Page 23 of The Duke Who Loved Me (The Duke's Estates 1)

“Not?” Prince Karl’s thick blond brows went up.

“I can work my way through the text,” Cecelia replied. “With difficulty. But I don’t find the…result worth the effort.”

James made an approving noise, as if she’d taken his side somehow when she’d only told the truth.

“Wonderful,” said Prince Karl. He leaned a little closer to her. “I am most happy to hear it.”

“You are?”

“I have many other interests myself.” His tone was almost caressing.

A sound rather like a low growl came from Cecelia’s other side. It could not be James. He would never do such a thing.

“My…companions on this journey have arranged many serious meetings and lectures, such as tonight.” Prince Karl indicated the room with a small gesture. “They are of course interesting. I enjoy debating ideas. But I also wish to see more of the world before settling into a round of duties in my country. And thus I am so very glad to meet you lovely ladies.” He bowed to them all from his chair.

“Really,” said James.

He was piqued, Cecelia realized. He was accustomed to being the center of attention, even fawned over, at evening parties. But for the moment all the feminine attention was focused on the prince.

Prince Karl continued to ignore him, though Cecelia now thought he was very much aware of James in a sly, contentious way. “Perhaps you and your friends would show me about London, Miss Vainsmede? I cannot conceive more charming guides.”

“Do you want to see the museums and the Parliament?” asked Sarah.

“I wish to do all that is proper,” Prince Karl replied without marked enthusiasm. “I am very fond of dancing. Do you like the waltz, Miss Vainsmede?”

Cecelia nodded. Did he expect her to procure invitations for him? That would be awkward.

“The Regent not trotting you around?” asked James. “I’d’ve thought he would. Being German and all.” His tone skirted the edge of rudeness.

“I have been presented to him of course,” replied Prince Karl with the tact of a diplomat. “Our families are not closely connected. And we are, of course, of different generations.” He turned back to Cecelia. “I have received a great many invitations. Perhaps you would help me choose among them? Particularly those events you mean to attend.”

His interest was obvious. He was clearly singling her out.

“Cecelia is very good at that,” said Sarah. “She knows everyone.”

“Ah, then I may benefit from your advice?” The prince smiled at her winningly.

Cecelia could only agree.

“I’d be glad to take you to Gentleman Jackson’s for a round,” said James. “If you box?” His voice held an edge of challenge.

Prince Karl shook his head. “I don’t care for fisticuffs.” He managed to make the pursuit sound faintly déclassé. “Fencing now. You have a well-known school here, yes? Angelo’s, it is called?”

“Yes.”

“I should like to visit there.” He touched a small scar at the corner of his square jaw.

James’s lips turned down. He gave the prince a curt nod.

“I am at the Carleton Hotel for now.” Prince Karl stood. He bowed over Cecelia’s hand, not quite kissing it as he met her eyes. “I shall call on you. And your father naturally. If I may?”

She nodded. He was a bit brash, but she was intrigued by this addition to English society.

“Until then.” He smiled at them all and walked away. Lady Tate intercepted him at once and steered him to the center of the discussion on Kant.

“An actual prince,” said Sarah.

“Of some tiny country, probably smaller than Yorkshire,” said James. “With a toy-soldier monarch.”

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