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With a frown,Friedrich made his way through the crush of guests. Why had he acted so impulsively? It was unlike him to be insensitive. Miss Leeming had expected more from him than a stolen kiss. He knew she found him attractive and saw that she had wanted to kiss him, for she had run her tongue over her lips in anticipation of it. The erotic action stirred him, but it was entirely innocent, and he should have known it. It was just, with time drawing to a close, he suffered from a strange sense of urgency. Soon, they would leave, and he would never see her again. Absurd that she had quickly become so important to him. And yet she had. A sense of hopelessness overtook him. He took a glass of champagne from a footman’s tray and, wishing to be alone with his thoughts, slipped from the ballroom to go to his bedchamber.
Some hours later, his sister knocked. “Are you well, Friedrich? You left before some guests.”
“I’m sorry, Maria. A slight headache,” he said guiltily.
“Did you take some feverfew?” She sat on the bed.
“Unnecessary. It’s gone now.”
“I thought the evening a success. Karl had some productive talks in the library with the English delegates.”
He smiled. “Excellent.” The Congress of Vienna had worked to bring peace and harmony in the world. But he did not share his sister’s view that placing a French king on the throne and returning to the old ways before the French Revolution would hold. Already there were signs of change as the world moved on.
“And we have a treat in store.”
“Oh, what is that?”
“The Marquess of Pennington invited us to spend a few days with them at his estate, Elm Park in Surrey. We accepted, of course. Karl and I are longing to enjoy a few days of fresh air and beauty in the English countryside.”
Friedrich raised his eyebrows. So, he was to see Miss Leeming again. A chance to spend time with her. He suffered the irrational wish to depart England with her thinking well of him.
“Will you come, Friedrich? Or does London appeal to you more?”
“Of course I shall come.”
She stood and kissed his cheek. “I must give orders to the housekeeper for tomorrow before I retire. Sleep well.”
He stared at the closed door but saw Miss Leeming’s lovely smile in his mind.
