important things to keep track of than the latest witticisms,” he said irritably.
Lady Fulkham patted her son’s hand as if he were a little boy. “Ofcourseyou do. And all of us in England are very grateful for your sacrifice.”
Monique practically bit off her lip, trying to keep from smiling. She could never have imagined the self-assured, arrogant Gregory being alternately chided and soothed by his mother. It made him seem more... human, somehow.
