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Millicent giggled, and on the count of three, the game started.
Richard watched with a bored expression on his face as children strutted around. The boy eventually jolted toward Millicent, dropping the crown and losing the game.
Millicent picked up the crown and waved it in the air, giggling happily.
“Very well,” the actress said, coming toward her. “Now let’s find you another opponent. This time, you shall be the queen.”
Millicent whirled as the children counted to three again. She stopped, her little finger pointing at Richard. Richard let out a chuckle and put up a staying hand. “Whoever is next to me should go. This is a children’s game.”
Millicent’s face fell, and the actress raised her brow. “Oh, pardon, your highness, I didn’t realize viscounts were too high in their instep to play with poor peasants,” she said in a mocking tone, as she bowed low.
Everyone laughed, and Richard raised his eyes heavenward. Millicent looked at him with an imploring gaze, and Richard couldn’t believe that actually affected him. The manipulative little brat. “Fine. I’ll play,” he breathed out.
He stood and walked into the circle.
The actress bit her lip. “I think it is clear that we have a king, don’t you think?”
Millicent nodded vigorously as the children continued laughing.
“Please, bow your head so I can place the crown upon it,” the actress demanded.
Lord, give me patience.Richard pursed his lips but did as was asked.
Millicent beamed at him as he straightened, a tiny, ridiculous crown on his head.
“Now, remember, if you lose your crown, you lose the game.”
Millicent giggled and stepped out of the circle. Richard heaved a sigh.
“On the count of three, start running,” the actress instructed Millicent.
“One… two… three!” everyone chanted, and Millicent bolted to the side. Richard made a step and the crown nearly toppled over.
Everyone was laughing as he tried to navigate with the tiny faux jewel on his head. Ladies and gentlemen started stepping closer, watching the proceedings.
Richard didn’t want to lose. For some odd reason, he felt that would humiliate him in front of his peers. Although, what could be more humiliating than chasing a little girl with a ridiculous crown on his head?
“Oh, he’s such a gentleman, indulging his niece’s whim!” a lady to his right exclaimed.
“Oi, Gage, got tired of associating with grown-ups, did you?” Tyrone, one of his old acquaintances yelled out.
Richard grimaced, then lunged toward Millicent, successfully dislodging his crown.
Everyone around him cheered and clapped. The crowd had grown substantially in this round of the game.
His neck heated, but he could not show his embarrassment, or he would never hear the end of the teasing. Instead, he bowed low. “Always a pleasure to entertain my sister’s guests.” He straightened, threw a menacing gaze toward the mischievous actress, and resumed his seat in the circle.
* * *
“Oh, my, Jo! Tell me everything,” Selena said as she flew into the room before the opening ball of the house party. She was already dressed, wearing a deep blue gown with golden embroidery and matching gloves.
Jo was applying a bit of rouge to her cheeks before leaving the room. As actresses, they were expected to be more flamboyant than the other ladies. After all, people were used to seeing them shine brighter than the stars on the stage.
“What am I to tell you?” Jo asked as she turned away from her reflection.
“About the viscount.” Selena waggled her brows.
Jo blinked innocently. “What viscount?”
