Page 80 of The Love Potion
“Hopefully,” the duchess said not-so-tartly, “you will have more glorious things to remember than tonight.”
“I don’t think so,” she returned. Certainly, she had a lovely future ahead as the duke’s mistress. But eventually he would marry someone else. Eventually he would tire of her. When that happened, she hoped that she would have enough money stored up to live quietly with her brother. Perhaps near enough to Zoe to know her cousin’s children.
“That’s because you are young yet,” the lady said. “In truth, you have no idea what is to happen to you.”
Well, that was enigmatic. But there was no time to question it as a royal footman lined them up for their presentation to the prince. The girls were placed in some kind of order, but Kynthea could not make sense of the reason for it. It should be by order of precedence, but that wasn’t quite right.
“Are you noticing that the girls aren’t in proper order?” The duchess’ voice cut through her thoughts.
“Yes. It should be—”
“Royal whim. Some families are in favor, some are out. Not out enough to be blocked, but enough to be set back in the line.”
That didn’t bode well for Zoe. She was the very last with her family, Kynthea, and the duke standing behind her. “But what could have happened to put Zoe last?” she whispered. “And is that good or bad? Do the favored ones come last or—”
The duke’s voice interrupted. “It was by special request,” he said into her ear. “I’ll explain later.”
He took her hand, and his mother slipped behind them. That wasn’t right. He should escort his mother.
“I don’t understand,” she whispered.
“I swear I’ll explain. But I can’t right now.”
That had been his constant refrain for the last two weeks.
“You know, even a mistress gets impatient sometimes.”
Far from being upset, he grinned down at her. She thought for a moment that he would say something. There was clearly a lot on his mind. But rather than speak, he seemed to get lost in staring at her. Or maybe it was she who lost herself in him. Either way, by the time she got her wits back, Zoe was next in line to be presented.
The girl stood proudly on her father’s arm. Her mother remained a step back. As the cousin without a title, Kynthea was behind her aunt. And she was shocked that the duke remained on her arm, but he would not dislodge. Which meant the Dowager Duchess took up the rear of their little party.
When indicated, they all walked in formation through a grand hall between rows of courtiers. If the waiting room was overwhelming, this room was staggering, breathtaking, and probably paralyzing if it weren’t for the duke beside her. She squeezed his arm and prayed she didn’t make a cake of herself.
“Lady Zoe Elizabeth,” the major domo announced. “Earl and Countess of Satheath.”
Zoe curtsied deeply to the prince who was lounging in a seat at the top of the raised dais. The earl bowed, the countess curtsied. Everything was exactly as it ought to be.
“Miss Kynthea Petrelli.” Was there a sneer in his voice? Or did she imagine it? It didn’t matter. Kynthea dropped into a deep curtsey.
“Duke of Harle. Duchess of Harle.”
Ras had pulled her into a space beside Zoe. He and his mother took their place even with Zoe’s parents, behind Kynthea. And everyone remained in their lowered position while the general murmuring quieted. Silence reigned for a heartbeat, then two, then several more of rapidly-pounding panic.
What was happening?
Kynthea peaked as she saw Prinny rise out of his chair and step forward, a clear frown on his face. What was he doing? What had they done wrong?
“Get up, get up. Let me get a look at you.”
Everyone straightened and thank heaven for that. Kynthea’s knees had started to strain. She kept her gaze lowered, of course. One didn’t look boldly into a prince’s eyes. Except she had no choice when she abruptly felt his finger beneath her chin, tilting her head to look straight at him.
“Your Highness?” she gasped.
He frowned at her, looking her over left and right. Then he turned to Ras. “Are you sure?”
“Absolutely, Your Highness.”
Prinny grunted, then turned to Zoe. “And what about you? Didn’t you want to be a duchess?”
