Page 10 of Her Royal Houseguest

He needed to appear powerful. He did not want the English to think Siam was a minor nation coming to plead for respect like a child begging for a treat. He was a prince of a powerful land. But no one looked strong when squatting down to wash one’s own feet.

‘I believe,’ said the duchess in an undertone, ‘that he expects someone to do the task.’

Everyone looked at her as if this was a shocking thing to say. And then the lady sniffed.

‘My grandparents used to do it every Maundy Thursday. It’s in The Bible.’

Was it? He hadn’t read the whole book. He was getting better at speaking in English but reading was a challenge. Nevertheless, he had purchased a copy of The Bible and was working his way through it. It behoved him to understand their greatest religious text.

Anna pursed her lips. ‘Of course.’ But when she glanced around, she must have noticed that all her servants had disappeared. Even the old one was discussing something with an older woman inside the door.

‘It’s a gesture of respect that the lady of the house would do?’ That last was clearly a question.

Her mother gasped. ‘The lady of the house?’

‘No, Mama,’ the daughter said quickly. ‘I meant me.’

‘Oh, Anna.’ The duchess shook her head. ‘Surely not.’

Everyone looked to the duke, who had coloured up to his ears. ‘They are royal princes. Prinny commanded that we give them every courtesy.’

Anna lifted her chin. ‘Then it shall be done.’

So saying, she stepped forwards and, with great dignity, sank to her knees before him.

Chapter Three

Anna dropped to her knees in front of the strange prince. In truth, it was only his clothing that appeared strange. As a person, she thought him handsome. Broad shoulders, firm jaw, ink black hair drawn up in a tight bun surrounded by a golden crown. His eyes seemed mysterious while the tight jaw gave him a dangerous feel. She flashed him a tentative smile and his expression shifted to confusion.

Did no one ever smile at him?

Feeling awkward, she applied herself to the task. The church was right. This was a humbling position and it took a bit for her to adjust. Odd since she’d scrubbed floors before, trying to hide whatever she’d spilled, and she was regularly on her hands and knees to recover dropped things.

This should not feel so awkward but it did. Perhaps it was because everybody was watching her as if she were a circus act.

She was level with his knees and his elaborate silk brocade pants. The fabric was gorgeous and she longed to touch it. Instead, she carefully cupped his lower calf and pulled his foot forwards.

Goodness. He had thick, heavy muscles in his legs.

His ornate shoe was stunning but not meant for tromping through London. The curved toe was interesting and the brocade was shot through with gold thread. Were those rubies? Embedded on his shoes?

She could barely credit it. She looked up into his eyes and saw that he was watching her intently. It wasn’t a critical gaze. He seemed as intrigued by her as she did by him. Such fascinating facial features. Softer skin, she thought, and a different nose than the honking beaks of an Englishman. Still very masculine. Enough so that her belly tingled as she looked at him.

She must have been staring at him for an uncomfortable amount of time, at least uncomfortable for everyone else, because she was jolted back to herself by the sound of Phoebe’s voice.

‘I find bathing to be quite sensible. Please, let me help you.’

Then the wonderful woman took her place beside Anna, seating herself in front of the brightly dressed monk.

‘Thank you,’ Anna whispered to her friend.

Phoebe didn’t answer. She was too busy applying herself to her task, so Anna returned to hers.

She’d never spent much time looking at feet. Who did?

His feet were broad and calloused. The nails were so clean and well-shaped, they looked manicured. Imagine a man taking such care with his toenails! But then again, why not? Why not make every part of him as handsome as…well, every other part?

She did her task as well as she could. She washed each foot, dried them, then wondered what to do next. She couldn’t allow him to leave his ruby shoes outside the house. The weather might damage them, not to mention the embarrassment if a dog should carry one off.