“She is, after all, from Texas.”
“What did you expect?”
“I heard she waited tables for a living.”
“In a truck stop, of all places!”
Every time she thought about what could go wrong, her stomach clenched with worry. She didn’t have time to hyperventilate, though, because Gwendolyn kept her busy with protocol and etiquette. There were numerous fittings for the dress she was wearing tonight, plus she’d spent time with her mother during her fittings for an elegant taupe floor-length silk sheath and matching jacket.
Charlene Jacks was so excited about attending this formal event. She’d reveled in each meeting with the royal family, whether breakfast with Ariel and Alexi, tea with the king or casual contact around the palace. Kerry knew that before the big event tonight she should have told her mother that she’d accepted Alexi’s proposal, but there hadn’t been a good time. After they’d returned from the country inn, they had been so busy…and she hadn’t felt like telling anyone, not even her mother.
When not being pinned, primped, informed or advised by Gwendolyn, Kerry discovered she actually enjoyed the palace and the people. Belegovians were cheerful and warm—unlike their British-raised king—and accepted her at the same time they were intrigued by her accent and mannerisms. Alexi was right; almost everyone spoke English. Of course, eventually she’d have to learn their language.
Their child would learn Belegovian, she thought, pressing her hand to her tummy and smiling. The baby became more real every day, especially since Alexi reveled in becoming a father. He couldn’t wait to tell everyone.
“Feeling okay?” Alexi asked, entering her bedroom with a velvet box in one hand.
“Yes, just thinking,” she said with a smile.
“I have something for you to wear tonight.” He held out the box, then covered it with his hand. “One thing,” he said before she reached for it. “It’s very old, very traditional and everyone will know my intentions when you wear it tonight.”
“Kind of like an engagement ring?”
“Exactly. Except, it’s a necklace. It’s over a hundred and fifty years old, made for one of my ancestors and worn by every Belegovian royal bride since then.”
“Okay. An engagement necklace.”
“Only it’s not exactly…pretty. I’d hoped my father had left it in England, but he reminded me of it yesterday.”
Kerry’s smile faded, but then she remembered her friends talking about what odd taste men sometimes had. What women thought was stylish or attractive was often the opposite of what a man would choose. She shrugged. “I’m sure it’s not that bad.”
Chapter Thirteen
He opened the lid of the purple velvet box. Resting inside was a heavy gold pendant, mermaids enameled in green, purple and creamy white, with heavy pearl drops embellished in diamonds and rubies. In the center was a carved carnelian likeness of someone—probably one of Alexi’s female ancestors, surrounded by small diamonds and emeralds.
“Haven’t I seen this someplace before? Like maybe in a portrait or a photograph?”
“Yes, I believe more than one of my ancestors sat for their likeness wearing this pendant.”
“Now I remember! The one who posed with Queen Victoria was wearing this as a brooch.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“So Queen Victoria was sitting next to someone wearing this exact piece of jewelry?”
“That’s right.”
“That is so cool!” she said. “This is a piece of history.”
“It’s just a piece of jewelry. Not a very pretty one, at that, but it’s traditional.”
She threw her arms around his neck, startling him for a moment. Then he responded, pulling her close. “Thank you. It’s wonderful. I’ll be proud to wear it.”
She felt him smile against her hair. “You’re welcome. The good news is that I’ll buy you a real engagement ring as soon as we can go shopping. Perhaps to Paris or Antwerp. You’ll only need to wear the necklace on formal occasions.”
“Oh, sure. Paris or Antwerp.” She wondered if she’d ever get used to name-dropping cities or designers or fashion centers like she used to say, “I’m going to the outlet mall in San Marcos for some new Levi’s.”
“Now, there’s one more thing I’d like to discuss with you.”
“You sound serious.”
“This affects our future.” He leaned back to gaze into her eyes. “We had such a wonderful time on our short trip to the country that I wondered if you’d like to have a country home. Someplace we could go to escape the palace. Or maybe even live there and visit the palace, at least when we’re first married.”
“Really? We could do that?”
“Yes, we could. I thought you might be happier in a setting outside the city, since you grew up in a small town. There are several manor homes for sale. We would probably have to renovate, but that might be fun. What do you think?”
She thought he might be worrying about her living in the palace, but that would be a tacky thing to say, so she didn’t. Or maybe she was just being too sensitive. After all, Alexi’s idea was a good one.
“I think I’d like to have a house of our own, even if it is a part-time residence.”
“Splendid. I’ll get started on that right away.”
KERRY WAS SO NERVOUS by the time she descended the grand staircase for the formal dinner that she felt she might become a butterfly and flit away from all the pressure. Thirty people would be eating dinner in the huge dining room, then afterward there were musicians who would entertain.
The spectacle seemed like something out of one of the historical romances she sometimes read, and she definitely felt like the not-so-innocent country miss who had been courted or seduced by the powerful lord. Only Alexi was more than one of the earls or dukes in those romances. He was a real, live prince. And this wasn’t a work of fiction; this was her life. Her new life, in a palace in a foreign country.
Thankful she was wearing gloves with her lavender-purple iridescent gown, she put on her best smile as Alexi introduced her and her mother to the guests. He stood on one side of her, with her mother on his other side, next to Gwendolyn. On Kerry’s right stood Ariel and Andrew, who often made amusing observations and kept Kerry from getting too serious about all the dignitaries.
All but a few spoke English, so she could at least talk to them. Although, she couldn’t imagine having a lengthy conversation with anyone. After all, what did they have in common?
When she met the Belegovian finance minister, however, Alexi made a point of mentioning she was also in finance at an American company that had several government contracts. Where Alexi had learned that information, she had no idea! But the minister was very polite and spoke to her about the current world financial situation and how interest rates and the bond market impacted her employer’s business, and for that she was grateful.
Just as the last few people went through the receiving line, the king departed, then returned with a striking, dark-haired woman. Kerry thought she might be the king’s date, but then, he was still married to an English lady, so that seemed unlikely. Surely he wouldn’t flaunt a romantic relationship in front of his family and government officials.
“Ms. Jacks, Mrs. Jacks, may I introduce Contessa Fabiana Luisa di Giovanni?”
Kerry felt the blood literally drain from her head. She must appear white as a sheet; her freckles were probably popping out all over her nose and cheeks. Beside her, she felt Alexi tense. He obviously hadn’t expected to see his former almost-fiancée at tonight’s gathering.
“Ms. Jacks,” the contessa said in a heavy accent.
Kerry extended her hand automatically and received a very faint handshake in response. The contessa was as beautiful as Kerry had feared, with luminous dark eyes, flawless olive skin and thick, rich dark hair. And she was tall. At least five feet nine inches or so in heels.
She and Alexi would have made a striking couple. The thought popped into Kerry�
��s head before she could stop the mental image from forming. No wonder the king wanted his son to marry this woman. She’d make a spectacular queen.
“Pleased to meet you, Contessa,” Kerry managed to say, thankful for the hours of drilling Gwendolyn had given her. “I’ve heard so much about you.”
“Ah, I have heard so little about you. We must talk,” the contessa said with a calculating smile, her eyes glued to the heavy, ornate “engagement” necklace Alexi had given Kerry earlier.
Before she could come up with a response, the king steered the contessa down the line after she’d lingered over Alexi’s bow and the way he’d kissed her knuckles, just like in one of those old movies. Very gallant. What was he feeling? Was he sorry the contessa wasn’t the one standing beside him?
No, she had to quit thinking that way. He’d made his feelings very clear on the subject; he didn’t prefer the contessa. He wasn’t in love with her, and she was only after a title.
Although how anyone could want a title more than Alexi, the man, was beyond belief. Of course the contessa wanted him. Had she ever had him? The question plagued Kerry, but fortunately, Radko, the butler, called them in for dinner.
The long dark wood table was set with beautiful china and crystal that reflected both the chandeliers overhead and the candelabra of ivory candles on the table. Flowers alternated with the gold-plated centerpieces to provide an atmosphere of opulence. Kerry found it hard to believe that just fifteen years ago, Belegovia had been a country struggling to survive the Soviet withdrawal.
Alexi and his father had done a marvelous job returning the palace and the country to its former splendor. Ariel and Andrew didn’t take credit for the success since they’d been younger and in school most of the time. Still, Kerry could see the importance of the entire royal family in providing a tangible image for the country.
Dinner was a never-ending, lavish affair with multiple courses served by an army of uniformed servants. Kerry wanted to speak to them, to thank them as they removed each plate or refilled her water glass, but she didn’t dare. Gwendolyn had coached her on the proper etiquette, which included not becoming too chummy with the waitstaff during a formal dinner. She’d also said that if Kerry was particularly pleased with their attention to detail, she could tell them later in the kitchens. That did seem like a sensible compromise. After all, she knew how hard it was to wait tables and could certainly identify with their jobs, even though she’d hardly equate the truck stop to a formal dinner at the palace.
Just when she thought she’d have an accident if she didn’t get to the ladies’ room real soon, the king announced the dinner closed with a final toast. Kerry raised her water glass while everyone else sipped wine, receiving a speculative look from the contessa. Oh, who cared! Everyone was going to know soon enough that she was pregnant.
The gentlemen pulled out the chairs for the ladies, then everyone drifted toward the music room, where a string quartet had set up their instruments earlier and played throughout dinner. Kerry understood from Gwendolyn that a local soprano and her piano accompaniment would entertain the guests. Kerry wasn’t much for opera, so when her mother pulled her aside, she was glad for the distraction.
“I believe I stepped on my hem. I need to check it,” her mother whispered. “I hope I didn’t rip the fabric!”
“I’m about to pop if I don’t get to the little girls’ room,” Kerry whispered back. “What do you say we slip away from this hoopla?”
Charlene Jacks smiled. “I’m right beside you.”
The two of them made their way up the grand stairs and found Charlene’s guest room without incident. Kerry made a dash for the rest room, while her mother searched in her overnight bag for the little mending kit she always carried.
“It pulled loose a bit more than I’d thought,” she said, threading a needle, “but it’s not ripped. Why don’t you go back downstairs and I’ll be down as soon as possible?”
“I can stay with you. We’ll go down together.”
“Nonsense. You need to attend the musicale. After all, this little shindig is in your honor.”
“In our honor,” Kerry reminded her.
“Right,” Charlene chuckled, “like I’m the one marrying the prince. Go on. I’ll be down before you know it.”
Kerry didn’t see any way to stay longer, so she did as her mother had suggested. Since she didn’t want to call attention to herself, however, she decided to go down the back stairs, which she believed would connect her to the hallway just to the rear of the music room. Maybe she could slip in unnoticed.
She managed to find the stairs and get her bearings, following the sound of the soprano singing in some foreign language Kerry didn’t understand. She passed several closed doorways, then one partially open. Inside she heard men’s voices. Alexi’s voice in particular, and he didn’t sound happy. Kerry stopped and pressed herself to the cool woodwork and listened.
“I CANNOT BELIEVE you invited Fabiana to the dinner,” Alexi said, clenching his fists as he paced the length of the library. “You should have known that whatever relationship existed between us is over.”
“She’s a fine young woman. I felt very bad over the abruptly canceled event two weeks ago.”
“Fine. Then send her flowers. Send her a note. But don’t invite her to this dinner, which was planned to introduce Kerry and her mother to our officials and friends.”
“Think about your decision. The contessa is much more suitable to be your wife than Ms. Jacks.”
“Let me say this again, I am not marrying Fabiana! I have already proposed to Kerry and she has finally accepted. Everyone will soon acknowledge my decision to wed, once Gwendolyn writes a press release for Monday morning.”
“I think the pendant you gave to the young woman was proof enough of your intentions.”
“You were the one who reminded me of the tradition.”
“I didn’t realize you would be in such a rush to put it around her neck!”
“I’m in a rush to get her to the altar!”
“Only because she is carrying your child. Otherwise, we would not be in this situation.”
“Yes, she is carrying my child. And unless you disown me, the child will be the future ruler of Belegovia.”
“There is no reason to rush into any commitments regarding the child.”
“This is my child and my decision.”
“You may have more children. Take your time.”
“Is that what you did, Father? Evaluate each of us to see which was the most suitable?”
“No, but the situation was different.”
“Then is it because Kerry is a commoner? Do you think her child is not suitable for that reason? May I remind you that Mother is a commoner?”
“Yes, and look at how that turned out!” His father passed a hand over his face while Alexi fumed, defeated by his own argument. Was his mother’s desertion at the heart of his father’s resistance? And what did it matter?
“Not only is Kerry a commoner, but she worked at a truck stop restaurant in the wilds of Texas. Her mother is still a waitress. Do you honestly want the future rulers of our country to be descended from such people?”
KERRY FELT like sinking to the carpet. She stumbled several steps down the hall, but her shaking legs would hardly support her, so she leaned against the wall. When she realized how light-headed she’d become, she made herself breathe deeply. Gradually the spots she was seeing went away, her legs stopped shaking, and her stomach no longer felt as if she were on a roller coaster.
But her heart was broken, crushed and bleeding inside her chest. She had to get away. She had to get out of Alexi’s life and out of his palace.
The king didn’t believe she was worthy, and chances were that others wouldn’t, either. She remembered the paparazzi, so ready to dig up dirt on Alexi, Hank and even herself until Alexi had held a press conference and covered up their runaway road trip. Now he wanted to marry her, but he’d even suggested they live away from the p
alace. He wanted to keep her out of the spotlight so people wouldn’t talk about her inadequacies, or even laugh behind her back.
He wasn’t ashamed of her, but he would be. He’d be sorry he married her, and then their love would turn to something ugly and sad.
Running up the stairs as quickly as possible, she found her mother’s room. Wearing a big smile and her repaired dress, her mother was ready to go back to the party.
“We have to leave, Mama. We have to leave now.”
“YOU MAY NOT THINK much of their occupation, but Kerry worked damned hard to put herself through college. No one gave her a dime. And her mother supported three children after their father walked away. She didn’t give up, she didn’t go on welfare. Those two women are both survivors, both of them are fighters and any family would be proud to have them join their ranks.”
“This family is different. We are newly established. Every decision we make has an impact on our country.”
“And you don’t think the people will admire Kerry? You’re out of touch with reality if you believe those old British axioms about mixing classes. People now love a Cinderella story, but even if they didn’t, they’ll love Kerry once they get to know her.”
“You don’t know that. She’s only been here a few days. All I’m asking is for you to think about this decision.”
“All I’ve done is think about it. Mostly, thinking about how I can convince Kerry that I’m good enough for her!”
“Don’t be absurd.”
“Don’t be obtuse! If you don’t think Kerry is good enough for a prince, then I’ll—I’ll denounce my role as crown prince. I’d rather be a commoner with Kerry by my side than a king married to a woman I don’t love.”
His father sighed. “If you care for her that much, what can I say?”
“You’ve already said enough,” Alexi stated, turning on his heel and marching out of the library.
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