Her mother waved that away. “She’ll be fine.”
Translation: Henrietta is going to take it out on you, so why do I care?
Gen just shook her head and sighed. It was going to be a long night…
A few hours later, well past 3 A.M. but not quite 4, she finally trudged up the stairs. She had managed to deflect her mother’s probing questions, making things up as she needed to.
She went to Diana’s room first to check on her, but the door was locked. Either she was sleeping, or she’d snuck out again and would slip back in after their mother left for whatever society luncheon she was attending that day.
She went to the bathroom and removed her dress before slowly removing her makeup. She was too tired for a bath, but washed her face and ran a damp towel over her body.
As she stood there in front of the mirror, clad only in her underwear, she wondered if she’d ever find someone who likedthisversion of her, without makeup and fancy clothes, tired with a face to show it. She wanted someone who would run a bath for her, then watch over her to make sure she didn’t fall asleep in it. She wanted someone who would brush her hair out, then kiss the top of her head and tuck her in.
She wanted someone who would take care of her. She was an independent woman, and could take care of herself. But sometimes she just didn’t want to rely only on herself. Sometimes she wanted someone else to be there for her.
To cherish her.
Was that so wrong? Was it too much to ask for?
She didn’t think so, but her prospects tonight had been weak. None of the men she had danced with tonight seemed the sort to do any of those things. Least of all the prince. No, a prince like Gabriel probably had servants that would help her instead.
Though she had to admit it would be nice to have staff to help her with things, it wasn’t enough for her. No, she needed more in a relationship.
She’d seen her parents when her father was still alive. He was warm and helpful and kind and funny. So many of her memories of him are ones filled with laughter or secret schemes behind her mother’s back. And even her mother was a different person with him, kinder and less cruel.
They made each other better, and that’s what she wanted for herself.
Though, as she put on her pajamas and slipped into bed, she could admit that she liked the way the prince’s arms had felt. She’d liked the feel of his gloved hand at her back and the smile on his face. She’d liked when he’d pulled her closer and asked to see her again.
A dance is not enough to commit to someone for a lifetime though, and she still did not want to be a princess, but she wouldn’t mind dreaming of him that night.
four
I’ve not met one useful man since Papa died. Well, maybe one, but he doesn’t deserve mention in my diary anymore, even though he saved me from the Creepy Sneezer. ~ Gen’s diary
GENEVIEVE
What washedoing here?
Gen glared as the prince and his sister entered the room and they all bowed and curtsied as they passed.
Sam had told her the royals had been invited, but they were always invited to everything; that didn’t mean they actually came.
Yet here he was. Ruining all her plans. Again.
When the royals took a seat near Sam’s father, Sam grabbed Gen’s arm and led her away to a corner.
“The prince looks perfect, doesn’t he?”
“What he looks like and what he is are two different things.”
Sam quirked an eyebrow. “That’s deep. And also bullshit. I think you like him.”
“That’sbullshit.”
Sam laughed. “Well, I think he likes you.”
Gen quickly glanced around. “Bite your tongue. My mother could overhear you.”
