Page 9 of Second Chance Prince
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 wantedherto 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?”
Chapter Four
Niki pretended to listen to his aunt, Countess Matilda Brooks, but he was watching Roberta and Karl as they twirled around the floor. He wasn’t surprised his brother had asked her to dance—Karl was irritatingly curious when it came to Niki’s personal life, and no doubt he was trying to discover all he could about their relationship. Karl was a far better dancer than Niki, much more graceful and relaxed in his movements. He was relaxed in most things, and Niki had always envied him his friendly manner and the way in which he won everyone over, whereas Niki’s shyness always made meetings with those he didn’t know well awkward and uncomfortable.
Niki’s father had been responsible for several illegitimate children, but Karl had always been the favorite, and when Prince Edgar had brought him into the family fold he had hoped Niki and Karl would become close friends, and Karl seemed to want that too. But as young as he was, Niki had had his position as legal heir drummed into him all too well by then, and he had rejected Karl’s overtures of friendship. Niki suspected that as a child, he was also rather pompous and arrogant, and by the time he had matured, it was too late. As charming and accommodating as Karl always seemed, he had never offered him that sort ofclose, brotherly friendship again. They were polite, but that was about it.
Matilda’s twin daughters were whispering together, no doubt about Niki and Roberta, and probably Karl and Roberta. Maybe they were expecting there to be a love triangle? A duel? Niki had always found his cousins far too dramatic, although he enjoyed their company in small doses. Well, they would have plenty to speculate about after the grand ball, where Niki and Roberta would announce their engagement.
Matilda also had a son, Tomas, who was sixteen and not present tonight. His aunt’s English husband had died four years ago after a long illness, and she had finished her period of mourning. She could have returned to Holtswig, and she did occasionally visit, but she seemed happy to remain in her adopted country and keep her relatives at a distance.
These days, Niki’s closely related family consisted of his mother, who lived in Italy with her lover; his father’s sister Matilda and her three children; Karl, his older half-brother; and Ernest, a younger half-brother. It was a small but powerful group, much like Holtswig itself. His relatives had been shocked and outraged at the attempt on Niki’s life, and he was grateful for their support. But someone was creating unrest in his country, and someone was willing to do everything they could to get rid of him. It could be just a radical few, but Niki could not help but let his thoughts drift into uncomfortable places.
Again, he asked himself who had the most to gain with him gone. Did one of the people he trusted most want to take his place as ruler of Holtswig?
During the dance, even while his thoughts wandered, hisgaze remained on Roberta and Karl, and he saw now that she was laughing at something he had said. Karl was always able to charm the ladies, and he was definitely charming Roberta. Niki felt a tightening inside him, a sensation he wasn’t eager to admit to. He reminded himself that tomorrow, he would meet Roberta for a ride in the park, and during that ride, he would ask for her hand—that was the story they would tell, anyway. Their engagement could then be announced officially.
On the dance floor, Karl threw his head back and laughed aloud. Roberta’s blue eyes sparkled. She was looking particularly stunning in a fashionable pale blue gown, and her dark hair was fastened on top of her head with loose curls that framed her face. The Ashton girls were all lovely, but Niki had always thought there was something particularly fetching about Roberta. Her vivaciousness had caught Niki’s attention from the first—to him, she seemed more alive than anyone else of his acquaintance. She was very animated tonight, and he wondered uneasily if that was because of Karl.
The dance was finally over, and Karl bowed over her hand, raising it to his lips.
That was when Niki realized with dismay what that tight, sick feeling was inside him.
Jealousy.
The following morning was still and chilly, with mist swirling around the tree trunks in the park. It was perfect for riding, but unfortunately, Niki couldn’t relax and enjoy it because this was the day he supposedly made his fictional proposal to Roberta.
Freddie Hart had spoken with him late last night, after the ball was over, and seemed to think all had gone well after Roberta had been introduced. There was a tidal wave of whispers and speculation about his relationship with her, and everyone was set to hear the good news that was to come.
Freddie had also assured him that he and his fellows were doing everything in their power to discover who it was who wanted Niki dead. Names of revolutionaries had been mentioned, those who had long disagreed with the way Holtswig was ruled and the changes that Niki’s father and grandfather had made. They wanted to return to the old ways, but this was nothing new. Niki did not think these people were any more dangerous than previously. He always imagined them huddled in small rooms, whispering sedition but not quite daring to act on it.
No, whatever was happening now was more serious, more personal, and so he told Freddie.
“Who would take your place if you died?” he had asked. “You are the only legitimate heir, is that correct?”
“Yes. My half brothers cannot rule. The Holtswig throne descends firstly through the legitimate male line, but if I were dead, then my aunt’s son would be my heir.” He hardly knew the boy, and he was so young. How could he run the country? But, he reminded himself, he would have Chamberlain Francis to help him. Perhaps he should start to make arrangements now, just in case?
He stopped himself. It was all very well to be practical, but it felt as if he was wishing for the worst. He looked at Freddie and realized the man was watching him with his keen hazel gaze. There was sympathy in his expression too. Niki had been toldthat Hart had spent his early years in a home for orphans. He suspected such an upbringing would harden a man, and yet it seemed Freddie also had a softer side.
Suddenly, all thought of his conversation last night was forgotten as movement stirred the mist in front of him. His heart gave an unexpected jump. The next moment, a horse appeared, galloping toward him, and the woman upon its back was dressed in a dark blue riding habit, with a jaunty hat set upon her dark curls.
