A Royal Kiss and Tell

It vexed her no end that she could scarcely think of anyone else but Leopold. She would be glad when he was gone from their shores, because as long as he was here, she was consumed with thoughts of him. He was a sickness, a fever she couldn’t shake. It was maddening to think of him so often and to constantly recall that night and the way his mouth felt on her. It was absurd to pine for a man who would rather dip his wick into the poor maids across Mayfair. It was infuriating to still want to be near him after what had happened in Arundel.

Caroline didn’t make sense to herself anymore. She’d never been like this—she’d always known exactly what she wanted and was quick to withdraw her affections or attention the moment a gentleman became bothersome. But not this one—this one, this prince, made her feel ravenous, as if she couldn’t get enough of him. As if she’d eaten an entire raspberry cake and still wanted her supper.

Oh, but he’d done it, that scoundrel. He was persona non grata in any respectable house after what had happened in Arundel. Word had spread quickly...perhaps because she’d come back and gone directly to Hollis.

She’d not heard a word from him since their return, either. Every time someone came to the door, she would rush to the railing above the entry and remain just out of sight to see who had come, in the same manner she used to do when she was a girl. In the same manner she’d done in Constantine Palace. It was never anyone but Beck and his friends. Why didn’t he call? Why didn’t he at least call on Beck? She was desperate to ask her brother if he had ended his friendship with the prince on principle. That didn’t sound like Beck, but then again, there were occasions when he would step out on principle.

On the other hand, she didn’t dare ask Beck a thing lest she risk him knowing all the confusing thoughts rattling around her.

Whatever had transpired between Beck and Leopold, it seemed apparent by week’s end that they’d gone their separate ways. Beck hadn’t mentioned him at all, and now he’d departed to Sussex. She was left with nothing. No explanation, nothing but the burning hole in her heart.

WHEN PRINCE LEOPOLD DID, at last, call on the Hawke household, he did so at the most inopportune time. Uncle Hogarth and Aunt Clarissa were in her salon, flanking their young friend, the perfectly polite and handsome Viscount Ainsley. Lord Ladley had arrived, too, clearly having heard of the Hogarth visit from Beck, and clearly not wanting to lose ground to an interloper who’d only just returned from America.

Generally, Caroline would be beside herself with glee to have so many gentlemen assembled in her salon. There was nothing more pleasing than when a prince came calling while others were around to witness. But not this prince and not this time. The moment Garrett said his name, she’d wished the floor would open up and swallow her guests whole.

The five of them were to dine at the Debridges’ house that evening, along with ten other souls. Someone had brought up the prospect of dancing, and Aunt Clarissa had lamented the fact that she had not learned the latest Alucian dance making its rounds of London salons. Uncle Hogarth had boasted that Caroline was a fine dancer, and to the merriment of all, Caroline was attempting to show her aunt the dance steps as the gentlemen had a port. They were all laughing when Garrett interrupted to announce a caller.

“Oh?” Caroline said, surprised. “Who is it?”

“His Royal Highness Prince Leopold.”

Her heart fluttered instantly, and she was thankful she was standing behind her aunt, because she could feel the heat creeping into her face. “Oh.” She wanted to sound light and carefree, but was certain her voice sounded pinched. Her throat felt strained, actually, much like her chest. “Have you informed him Beck has gone to Sussex?”

“Yes, madam. He wishes to give you his regards.”

Caroline peeked around her aunt. “Then...”

“Then you must show him in,” her aunt said.

Garrett looked at Caroline.

“Yes. That’s what you should do,” Caroline agreed, and forced a smile. As Garrett went to fetch him, she said, “Do please forgive the intrusion.”

“Think nothing of it, Lady Caroline,” Ladley said at once. Lord Ainsley looked as if he thought something of it.

But her uncle said jovially, “It will be my pleasure to make his acquaintance. In spite of all I’ve heard.” He chortled.

When Leopold entered, he seemed surprised at the number of people assembled but was clearly practiced in collecting himself. He bowed. “I beg your pardon for the interruption.”

“Your Highness, how good of you to call after all this time,” Caroline said, and sank into a curtsy.

“Thank you. I, ah—”

“You know Lord Ladley,” she said, twirling away from him. She introduced her aunt and uncle, and Lord Ainsley, as well. When she’d finished the introductions, she turned back to him. “I regret that we were on our way out,” she said.

“Yes, perhaps we ought to be on our way,” Ladley said, offering his arm. “Supper is at nine.”