Page 55 of The Duke Meets His Match

“Good man, Henshaw, and thank you,” George replied. Once Henshaw had left the dayroom, George leaned closer to Jennings. “And what did you learn about Prince Ernst Leopold? Anything of import?” he asked quietly.

Jennings sipped his tea and then set his cup down on its saucer. “Ah, now that part was interesting, I must say,” he said in an equally low voice. “Didn’t ask Castlereagh—he barely had time to speak to us as it was. But we talked to an associate of mine in the Foreign Office who happened to be there, and he knew a great deal about our Prince Ernst Leopold of Schönberg-Nusse. One of the lesser principalities, Schönberg-Nusse, and like many other minor princes and counts, Prince Ernst attempted to court Bonaparte to stay in his good graces. Apparently, Prince Ernst’s exorbitant efforts didn’t pay off, as his principality was eventually mediatized—annexed to the King of Bavaria. He lost all but his castle and its surrounding acreage. In that regard, he isn’t much different from dozens of other princes and counts on the Continent—except that he isherewooing the Prince Regent with promises of wealth, should his daughter be given a choice husband.”

“Hmm,” George said. He could almost feel sorry for Prince Ernst had he not gotten George caught up in this mess.

Jennings looked at him enigmatically. “Interesting, wouldn’t you say?”

George tensed. “Interesting that the prince should want to leave the Continentand secure his place among the members of the Coalition?” he asked, hopingto redirect the conversation away from the prince’s daughter. “I see it more as a strategic move on Prince Ernst’s part.”

Jennings was watching him too closely. “Strategic on Prince Ernst’s part—or on Prinny’s? Or both?” he said. “And then there’s the rumor that he comes looking for a husband for his daughter.”

“It shall be amusing to see him interact with Prinny and his guests tomorrow,then, I suppose,” George said with a bland smile. Jennings was getting too close to the truth for George’s comfort. He stood. “If there is nothing else, I’m afraid our conversation must end. I have—”

“Been leading me on a merry chase,” Jennings snapped, also rising to his feet.

The pieces had fallen into place for him, then, blast it all.

“Iknewthere was something amiss in your betrothal to Susan. The animositywas fairly reeking from the both of you when you met at Lady Bledsoe’s ball. And yet within mere days, you’re announcing a betrothal. All this time you have been using my sister as a means to thwart Prinny’s plans to marry you off to this German princess. I am certain that’s what this is all about. I should call you out right now for what you are doing to my sister!”

George raised his hands in conciliation. “I assure you I have done nothing that your sister hasn’t agreed to with full knowledge,” he said, hoping his words would calm Jennings. He didn’t particularly want to duel with the brother of his future bride. “Consider that you might not be giving her enough credit,Jennings. She isn’t a hapless creature fainting in distress over the villainousDukeof Aylesham. She is strong and clever and knows full well who she is and what shewants.” And George realized with a great deal of satisfaction that hisdescription of her was indisputable.

“If anyone knows how special Susan is, it is I,” Jennings responded with vehemence. “She and I played together as children and are extremely close. She has also been hurt before, and Iwill notsee her hurt again.” They were nearly nose-to-nose now.

“She willnotbe hurt by me,” George said. “I will stand by her, come what may. I swear it.”

Jennings remained silent, scrutinizing George. He finally relaxed and moved back a step.

“The invitation to the garden reception at Carlton House was for me alone,”George said at last, once he could see that Jennings had calmed down a bit.“I believe it was indeed intentional for Prinny to invite me and not include an invitation for Susan when he knows full well we are betrothed. He is stillattempting to throw me in the direction of Princess Sophia.”

“Even though he has already accepted your invitation to the wedding?” Jennings exclaimed.

“Yes, well, that would be Prinny, wouldn’t it? He seems rather intent upon it.” George said.

“What do you plan to do?” Jennings asked.

“I called upon your sister this afternoon while you were with Osbourne. I explained the situation to her and asked her if she was willing to go with me to Carlton House tomorrow.”

“Without an invitation?” Jennings asked, sounding incredulous now.

“Yes,” George said. “And she agreed. But I gave her thechoice, Jennings. Had she chosen not to go with me, I would have honored her decision.”

“You will be placing her in an utterly precarious situation tomorrow, arrivingwithout an invitation, surrounded by the very elite of England, not to mention going against the very wishes of the Prince Regent. I daresay you will survive, butshewill be cut to shreds.”

“I am aware of the stakes, and so is she. But she offers me—us—the best opportunity to prevail by being at my side.”

Jennings only shook his head. “You are mad—bothof you.” He rose to hisfeet. “I will bid you adieu now. It appears you are turning me religious, for I feel thedistinct need to pray for my sister’s and your souls.” He pointed his finger directly at George. “But know this,Your Grace, should my prayers and your foolish plan fail, I will be here to collect my sister and return with her to Lincolnshire, for I willnot allowher to remain here and become a laughingstock or, worse yet, a pariah.And I will seek justice for her. Fromyou.”

George stood and locked eyes with Jennings. “Know this,my friend, that I intend to marry your sister this Monday. Prinny or the devil himself may attempt to stop me, but they will not succeed.”

“I hope for your sake you are correct,” Jennings said, and then he turned on his heel and strode from the room.

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