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“And you’ll be here, won’t you?” she asked without looking at him. She didn’t want to sound too eager.
“If you’d like.”
“I can’t possibly assess him on my own.”
“No, you certainly can no’.”
She couldn’t help herself—she looked up at him. William smiled affectionately. “I shudder to imagine what you might think acceptable if I were no’ here to guide you.”
“Imagine,” she murmured.
A movement behind William distracted her, and she leaned slightly to her left. It was Lady Bardaline, frowning with disapproval. “Ah. Duty calls.” She smiled at William then glided away to join Prince Michel.
“Your Royal Highness, Prince Michel was saying that he would return to Miraval in a fortnight,” Lila said.
“So soon? But that gives you very little time in England.”
“Alas, I am needed at home. Frankly, I should like to cross before the season of storms arrives. The ship’s captain informed me that what I experienced on my crossing was hardly a drop of rain compared to what comes late in summer. I suffer from the affliction of seasickness.” He laughed. “That hardly recommends me, does it? A prince of a seafaring nation who suffers from seasickness.”
The Bardalines and William, close enough to have heard the exchange, laughed politely.
Prince Michel turned to Justine and bowed. “Your Royal Highness, the evening has been truly delightful, but I must take my leave. My grandmother is expecting me.”
“What a good son you are,” Lady Bardaline said with cloying sweetness.
“Then you must come round tomorrow,” Justine said. “Will you?”
Prince Michel’s face lit. “I should like that very much indeed.”
“The weather has been so warm,” she added. “Perhaps a picnic?”
“What a wonderful idea!” Lila said. “I shall see to it that all is arranged.”
“Thank you, madam, but I shall see to it,” Lord Bardaline sniffed.
“It might rain,” Lady Bardaline said. “It often does this time of year.”
Justine fought the urge to roll her eyes. “We will risk it, shall we, Your Highness?”
“We shall!” he said with enthusiasm. “A good rain has not yet made me seasick on land. Thank you. I should like that very much.” He bowed and started for the door.
“I shall also take my leave,” William said.
“And you must come to our picnic, Lord Douglas,” Justine said quickly. “It’s all the merrier with more people.”
“But...” Lady Bardaline looked at William. “Lord Douglas, are you not expected—”
“Nowhere,” William said quickly. “I am expected nowhere and I would be delighted to attend.”
“Yes, my lord, we must have you,” Prince Michel said and appeared to be genuine in his wish to have William join.
Justine did not miss the look that traveled from Lady Bardaline to Lord Bardaline to Lila, who blithely ignored them both.
“Shall I see you out, gentlemen?” Lila asked and began walking toward them, her arms outstretched as if she meant to scoop them along and carry them to the door. William stole a look at Justine as he passed, and she tried not to let her smile show.
When the gentlemen had gone out, Justine could feel the Bardalines staring all their daggers at her. She slowly turned around. “What is it?”
“Your Royal Highness,” Lady Bardaline said. “Perhaps your picnic would be better suited for you without Lord Douglas?”
