Page 9 of Always a Princess

“But of course. Perseverance is key to victory, Hudson.”

“I still can’t believe your wager, and judging by the looks we are getting from Farley and Carlton, they’ve seen it too.”

“Your care for other people’s opinions is a useless waste of time, Hudson.”

“I’m the younger brother of an earl, not a prince. I have to care.”

“That is where you are wrong, my friend. Aside from your Queen, no opinion is above your own.”

“Sure, let me rewrite a lifetime of training.”

“Indeed. Now, I wish to waltz.”

“Good Lord, here he goes.”

Alexander smiled as he rounded the outside of the glittering candlelit ballroom as the first strains of the waltz came from the orchestra.

Miss Theodosia Templebourne—whose full name he’d been delighted to learn—sat with the matrons, looking radiant in an emerald-green silk gown that would look ravishing on the dance floor with her in his arms. But something was different this evening. Her two charges hovered by her side instead of taking the arms of gentlemen to participate.

Fans came up among the chaperones, and the whispering started behind them. They’d seen him.

Miss Templebourne’s gaze dropped to her lap, but came up just enough to watch him approach. Something about her was demure yet regal. The dignity with which she held herself spoke of the worth she placed upon her own person, and to Alexander, it was magnetic.

He stopped in front of the women, uncaring about the piercing stares coming from around the Graftons’ ballroom.

With a deep bow, the likes of which he would offer the tsar, he said, “Your Grace, my ladies, Miss Templebourne.”

He rose to his full height and couldn’t help but dip his gaze to the floor. Peeking out from beneath the hem of her gown, he spied the flash of jewels.

An inner grin spread warmth through his chest. Without a calling card, he’d hoped she would not be tempted to try to return the slippers. They were fit for a princess.

“Miss Templebourne, if you would do me the honor, I would consider myself a very fortunate man if you would waltz with me this evening.”

“She will,” the dowager said quickly.

“She accepts,” said the other woman.

“Yes, she will,” replied one of her charges.

The corners of Alexander’s mouth lifted. “Such enthusiasm. But I must hear from the lady herself.”

Lady Theodosia lifted her gaze to his, and he was entranced. There was no fear, reticence, or resistance. Just … interest.

“I would be honored, Your Highness.” And as she held out her gloved hand, he noticed she’d flashed the slipper from beneath her hem as she rose.

“What a privilege you have granted me this evening, Miss Templebourne,” he said as he took her hand and squeezed her fingertips lightly with his.

“ ’Tis like a fairy tale,” Fanny said.

“Hush. It is one dance,” one woman said.

“It always starts as one dance,” said the dowager duchess.

But Alexander was no longer paying attention to the older women, even though he greatly appreciated their support and encouragement. His attention was fully fixed on the woman whose hand was in his.

“What made you finally say yes?” He couldn’t help but ask her the question.

“Perhaps I finally wore the correct footwear,” Lady Theodosia replied lightly.