Page 71 of A Royal Kiss & Tell
“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, howgoodof 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.”
“I wish we’d known to expect you,” she said. “I could have spared you the trip here.”
“Hmm,” he said, his gaze steady on hers.
“Shall I give Beck a message when he returns?”
He smiled slowly. Her heart felt as if it was beating out of her chest.
“That won’t be necessary, thank you. But if I may intrude for one more minute before you go...might I have a word, Lady Caroline?”
“Well...” She glanced at her guests.
“I won’t take but a moment.”
“Yes, of course,” she said, and gestured for him to speak.
His brows dipped. “I had hoped for a word in private.”
“Ah. Well, as you can see...”
“Caro, darling, you should hear him,” her aunt suggested.
“Of course you must, Caro,” her uncle added. “We’ll be here when you’re done. Take all the time you need.”
Caroline shot Leopold a look. “Very well. But I won’t need long at all.”
The prince stepped to one side to allow her access to the door. She walked out of the room. She supposed Leopold followed. She was so angry and confused and annoyed that she marched down the hall to the small receiving salon near the front of the house. She walked into the room, whirled about and folded her arms.
Leopold entered behind her, quietly closed the door, and smiled. “Well. From the reception I’ve received from you and your guests, it would appear my reputation is even worse than I feared.”
“Oh, it’s quite awful,” she agreed.
“You’re cross with me about Jacleen,” he said, pushing away from the door.
Caroline gaped at him. Then she laughed. “How astute of you! I can’t believe you would utter her name out loud.”
“Why wouldn’t I?” he asked as he slowly advanced on her, his gaze moving over her. “Her name is Jacleen Bouvan. She is a Weslorian from the mountains that border Alucia.”
Caroline frowned with confusion. Why was he telling her this? What possible reason? Had she been his lover before? Or... Why was hesmilingat her? “Did you think I would find it amusing that you took a maid from her gainful employment and...” She stopped talking before she said aloud what she feared he’d done.
“No. Did you think so ill of me that you’d believe I’d find such pleasure with you, then only hours later take advantage of that poor woman?”
Didshe think so poorly of him? At the moment, she didn’t want to think of him at all. But if shedidthink of him, she desperately wanted to think poorly of him. It helped her prepare for his inevitable departure. For his perfidy. “I don’t know, Leopold—are you really so different from any other man?”
