“Why?”
She had few weapons at her disposal to keep Christian at bay, and she was determined to use them only if necessary. This moment called for her to wield one of them. “Because when this is all said and done, in all likelihood I will be going back to Sweden to an uncertain future. Your brother may not want me anymore. So, I beg of you, don’t put me in a position where you spoil any chance that I may have in finding happiness with another man.”
Christian released his hold and stepped back. The pained look on his face couldn’t have been worse if she had struck him. “Believe me, Erika, there is not a day that goes by when I am not reminded that you are not destined to be mine.”
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Chapter Seventeen
Erika nodded in silent response to Christian’s worried frown. They were both nervous. This was a big night for them. Her father and Baron von Rehausen had been received by the Prince Regent on only the rarest of occasions. Neither had been invited to dine with him at a private party, which made this evening even more important in the ongoing efforts to secure a trade deal.
After alighting from their carriage in the courtyard of Carlton House, they waited to be escorted inside by one of the royal footmen.
Christian offered Erika his arm. His gaze ran up and down her pale pink gown. It was new—a gift from him. As was the pearl and pink silk choker which sat at her throat.
“You look absolutely beautiful tonight, Erika.”
A thrill of heat raced along her spine at his words. There was something about the way he said her name that always gave her goose bumps.
If you had any idea what it does to me when you say Erika, I think you might blush. Get a hold of yourself, Erika. This is the first of many nights where you are going to have to play out this fantasy. Remember none of this is real.
A tall, thin gentleman dressed all in black approached them. He gave a cursory once-over of her, then turned his attention to Christian. The man bowed low and long before him. “Your Royal Highness, I am Sir Richard Sandy the Prince Regent’s private secretary. Would you please follow me?”
Erika and Christian exchanged a hopeful look. The man might well think it suitable to be dismissive of a lesser foreign noble as herself, but he clearly knew enough about Christian to show him all the respect his royal bloodline was due.
Once inside, they were shown through a doorway which led to the most stunning and lavishly decorated room Erika had ever seen. She had grown up around the elegance of the royal palace in Stockholm, but nothing could prepare her for the Gothic-themed dining room of Carlton House.
It took a minute or two for her to take it all in.
Everything, including the ornate columns which stretched to the roof along both walls, was either painted gold or had been rendered in gilt. The windows which faced out onto the gardens were edged with red and gold drapes, tied back with gold sashes. The whole scene was one of expensive opulence. Only the fine cream lace window panels provided any real respite from the almost overbearing color scheme.
While Erika was busy trying not to stare openmouthed at the spectacle, she was relieved that Christian was somehow managing to take it all in his stride.
“Ah, my guests. How wonderful.”
She turned and her gaze settled on a plump male form. The Prince of Wales strode into the room. Several other men dressed all in black followed behind at a respectful distance.
The state of the Prince Regent’s clothes was an interesting contrast to the rich elegance of the décor. He barely fit into his vest, the buttons of which were partly undone. His deep blue jacket was left open, there being a good seven or eight inches between where the two front panels failed to meet.
Christian clapped his heels together and bowed low. The Prince Regent in return gave a mere nod of his head.
Erika studied the exchange. While it was polite, she noted that there was a clear line of distinction as to whom was the more royal of the two princes.
“Your Highness, may I present my fiancée, Countess Erika Jansson,” said Christian.
The slow salacious looking over she got from the Prince Regent made her want to go home and have a long hot bath, but Erika held her nerve. She lowered her gaze to the floor and dipped into a deep curtsey.
“Erika—what a delightful name. And may I offer the heartiest of congratulations on your recent betrothal. I do so enjoy watching a young couple in love being able to look forward to a happy marriage,” said the prince.
“Thank you, Your Highness,” she replied.
More people soon began to arrive in the room, and Erika spent the best part of the next forty minutes making small talk while introducing Christian to the other guests. Remembering all their names and titles was a tiring task, but one which she put her every effort into. From the small smiles and nods she garnered for herself during that time, it was clear Christian appreciated having her assistance.
When she caught the eye of Lady Lynch from across the room, Erika gave a nod. She was wary of the cabinet minister’s wife but had to acknowledge the role she had played in getting them admitted to Prinny’s inner circle. Without Lady Lynch, she doubted Christian would have got this far.
Finally, dinner was called, and everyone took their seats. After the obligatory toast to the king and queen, the Prince Regent rose to his feet and addressed the gathering. “My lords, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome. I also extend a special welcome to my distant cousin Prince Christian of Sweden who is my guest of honor this evening. For those of you who do not know, Prince Christian and I are related through my mother’s side of the family—the German side.” He lifted his champagne glass and saluted Christian, who in turn got to his feet and bowed low before resuming his seat.
Those seated at the table politely applauded.
