Page 88 of Disenchanted
“Certainly, you may. I will be most anxious to hear about your meeting with Mercato.”
“Then I promise I will come to see you first thing tomorrow morning.” He paused, adding diffidently. “If you would like.”
“I would like that very much.” I smiled, trying not to sound anxious as the clock ticked off another minute. I tried to ease my hand from his, but his grip tightened.
Horatio glanced toward Amy who seemed oblivious to her surroundings. He drew me closer, and I could tell from the longing in his gaze how badly he wanted to kiss me again.
The man certainly deserved it after all he had done for me. I tilted up my head in silent invitation. As Horatio bent closer, my heart quickened with anticipation. I wondered if this kiss would be as heady as his last one had been.
Suddenly I forgot about the time, forgot about Mal, forgot everything as I lost myself in the smoky heat of Horatio’s eyes. Our lips were but a breath away.
Unfortunately, at that moment, the page flung open the door, ushering my stepmother inside. Horatio and I sprang apart, but not quickly enough. Em drew up short, her mouth falling open.
I was further dismayed when I saw her old beau, Lord Redmond, trailing after her. When His Lordship also halted in surprise, I felt my cheeks burn bright red. Horatio colored a trifle, but he managed to snap off a military bow.
“Prunella Upton! What in the world is going on?” my stepmother cried, her indignation focused on me. “All that foolish page would tell me is that one of my daughters was in dire need of me.” Her glare shifted to include Horatio. “I can see that the fellow did not exaggerate.”
“I am fine, Em,” I said. “But Amy is not.”
Regrettably, for the second time that night, I found myself using my drunken sister as a distraction. I gestured toward the settee.
“Amy?” My stepmother frowned as she took in the sight of Amy’s inert, disheveled form.
Amy roused at the sound of her mother’s voice, enough to open one bleary eye. My sister had reached that stage when the ebullience produced by the wine had been replaced by the inevitable drinker’s remorse.
She moaned. “Don’t feel good, Mama.”
“Oh, my dearest girl!” Em fluttered over to the settee. She bent down to caress Amy’s brow only to reel back in shock at the strong whiff of spirits emanating from my sister’s breath.
I exchanged a rueful look with Horatio before hastening toward Em to explain. I would have preferred to do so without Lord Redmond present. I knew nothing about Chuffy other than he was Em’s former suitor and an accomplished flirt. He seemed fond of my stepmother, but I had no idea whether his discretion was to be trusted.
His Lordship appeared discomfited by our little family drama, enough that I hoped he would make his excuses and leave. When he did not do so, I was obliged to continue.
I told Em what had happened as succinctly as possible, all the while conscious of that clock ticking away. I braced myself for anything from a bout of tears to complete hysterics. I was surprised when Em only clucked her tongue at Amy.
“To be sure, Amy and Prince Dahl did behave imprudently—”
“Dashy,” Amy mumbled.
“But if there is a possibility the young man has fallen in love with her and intends to make her his princess…”
“Won’t live that long,” Amy groaned. “Think I am dying, Mama.”
From the gleam in my stepmother’s eye, I surmised that she was already planning a royal wedding. Em could be rather foolish at times and indulge in the most preposterous fantasies, but this was a bit much, even for her.
“Em! Prince Dahl’s intentions toward Amy were completely dishonorable,” I said.
“Indeed!” Lord Redmond had listened to my account in grave silence. He startled me when he spoke up. “The young rascal ought to be thrashed.”
“Chuffy!” Em protested. “You are speaking of a prince.”
“Who did his best to ruin Amy’s reputation and he would have succeeded if not for Commander Crushington. You must thank him…” I trailed off as I realized that at some point Horatio had stolen quietly out of the room.
“Of course, I shall express my gratitude to the commander,” Em said. “I shall send him a note in the morning.”
“A note? No, you must do it up proper and invite the young man to tea,” Lord Redmond insisted.
“But, Chuffy!” Em lowered her voice and muttered something about not wanting to encourage the commander’s attentions to me.
