Page 42 of A Problem Princess

Reform without tyranny and violence was the only lasting way to create meaningful change. While the English constitution evolved at a glacial speed, itcouldbe changed, and over time it would move toward justice.

Lately, though, the pace was damnably slow, even for Clayton. And yet, “I have no intention of stopping.”

“Good,” Merritt murmured thoughtfully, as if he didn’t quite believe Clayton, “because I’d hate to think that you took on the role of the princess’s guard only because of fathers.”

Clayton frowned, confused. “What do you mean?”

“Prince Reginald, of course.”

Cordelia’s father. “He died over a decade ago.” Wariness clenched its icy fingers around Clayton’s chest. “What about him?”

“Rumors have been circulating on the Continent among soldiers and sailors about his behavior during the wars. Those stories followed the Monrovians here to England and are making the rounds in the dockside taverns. I’m surprised you haven’t heard yet.”

Clayton shook his head. He’d been too busy with Cordelia and tracking down Scepter to pay attention to rumors. “Stories about what, exactly?”

“How he was responsible for the deaths of thousands of his own soldiers.”

Clayton’s heart stopped.

Thirteen

“I don’t know why I have to attend tonight’s dinner,” Cordelia mumbled as she turned her gaze out the carriage window.

She’d hoped to catch whatever passing glimpse of nighttime London she could as the carriage made its way along the Strand toward the grand town house of Lord Harrowby, Lord President of the Privy Council. But not enough of the street was lit by the handful of gas lamps for her to see anything except footpaths and front doors.

She frowned. “Uncle Ernest should be meeting with the king’s cabinet, not me. I know nothing about trade agreements or international relations.” In her role as princess, she’d rarely had to do more than smile. The extensive education her parents had insisted on giving her seemed such a waste now. “All the men at tonight’s dinner will realize that.”

“Your uncle Monrovia is fatigued,” Marie answered curtly.

The comtesse had not been pleased with Cordelia since the start of their trip. The confrontation with the nurse and last night’s extended absence certainly hadn’t helped. But Marie and Uncle Ernest couldn’t keep her locked away for the duration of their visit, as tonight’s outing proved.

“He didn’t want to cancel the dinner at the last moment and knows you will serve well in his place.” Marie paused, and then the real reason Uncle Ernest begged off sneaked out. “He also feels that tonight his place is at the palace with the royal dukes.”

Ah, so they were back to them.Again.

Truly, Cordelia would be glad when they decided among themselves which one would marry her. How long could it take to draw straws or cut cards, for heaven’s sake? Then, she could turn her focus to the wedding and…and what came after.

She squelched a shudder. She knew what happened between husbands and wives and how babies were made, but she simply couldn’t imagine doingthatwith one of the royal dukes.

“I’d like to go over tonight’s guest list again,” Marie said.

“No need.”

“I insist.”

Cordelia sent her a cutting glance, then turned back to the window. “So do I.”

The comtesse stiffened at Cordelia’s uncharacteristic dismissal. “Is something the matter, Your Highness? You have not been acting at all yourself these past few days.”

Cordelia nearly laughed! She’d been brought across Europe to audition for marriage to men who were twice her age, and four days ago a knife had been pressed to her throat. But Marie was concerned that she wasn’t behaving likeherself?

She’d never wanted to flee more in her life than she did at that moment. Just leap from the rolling carriage, run straight into the night, and disappear into the shadows.

Instead, she was being delivered to a dinner party hosted by one of the king’s leading ministers where she would be expected to look like a little doll, hold scintillating small talk about topics that bored her silly, and not show herself to be too intelligent. Men didn’t like women who were too competent, intelligent, outgoing…

Except Clayton.

He seemed to like all those things about her. But then, the general turned viscount was proving to be the most unusual man she’d ever met.