Page 43 of Always a Princess

“And yet, for your sake, I hope you find it anyway. Now, I must go.”

“Because you love him,” the duke said.

“When it happens to you, you’ll understand.”

CHAPTER 19

When she didn’t emerge immediately from the house, Alexander wondered if perhaps they had the wrong address.

He called to the footman. “You are sure this is the correct house?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

He flipped his pocket watch open and closed it several times before a young woman came out the front door. She looked like a maid.

Alexander listened as she spoke to the coachman.

“Are you waiting for Miss Thea?”

“We are.”

“She has already gone. A carriage came and took her away.”

Alexander opened the door and stepped out. “Whose carriage?”

The girl curtsied low. “I don’t know, my lord. It was black, like this one. No crest.”

“Did she think it was mine?”

The maid looked up. “I believe so, my lord. She was distraught and crying.”

From the note he had received, Alexander believed her. It had said only, Yes. I say yes. Please come for me. I need you. Nine o’clock.

They had arrived three minutes early.

“Where did it go, miss?” the coachman asked.

“That way.” She pointed in the direction they were facing.

“Who could it have been? Best guess?”

She looked from side to side. “I don’t mean to gossip, my lord. It is forbidden.”

“Hurry, and you will be fine.”

“The duke sent a note last night to Lord Templebourne. My brother said he was incensed.”

“The Duke of Carlton?”

“Yes.” She looked to the side as another carriage approached. “I must return to the house.”

“Thank you,” Alexander told her as rubbed his face. To his coachman he said, “Take me to St. George’s flat. He’ll know where to go.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“And, Peter?”

“Yes, Your Highness?”