Chapter Three #2
A glance at Niki showed he was watching her face, as if he wanted to read her thoughts, and that would never do. She needed to distract him.
“Are you close to your half brother?” she asked curiously, hoping this was an acceptable question.
But Niki answered easily enough. “He has his own household in Holtswig, but he is a member of my council, so I see him most days.”
That didn’t really answer her question, but she let it pass. “And the others?” She nodded back toward the entourage. “I don’t know anyone, Niki. Shouldn’t I know who they are if we are to be engaged?”
“I should have introduced you,” he admitted, “and no doubt my aunt will have something to say to me later. I thought it best to wait. She will be curious and start asking questions I am not ready to answer. You need to prepare yourself. My family can be overwhelming, and I didn’t want that for you tonight.
You will get to know them soon enough.” He hesitated, “Tonight, I thought I should have you to myself. I am supposed to be in love with you, am I not?”
“Oh. Yes.”
He smiled. “Good, that is good.”
It was nicely said, and her heart did give a little flutter, but Roberta suspected it was more that he just didn’t want to be bombarded with questions, especially if, as Karl had said, Niki had not shown any particular preference for a female before this.
And that in itself made her wonder. A man in his early twenties, handsome, powerful…
Surely Niki had known other women? She was not a fool, and she understood how this world worked.
She opened her mouth, but thankfully, before she could ask any inappropriate questions, their dance ended.
He bowed. “I will call for you tomorrow morning at seven,” he said. “We will ride together.”
“I look forward to it,” she replied, smiling.
Was that it? Evidently so. A moment later, Gabriel was at her side, leading her off the floor.
“You did very well,” he said, trying not to sound as if he had expected otherwise. Then, with a swift searching gaze, “Are you all right, Robbie?”
The pet name warmed her, and she relaxed. “We are to ride at seven tomorrow morning.”
“I know. Freddie says it was already arranged. They will put out a story that he asked you to marry him during the ride. Then your engagement will be announced at the grand ball he is holding next week.”
Roberta gave a nervous laugh. “You know a great deal more than me! I did not even realize he had a half brother until now.”
“Don’t worry. You don’t need to know everything.
Just pretend you are in love with him.” It was similar to what Niki had said.
Gabriel shot her a smile that made her blush with embarrassment, and she suddenly wondered if he knew about her silly girlhood infatuation.
She supposed that in one way that would help her pretend to be under Niki’s spell—she knew how it felt when one glance from the prince’s dark eyes made her feel about to swoon.
But love? Roberta had never been in love with anyone.
“I’ll do my best,” she said.
“I have confidence in you, and so does Freddie.”
She thought for a moment. “What exactly does Freddie do in the government?” she asked curiously. “I’m not quite sure.”
“He belongs to an inner circle called The Guardians. They serve the government and protect certain high-level dignitaries. In this case, they are protecting the prince. I imagine it would be rather awkward for the prime minister if he were to be assassinated on British soil.”
“Bad form!” Roberta laughed awkwardly. “Not to mention unfortunate for Niki.”
Gabriel gave her a look. “Very.” Then his face brightened as he looked past her. “Here is Vivienne. I will leave you with her. Unless you want to dance with me?”
“No,” she said, letting him off the hook. She knew how much Gabriel disliked dancing. “I will rest my feet in case someone else asks me,” she teased.
He nodded, and then Vivienne was smiling at her and leaning in close. She looked particularly beautiful in a rose-pink dress with the Ashton emeralds about her throat.
“Roberta, you and the prince looked so handsome together. I am sure you convinced any doubters.” Her gray eyes were watchful and a little sympathetic.
“I’m trying not to think about how strange this is.”
Vivienne patted her hand. “Well, I’m here if you need me. Austin is teething again,” she added, with a sigh. “It was bad enough the first time. I hope he is not crying his eyes out.”
“I’m sure his nursemaid will cheer him up.”
Vivienne smiled. She had personally chosen the nurse for her son, but she still fretted when she was not nearby.
“I know. I will be glad when this is all over and we can settle into family life again.” Then, with a quick smile at Roberta, “Sorry. I don’t mean I am not willing to help in any way I can.
And Freddie has hinted that our cooperation in the matter could mean we receive some sort of recompense. ”
“Oh, you mean the money?” Roberta burst out.
“Roberta!” her sister-in-law gasped, glancing about.
“Sorry,” Roberta said in a much quieter voice. “Freddie did mention it. I think it would be wonderful. Grantham is in a sad state. I mentioned to the prince the night he was hurt that the east wing had fallen down at last.”
Vivienne gave her a curious look. “You mentioned we were in dire straits?”
Roberta bit her lip. “Oh, you know how I waffle on. I was nervous, and he seemed interested.”
“Maybe that was what gave him the idea to use you,” she said thoughtfully. Her gaze sharpened when she saw Roberta’s confusion. “It was the prince who put your name forward as his partner in this matter, you know. Not Freddie.”
“That cannot be right. Are you sure?”
Now it was Vivienne’s turn to look confused. “I think so. Yes, I’m sure it was his idea. I could be wrong. Austin kept me awake the past few nights.”
Niki had wanted her to be his pretend partner? But why? Surprised and shocked, Roberta opened her mouth to ask more questions, but a gentleman was bowing before her. She looked up into the smiling face of Karl, Niki’s brother, just as he said, “Lady Roberta, may I have the honor of this dance?”