Page 67 of A Touch of Charm
Stan’s gaze caught Thea’s. He was stifling a laugh.
“Lady Anna Ashford, this is my brother, Prince Stan.”
Mary chuckled and curtsied out of turn. Thea had to explain this to her again later when they were alone. “And this is Miss Mary White, my ward.”
“I’ve bandaged the prince. The prince!” Mary twirled. “And he’s all better now!” She danced and sang to herself until she disappeared out the door, and her little voice was audible in the hall.
“She fancies herself a nurse,” Stan said as he bowed and took a seat.
“Wasn’t it the other arm that was injured?” Thea squinted.
“Yes.”
And just like that, Stan’s visit lightened the mood.
After introductory platitudes had been exchanged—and Thea was most impressed with her brother’s newly perfected skills in British small talk—Stan produced a letter from his waist pocket. “Our parents sent an urgent note.” He handed it to Thea.
Her heart dropped, and she was glad she was seated because her knees would have surely given way. This was it—the missive calling her back.
“We don’t have much time till he comes to Town, so you need to brace yourself,” Stan said before Thea could unfold the letter.
Oh no, Prince Ralph wasn’t coming to call her as his bride, was he?
She forgot to breathe.
My Dearest Daughter,
It is with the utmost regard for our family’s precarious standing that we write to you. Your brother, Alexander, will soon arrive in London to make the acquaintance of his betrothed. It is now incumbent upon you, dear children, to embrace the duties that accompany your noble stations. Upon your return, we expect you to have secured an engagement befitting our lineage with a Habsburg as you have been destined.
In our absence, we have entrusted your brothers with the authority to bless your union. May this endeavor be successful and honorable, reflecting the dignity of our family.
With all our love and expectations of a bright future for each of our children,
Your Devoted Parents
“What did it say?” Anna asked.
“As soon our brother, Alex, arrives in London, we need to take care of some unpleasant business. And then Thea’s engagement can be announced.”
“No, it cannot,” Thea set her cup down and crossed her arms.
“Wait!” Stan held his hand up. “I have an idea.”
“Hopefully a good one,” Thea said. Anna, however, seemed much more interested.
“We use it to introduce you to Society. I’m sure my friends, the Langleys, will be happy to throw you a ball. And then you can stay for the whole Season.” Stan smiled as if he’d had the best idea yet.
“I’m supposed to remain hidden,” Thea protested.
“You didn’t manage it too well to date, so perhaps you make a grand entrance when Alex is here. We’ll be ready to confront Baron von List then,” Stan said.
“Not with Prince Ralph. I’m not agreeing to marry him. So I need no ball.”
“I’ll throw this ball for you, Thea,” Anna said. Color returned to her face. “For once, I’d like to make one of these expensive affairs useful.”
“But it wouldn’t be an engagement ball, and you can’t throw a ball from the rehabilitation center. There’re patients here,” Thea protested, unsure whether Anne or Stan even heard her. Once aristocrats wished to have a ball, there was no return. So if it had to happen, perhaps it could be the kind that would make Andre feel a little more at home? Could he and the other doctors be invited?
“How about a Viennese ball?” Thea suggested. She saw a smile creeping up Stan’s face, but Anna gave a skeptic glance.
