by Carolyn Rae
As she stepped closer to the brook, the smell of damp earth reminded her of lawns after a spring rain. Lawrence’s hands grasped both shoulders and pointed her toward the opposite bank. “Look,” he said. “Lady slippers, soft, bright colored, and fit for a fairy princess.”
“Where?”
He took her hand and pointed. Then she saw them, a pair of yellow flowers.
“Do you see them?”
She nodded and felt his breath blow through her hair. His muscular body leaned against her back. Grasping her around her waist, he turned her until she was facing him. Close enough to see amber flecks in his eyes and smell the taste of mint from his mouth and the evergreen tang of his aftershave. She stood, waiting.
He smiled broadly. Crinkles formed around his eyes. His full lips came closer. Despite her resolve, she wanted to taste them, wanted to feel them tasting hers, wanted his warm mouth moving over hers.
She watched, mesmerized as he smoothed a lock of hair from her cheek. His touch was soft and gentle, surprisingly so. She knew the muscles in those arms. Had felt his strength when he wielded the fencing foil and nearly wrenched hers from her hand.
His finger touched her lip. “So soft.”
And then he kissed her, his mouth warm on hers, his hands grasping her upper arms as if afraid she would bolt. He need not have worried. She moved closer to his warmth—close enough to press against his chest, close enough to feel his heart beat—feel it beating as wildly as hers.
His lips roved over her mouth, setting her on fire. He pressed a kiss on her cheek and then her chin. He returned to her mouth, kissing her firmly and lingering as if to imprint the taste of him upon her mouth. A warm glow spread over her. She’d remember this always, even if it never happened again. And if it didn’t—well, she wanted to make the most of it. She slid her hands around his neck and moved closer, pressing her breasts against his firm chest to initiate a kiss of her own—to show him how much she liked his kiss, his touch. She could go on all afternoon.
He caressed her shoulders and then her arms. He kissed her neck and nibbled on her ear, his lips soft and tender. Even his beard felt softer than she’d expected.
A bird warbled, jolting her back to reality. He was a prince. He could have any woman he wanted. The king and queen no doubt wanted him to marry royalty or at least a countess. And Tricia was neither.
She swallowed. Much as she liked his kisses, she had to stop. “I think it’s time we got back to the castle.”
“But I enjoy kissing you.”
She wasn’t about to tell him how he’d rocked her world or that she’d crave his kisses even more now that she’d tasted them.
He gazed into her eyes. “And it’s early yet.”
“The king and queen will wonder where we are.”
He grinned. “I doubt it. My aunt never misses her afternoon tea and a chance to hear the latest gossip from her ladies in waiting. And my uncle—I’m sure he’s busy.” Lawrence paused. “With affairs of state I imagine.”
Tricia looked Lawrence in the eye. “You really think he’s occupied with affairs of state?” She clamped her lips together. Why had she said that? It wasn’t smart to reveal her suspicions, although from what she’d heard, the king never had to stray far from the palace for entertainment.
The prince was staring at her. “What are you thinking?”
“Nothing.”
He snapped his fingers. “You think my uncle is carrying on an affair with some courtesan?”
“I didn’t say that, but even the Bible mentions the world’s oldest occupation for women.”
He frowned. “It’s not good form to criticize your host.”
“It wasn’t my idea to be dragged here to impersonate your cousin.”
“But you were more than willing as soon as we mentioned money. Is that the only reason you agreed to help us?”
“I have a huge student loan to pay off. I’d rather start my career without that hanging over my head.”
“Then it’s still money you want. And I bet you don’t mind luxurious rooms to stay in and three hearty meals a day. Probably better ones than you’ve had since you arrived in my country. And you must enjoy wearing her clothes.”
“That’s true, but I believe it’s necessary to make others believe I am the princess.”
He led the way back to their horses and helped her mount. Did he consider her a gold-digger, only out to get as much money as she could? Did he think she was caught up in the luxurious lifestyle and only interested in him because he was the prince? She’d rather he realize she liked him as a man.
When they got back to the stables, Ned held their horses while they dismounted. “Your Highness, I believe you are wanted at the palace. A guest has arrived and is asking for you.”
“Do you know who it is?” Lawrence asked.
“I heard it was Lady Constantine, daughter of the Earl of Constantine, who traveled here from England to see you.”
Lawrence groaned. “I thought she wasn’t coming until the weekend. Rumor has it that her father has considerable lands in Spain as well. I need to stay on good terms with her. However, I am all sweaty and smell of horses.”
Tricia said, “Then you’d better hurry. You probably want to freshen up before you see her. I will go straight to Allysa’s room. If she has seen your cousin, she may not believe I am Allysa.”
Lawrence frowned. “My cousin met her the last time she went to London and recommended her to my uncle. She’s the king’s choice of a bride for me. I told him I wasn’t ready to get married, but he insisted I at least meet with her, so I agreed to his inviting her back then. He wants an alliance with Great Britain and thinks that would smooth the pathway.”
He grasped her hand. “I will walk with you to the palace. We can sneak in the back way. Maybe I can get a look at the titled lady before I meet her again.”
As they passed some small houses, Tricia stopped. “What are those buildings for?”
“Those are the old harem buildings.”
“How many are there?”
“Just four. My great-grandfather was more of a libertine. He outfitted several for his mistresses to live in.”
Even though they couldn’t hold hands near the palace, it was thrilling to be walking beside Prince Lawrence and interesting to hear about the history of the kingdom. “So, what are they used for now?”
“My uncle had them remodeled for the housemaids to live in, so they can be on call when we need them.”
She pondered that for a moment. Was he telling the truth or covering up? Surely, he’d see through some flimsy excuse his uncle gave. On the other hand, maybe she’d been wrong, and those were not places for the king’s mistresses after all.
The prince squeezed her hand and smiled at her. “Maybe if I pretend I’m infatuated with you, she’ll lose interest. I can walk into the great hall with my arm around your waist like this.”
She felt his hands, gentle yet possessive on her waist. He pulled her closer until she felt his sturdy thigh against her.
“Don’t be ridiculous. We must keep up the pretense you’re my cousin. If anyone sees us like this, there’ll be gossip.”
He pulled away. “You are right. That was a bad idea. As they approached the palace, a sleek BMW pulled up beside them and stopped.
A footman, dressed in black pants and jacket with gold stripes running down the sleeves and the side of the trousers, emerged and opened the back door closest to them. He turned to the prince and bowed. “Your guest has arrived. She requests you help her alight from the vehicle.”
A sultry scent washed over Tricia as Prince Lawrence strode to the open door, leaving her behind. She felt the loss of warmth. So much for thinking he was interested in her.
He bowed. “Good afternoon, Lady Constantine.” He extended his hand and grasped a dainty white gloved hand.
The rest of her was just as petite. She was impeccably groomed in an elegant canary yellow dress that must have been designed especially for h
er. The dress complimented her blond hair and fair skin. Her blue eyes and coral lips were animated. “Your Highness, I am so delighted to see you. You seem even more handsome than the last time we met.”
She shot a glance at Tricia. “Oh, Allysa, didn’t recognize you at first. It has been months since you visited. Has your chef’ been making scones again?”
Tricia fumed, wishing she could think of a sophisticated come back. “We only have them occasionally.”
Smiling now, Prince Lawrence seemed captivated by the new arrival.
The woman batted her eyelashes at him. “Would you be so kind as to escort me into the palace? It is so huge. I would hate to become lost.” Lady Constantine wrapped her arm around his. “Shall we go?” she asked in a soft, sing-song voice.
Tricia followed, feeling underdressed and overshadowed. As the woman swept by on Lawrence’s arm, Tricia found herself wishing the filmy material would catch on something and tear. Visualizing her standing there with her underwear plainly visible, helped ease the pain of Lawrence’s apparent defection.
Chapter Eleven
Tricia followed Prince Lawrence and Lady Constantine into the great hall. The queen wore a green satin dress that was a bit snug. The gown’s fur-trimmed hem seemed oddly incongruous for summertime. As Tricia stepped closer, she realized it wasn’t fur, but a band of brown velvet. The satin sash and sleeves were also trimmed in brown velvet.
Tricia wanted to hurry to the bedroom to change. Her pants must smell of horse. However, the queen stopped her. “Allysa, I’m sure you and your friend, Lady Constantine, have much to catch up on.”
“Oh, yes,” their guest said. “Let’s get together for tea tomorrow. I can tell you all the interesting things that have gone on in the real world.”
Tricia was ready this time. “We do have CNN, you know.”
“Yes, but I can tell you all the gossip about the British royals, like who’s being seen with whom. If you are going to change into something more presentable, do not let me stop you. Perhaps we can speak together for a few moments at dinner when Sir Lawrence is not entertaining me with tales of his accomplishments.” She tossed a smile at the prince, then grasped his arm, almost pulling him off balance. “Now do show me about your palace. I’m sure it’s very grand.”
His answering smile made Tricia gag. She hurried to her room. Finding Serena there, she asked, “What’s the prettiest dress in Princess Allysa’s closet? I need to outshine the latest lady guest.”
Serena pulled out the green dress. “This would look good with your auburn hair, Your Highness.”
Tricia shook her head. “That won’t do. The queen’s wearing green. Besides, I wore it two nights ago.”
Serena pulled out a golden dress shot with sparkling gold threads. “This is what you should wear.”
Tricia wriggled into the dress. It was a bit tight across the bust and a little lower cut than she usually wore. Serena glanced at Tricia’s reflection in the mirror. She smiled. “Yes. You are better endowed than she.”
“Lady Constantine hinted I gained weight since she saw me, I mean Allysa.”
Serena laughed. “But you have it all in the right places. The prince will have a hard time keeping his eyes off you, as will all the other men.” Serena giggled. “All the better. Maybe one will look enough to make the prince jealous.” Then she sighed.
Tricia smiled and turned this way and that in front of the mirror. “I like the way you think.”
“Now if Your Highness will sit at the dressing table, I will arrange your hair.” She walked to a tall chest. “Here, this is just the right ornament to put in your hair.” She held out a hair clasp with sparkling gold stones arranged in the shape of a butterfly.
Soon Serena had her hair fixed in a flattering style with two wispy curls dangling in front of Tricia’s ears.
Allysa’s maid stared at Tricia’s reflection. “Now, Your Highness, let me see if there’s anything else to make you outshine a woman you Americans would call a hussy.”
Serena’s words were balm to Tricia’s fluttering heart. “You make me look good. I wish I could take you with me when this charade is over, but of course I can’t afford to keep you.”
The maid smiled. “Thank you, Your Highness.” She bustled around looking in drawers. She held out a pair of dangling earrings made with amber beads, gold beads, and cloisonné beads. “Yes. You should wear these.”
Serena looked her up and down. “Now, if you just stand tall, and smile graciously, no matter what she says, you will make a good impression.”
“There’s a columnist in my country, they call her Miss Manners. She always says to ignore rude comments. If she asks a question I don’t want to answer—like how much do I weigh, I’ll just smile and say, ‘Why ever would you want to know that?’”
Serena nodded. “That’s the spirit, Your Highness.”
With her heart in the throat, Tricia advanced to the top of the main stairway, wishing she had a stunning gold necklace to wear. Standing at the top, she took a deep breath, summoned her courage and wrapped an imaginary cloud of serenity around herself before descending. She took each step slowly and deliberately. A musical quartet based near the bottom of the steps began to play as if to announce her entrance.
She smiled and pretended she really was a princess heading to meet her subjects. That was a heady feeling. The earrings swung against her neck as she walked down the stairs. Heads turned to look. One man even winked. She smiled.
Grinning broadly, the prince walked over and held out his hand to her. “Come, Allysa, let me show you to your place at the table.”
Murmurs arose from the assembled guests.
“She’s really blossomed,” said one.
“Quite a beauty,” another said.
“Looks better in a dress than those riding habits she usually wears. She may snag a husband yet.”
Tricia whispered to Lawrence. “Do people always talk about your family loud enough to hear?”
He chuckled. “I am afraid so. It’s a national pastime.”
“Don’t seat me next to Lady Constantine,” she whispered.
“Can’t be helped. She would expect you to want to talk.”
“I thought we were going to have tea together tomorrow.”
“You’ve done well so far. I believe you can continue.”
She smiled. “Thanks for the confidence.”
Sure enough. He led her to a seat next to the English lady. As soon as Tricia sat, the woman turned to her. “I have to admit. One thing your country has going for it is the mild weather. It hasn’t rained since I arrived.”
Tricia met her gaze. “I hope it stays nice for the short time you are here, Lady Constantine.”
“Do call me Beatrice. I plan to stay at least a week or two. You must show me everything that is interesting here. I expect you can find one or two interesting bachelors to accompany me when Prince Lawrence is too busy to attend me. It’s so tiresome to go places without an escort.”
Tricia swallowed a groan and glanced at Lawrence. He just smiled as if to imply that was her problem.
A servant set bowls of yellow soup in front of her. Tricia took one bite—she always enjoyed trying new dishes. However, upon tasting it she found it was made from summer squash, which she detested. She pushed it away.
Lady Constantine frowned and put a cold hand on her wrist. “My dear, you must try it. It’s my favorite recipe. I prevailed upon the cook to prepare it for dinner tonight.”
What would a true princess do? Tricia thought of Miss Manners and knew she had to eat it. She took another spoonful. It tasted just as bad as the first.
Lady Constantine beamed. “Isn’t that delicious?”
“I’m afraid I dare not eat any more. I’m allergic to yellow squash.”
“Well, I’m sure you’ll like the rest of the dinner. I requested all my favorite dishes and wines in the letter I sent on ahead to the cook.”
Tricia stared. What gall the woman had.
/> Lady Constantine beckoned to a waiter. “You must pour Allysa some of my favorite wine, and fill my glass again.”
Luckily, the wine and the rest of the meal were quite delicious. After finishing a delicate whipped cream-filled pastry that kept sliding all over the plate, Tricia leaned back. If she could manage a slippery dessert and deal with a guest this full of herself, it might not be too hard to handle more difficult challenges.
Lawrence nudged her. “One of your suitors is approaching.”
“Which one?”
“The poet.”
“And his name?”
Lawrence shrugged, and she realized the man was too close for the prince to say anything more. The least he could do was to call the man by name or say,’ hello Edward’ or was this Richard? Why couldn’t she remember?
The man adjusted his glasses. Tonight, his longish hair was bound in a leather band. He bowed slightly. “Forgive me for interrupting your dinner, but the butler at the door said there would be dancing later. I do not see Sir Edward Appleby. As I remember, he is your preferred dancing partner, so I wonder if you’d be so kind as to oblige me to share a few words.”
Tricia was about to say she expected him to come later—anything to discourage conversation with him. However, Richard held out a thin bound booklet. “I wrote something for you. I hope you find it entertaining and perhaps think of me while you read it.” His gaze met hers. He was obviously hoping she’d invite him to stay by her side.
Giving him a smile, she said, “I’m sure it will be interesting and thought provoking as only you can write.” She hoped that was the right thing to say. She reached out for the booklet, curious to read what he’d written, even if it wasn’t meant for her. She hoped it wasn’t a love letter. She’d feel guilty for reading something meant for Allysa. He looked somewhat startled. Perhaps it was a love letter after all. Then he bowed and walked out, his dark blond ponytail swinging from side to side against his lean back. She found herself comparing his lean build to Lawrence’s muscular one.
Seeing Lady Constantine deep in conversation with the queen, she whispered to Lawrence. “Will you walk with me to the garden so I can read this.”
