Page 85 of The Secret of Flirting
Gregory fought the urge to glance at Danworth. “The one in the blue coat?”
The constable nodded. “He’s the one who asked about your father’s death.”
His heart thundered in his chest. “Thank you,” Gregory said. “Please speak of this to no one. I will handle it. Do you understand?”
The constable nodded, albeit a bit reluctantly.
“The duke will be down soon to speak with you. So please take a seat.”
Again, the constable understood his meaning. “Of course, my lord.”
Gregory returned to his guests, his mind reeling. What reason could Danworth have had to ask about Father’s death? Unless this was part of an investigation into Gregory’s suitability to become secretary of the foreign office.
But why would such an investigation be mounted by the party leaving office? Could Danworth have found a way to move on to the opposition party, the same way Gregory had?
The arse seemed to have gathered his composure. “Whoisthat fellow, Fulkham?” Danworth asked in his loftiest tone.
Gregory forced a shrug. “The constable from Canterbury. We had an incident this afternoon, which I had to report.” He waved his hand dismissively. “You know how these locals are during Guy Fawkes Day. Very reckless.”
Danworth’s face showed no reaction that might indicate he’d been part of the shooting. Then again, he worked for the prime minister and knew how to play the game.
No matter. Tonight Gregory would confront him with what he knew and demand an explanation, about both “Tom Smith” and the attempts on Monique’s life.
And if Danworth was behind the latter?
Gregory would eviscerate him.
Twenty
Her heart torn in two, Monique stood in her bedchamber making herself “presentable.” She didn’t know how to interpret Gregory’s proposal of marriage. Had he meant what he’d said? Or was it merely part of his rules of honor that said he must offer for any virgin whose innocence he took? He certainly hadn’t voiced any eagerness to marry her out of love.
She sighed. She would adore being Gregory’s wife, beinglovedby Gregory. Because somewhere along the way she’d fallen in love with him, however unwisely. He might be a proud, hardheaded Englishman, but he was also kind. And protective. And so sweetly passionate that...
Tears welled in her eyes, and she brushed them away ruthlessly. Marriage was impossible, and they both knew it. So it didn’t matter if she loved him or not. Their paths were set, and those paths went in opposite directions.
As soon as she’d changed out of her riding habit, she headed downstairs. As she reached the ground floor, she heard an unfamiliar male voice speaking rather pompously. So it was unlikely to be the constable.
Her blood stilled. Prince Leopold?
Pasting a smile on her lips, she sailed into the foyer, where stood not only a man royally bedecked, but also, inexplicably, Mr. Danworth, along with Gregory.
“Ah, here she is.” Gregory cast Prince Leopold a thin smile. “I understand that you have not yet met the princess?”
Prince Leopold regarded her with a keen interest that gave her pause. “Sadly, no.”
Gregory swiftly performed the introductions, although it seemed rather pointless, since each was well aware of the other’s identity.
Smiling amiably, the prince stepped forward to take her hand. “It is a very great pleasure to meet you, Princess. I would have arranged a meeting sooner if I’d known how very lovely you are.”
As he lifted her hand to his lips for a kiss, she had to admit he was quite attractive. From what her great-uncle had told her, he was at least forty, yet not a strand of gray streaked his hair, and he dressed quite well. He also had an air of command about him that reminded her vaguely of Gregory.
Still, his compliments gave her pause. Why would he be interested in her—in Aurore—after she’d supposedly rejected him? “It’s good to finally meet you, too, Your Highness,” she said blandly.
Lady Ursula rushed into the foyer, then halted. With widening eyes, she smiled at Prince Leopold. “Cousin! How wonderful to see you here at last!”
A change came over him that arrested Monique’s attention. “Indeed,” he said, rather dismissively, making poor Lady Ursula pale. Then he turned to Monique. “I’m fatigued from my journey, Princess, but I do hope to enjoy your company at dinner.”
She nodded, aware that Gregory was scowling most unwisely. “I would be honored, sir.”
