Page 98 of A Touch of Charm
“Because your father is…”
“Dr. Johann von Dürer, of Vienna, and then of Florence. My mother is Sophie von Dürer, born de Lorraine.”
Alex looked at Stan, who responded with a shrug. “You didn’t know about this?”
Stan shook his head.
“Your mother’s a Lorraine?” Alex asked.
“And a granddaughter of the Grimaldis?” Stan asked.
“On my mother’s maternal side, yes.”
“He’s related to the Habsburgs and the Lorraines?” Stan said. “A relation of the House of Lorraine, the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.”
“Thea told me your family was scattered throughout Europe, but you didn’t say you’re related to some of the most royal and noble houses in Europe!” Stan said.
“Except that none of them ever acknowledged you?” Alex added.
“My parents had arranged their wedding, but I was born early. Bein Catholic, there was no way…”
“It couldn’t have been that early, and surely at least six months is enough time to plan a wedding to ensure that one’s child is not a bastard,” Alex said.
Andre bristled, fully knowing that Alex was right, but Thea was listening, and he wouldn’t let the shame of a mishap in timing sully his person. It was enough that he couldn’t redeem his line.
“My father was studying and deeply involved in the effort to advance medicine. He had my mother’s support—”
“But she was with child.”
“And she didn’t have to doubt his love and devotion, so she didn’t want to rush the wedding.”
“Hmpf!” Alex went, but that earned him a gentle punch in the side from Stan.
“Very well, so you wish to marry soon?”
“Yes, Your Royal Highness.”
“What if I say no?”
“I’m afraid you might try to defy the laws of nature.”
“I hardly think unearthing gravitational forces—”
“But biology, perhaps,” Andre said. “The body doesn’t respond to exterior motives and works on its timeline, much like the heart finds its rightful place with the person we love.”
“You mean she might be…?” Alex’s eyes grew wide, and Stan combed both hands through his hair. “She just told us no… so thisjusthappened?”
“If Father knew, he’d kill us for allowing this,” Stan said.
“You let it happen. She was under your watch!” Alex called out.
“While you were doing the same thing at some beach… where were you? Cornwall?” Stan squared his shoulders.
“How dare you speak to your big brother in such a fashion?” Alex faced Stan with his chest stretched out like a peacock.
“Big? You think you’re so grand, but I’m taller.”
Alex slapped his hand flat on Stan’s head. “There, flatten your curls, and you’re just as tall as I am.”
