Yes, but Christopher was more intriguing. He had that hard body that sent shivers up her neck, and that commanding, confident aura that—Pearl shook her head, not sure where the thought came from. “He seems a nice gentleman. I’m sure he likes you, too.”
“I don’t know. Men are hard to read.”
Prince Cowasj appeared from the path that led to the stable. In his dark riding suit, he seemed taller and leaner. A deep frown marred his brow as he strode along the path. The riding crop secured to his belt swung at his side.
“It’s him, the prince,” Julia whispered. “Where’s Mrs Armstrong when we need her? Without her, we can’t introduce ourselves to the prince.”
“Who said we can’t?” Pearl lifted the hem of her pale pink dress and hurried towards the prince before Julia could reply. She caught something that sounded like “Mrs Armstrong’s right.”
“Good morning, Your Highness,” she said, dropping a curtsy in front of him.
The prince’s frown deepened, but he offered a polite bow, putting his right hand over his heart. “Good morning, miss. I’m afraid I’ve been very rude with you and your friends and haven’t found the time to introduce myself properly. I’m Prince Cowasj Singh.”
Her legs trembled when she curtsied again. “I’m Miss Amelia Ollerton.”
“Delighted to meet you, Miss Amelia.”
Pearl turned towards Julia. “And this is . . . was Julia.” The coward was striding towards the house. Curse her. Well,thatwas rude, in her opinion. “Lovely day for a ride,” she said.
She twirled her parasol and glanced around to be sure Mrs Armstrong wasn’t watching her. Although Pearl wasn’t doing anything inappropriate. She was in the open where anyone could see her, surrounded by workers. No rule was being broken here.
“I mostly wished to leave the ruckus of the mansion.” He smiled, and for the first time she understood why so many young women were charmed by him.
It wasn’t just the fact that he was an exotic prince, but a golden hue sparked in his brown eyes when he beamed. Still, she found a certain scarred, sullen lord more breath-taking.
“I agree,” she said, forcing a smile. “There are housekeepers and gardeners everywhere. It’s unnerving.”
“I’m not having many moments of peace these days.” He gazed away. “I paid a visit to a Pinkerton man I hired, this morning.”
A private investigator? Pearl clenched the parasol harder. “Is something the matter?”
A frown marred his brow. He bowed his head. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought up the subject.”
Silence stretched. Cowasj’s gaze darted around. It’d be rude of him if he left before the lady greeted him goodbye.
Great. Now she’d officially finished the subjects of polite conversation with him. She had no idea how she could start asking about her father.
She fiddled with the handle of her parasol. “I’m looking forward to the ball. Are you, Your Highness?”
“I’ll have the chance to meet a few people I wish to see. Friends I haven’t seen in a while.” He gazed around the trees.
“I understand. I for once haven’t seen some of my friends in weeks.” An anxious laugh left her. “For example, I haven’t met my friend Pearl Blackmoore-Smith in months. Rumour has it she left the country.”
At the mention of the name, Cowasj focused his attention on her. “Are you acquainted with Miss Pearl?”
“We are close friends, or so I thought since she disappeared without a word.”
“When was the last time you saw her, if you don’t mind me asking?”
Well, she did mind, but she batted her lashes. “May I ask why are you so interested in my friend? Do you know Pearl?”
He toyed with the riding crop. “I’m afraid I can’t tell you all the details, but suffice it to say that Miss Pearl might help me solve a mystery regarding her father’s business.”
Nothing new to her. “Last time I saw Pearl, we were in a tearoom. We were supposed to have tea together, but she was called for an emergency.” Namely, a constable who had wanted to interrogate her. She touched her chest with her fingertips. “Pray, tell me. Is my friend in some sort of trouble?”
“I’m not sure about her situation.”
“What happened to her father?” The question came out rushed, but she didn’t care. That was the reason she was here.
