AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"I took the time to visit your stud, Your Grace," Konstantin said to Albert after they had collected themselves. "I have to declare myself impressed.”
"I breed mules myself," Lord Peregrine interjected, pushing his paunchy middle out as he proudly tugged at his waistcoat after handing his empty plate to a passing footman.
"Interesting," Konstantin drawled. He did not look too interested in the animals.
"I have been pressing His Grace to give mules a chance at racing. They possess the perfect temperament to excel under pressure, you see," Lord Peregrine continued.
"I am afraid there is only so much I can do to make changes in the racing climate, My Lord," Albert replied courteously. Edwina’s hand was in his, and he made little circles on her wrist with his thumb, his finger searing her skin through her satin gloves.
"Well, I do not suppose you could bring them into fashion, could you?" Lord Peregrine asked, looking hopeful.
"I am certain that one mule ride from His Grace would have thetoneager to try these mellow beasts you speak of, My Lord," Edwina put in, a wicked smile playing at the corners of her lips. Albert gave her a look and she chuckled.
"I should like to have a look at these creatures, My Lord," Elaine said earnestly. "I find myself in want of some adventure these days."
"If only England had more women like Your Grace, and Your Highness!" Lord Peregrine laughed contentedly.
"Do you also breed racehorses, Your Highness?" He turned to Konstantin now.
"I have little interest in racing," Konstantin replied.
"Then what manner of beasts do you handle?"
"Birds," he replied.
"Birds?" Lord Peregrine echoed, his brows disappearing into his hair. "I only handle birds when they are on my plate!" He laughed, thinking everyone would join him.
"I can see that." Konstantin’s pale eyes traveled over the Marquess. Edwina opened her satin fan in an attempt to conceal her laugh. Albert turned his face away, pretending he was looking at the guests in the ballroom.
"What sort of birds do you handle, Your Highness?" Edwina asked Konstantin.
"I collect exotic species from the Americas." He smiled down at her. “My wife taught one of them how to speak and now it will never keep quiet.” Elaine laughed at that, gazing fondly at him.
"They are very colorful," Albert chimed in.
"You have seen them, then?" she asked him.
"I did during my visits."
"I should like to see them."
"Perhaps when you come to Russia someday, I shall show them to you,” Konstantin said. "It would be my honor."
Edwina looked up at Albert. “Should we travel to Russia?” He started to nod, but commotion on the other side of the ballroom drew their attention away. Tommen hurried toward them.
"It is Mother, Edwina," he said, looking alarmed. "She could not breathe, and then she fainted."
Prudence had a history of breathing problems since the shock of her husband's death, but she rarely had bouts of it. “I am coming,” Edwina said.
"Do you want me to come?" Albert asked her.
"I shall be fine. The guests require your attention here," she reassured him before excusing herself.
She followed Tommen back to where Prudence was surrounded by some matrons and their smelling salts. This was not what she required. She needed space to breathe.
"May I?" Edwina asked before helping Prudence to her feet and leading her out of the ballroom, while Tommen followed behind. She took her to the nearest room, a salon, and settled her on a sofa, ensuring she was comfortable.
"I need my lemon oil," Prudence said. When Edwina started to stand, she put a hand out and stopped her. "Tommen can get it," she said. "I… I want you to stay.”
