Protection (12 page)

“Lady Anneliese is presentable enough, I suppose—
if
you discount her less than reputable past—and Lady Rebecca is adequately stylish,
but neither could be described as classic beauties.” The speaker’s sniff of disdain
was clearly audible. “Lady Rebecca’s dowry is substantial, but I’ve not heard whether
Lady Anneliese has anything of significance other than a distant relationship to the
royal family. She’s not even a
true
lady, as her father is a nobody.”

Lisa had heard enough and rounded the corner, her ire well and truly raised. “My father
was a war hero, knighted for bravery and service to the crown.”

“And my brother cares a great deal for
Lady Anneliese, as does my father, the Duke of Worthington, and her cousin, the King,
so you might want to keep that in mind,” Rebecca added, her tone deceptively sweet.
“Oh, and Nathaniel isn’t just
interested
in Anneliese, he is totally committed to her well-being as his future marchioness.
I can assure you, he won’t take kindly to anyone causing her distress.”

Lisa wasn’t sure if Rebecca’s words were wise, but they certainly had an effect. She
was soon surrounded by gushing young ladies all desperate to make amends and secure
her future friendship. After assuring them she would not hold their unkind words against
them, she was relieved when they all went back to the ballroom, leaving her and Rebecca
alone. All she wanted was to return to the comfort of Nathaniel’s presence, but when
they left the withdrawing room, a footman approached and passed her a folded missive.
The note bid her to head further down the hallway,
away
from the ball room, and she feared the King wasn’t finished in his attempts to sway
her to his will.

“It’s all right,” Rebecca whispered. “It’s Nathaniel’s handwriting.”

“Yes, of course,” Lisa murmured, feeling foolish for not having recognised it herself.
Rounding a corner, they were met by Nathaniel and Hugh, who ushered them into a barely
lit parlour.

“Nathaniel, what are you thinking?” The rest of Lisa’s protest was cut off when he
drew her into his arms, pressed his mouth to hers, and stole the breath from her lungs.
She held still, concerned about the appropriateness of the clandestine meeting and
unsure how to meet his variable expectations. She didn’t
think
he planned on indulging his passion when it arose while she denied hers, at least
she hoped not. The likelihood of her managing such a feat was slim.

Confirming her fears, her body responded regardless of her misgivings, melting against
him. His lips brushed over hers first one way and then the other. Deepening the kiss,
he brought his tongue into play, inciting a whimper as Lisa gladly opened her mouth
to receive its invasion. While savouring his sweet taste, his soft lips, the stroke
of his tongue against her own, she wound her arms around his neck, threading her fingers
through his hair.

Nathaniel moaned into her mouth, his roaming hands pulling her against him and leaving
her in no doubt as to the intensity of his desire. She pressed back, arching against
him as liquid heat coursed through her veins. Lost in the most passionate embrace
they’d shared since their reunion, Lisa forgot all about their audience . . . until
Hugh cleared his throat. Breaking the kiss, she spun to face their companions. While
Hugh’s expression was rueful, Rebecca’s mouth hung open, her eyes wide with astonishment.

“Rebecca, I . . . I . . .” Nathaniel ran his fingers through his now-tousled hair.
His mouth opened and closed several times, but before he could form a coherent sentence,
his sister turned to Hugh.

“Pray, kind sir, would you mind telling me why you’ve never kissed
me
in such an extraordinary manner?”

“Because he knows what I’d do to him if he did.” Having found his voice, Nathaniel
practically growled the words.

Lisa raised a brow. “So it’s acceptable for
me
to be kissed like that but not your sister?”

“No, of course not. I mean, well, yes . . .” He reached for her, but she stepped back
and crossed her arms. “It’s different for us, not because I view you with any less
respect, but because we’re engaged to be married. I assumed you wouldn’t be offended
by such a kiss. You did enjoy it, didn’t you?”

She rolled her eyes. “We both
know I enjoyed it.”

“That’s all very well,” Rebecca interjected. “But how am I to know whether I should
accept Lord McGivern’s proposal if I don’t know if I’m going to enjoy his kisses?
The chaste little pecks he gives me when no one is looking are pleasant enough but
no comparison to the exchange I just witnessed.”

Hugh spluttered, his panicked gaze shooting to Nathaniel’s face.

“I’ve already informed you, Hugh, that I want to be completely convinced you will
honour your promise of fidelity before I agree to become your wife.” Rebecca faced
her beau, hands on her hips. “Now I expect a real
kiss. But not
when my brother is present, if you don’t mind.” Turning her back on the towering Scotsman,
she reached for Lisa’s hand and pulled her towards the door.

“We’d better head back before we’re missed,” she said, while giving her brother a
withering look. “Honestly, Nathaniel, what were you thinking organising a secret rendezvous
at a palace ball when your betrothed is the guest of honour?”

“I just wanted a few moments alone with Lisa.”

Nathaniel’s plaintive tone dissolved the starch that had stiffened Lisa’s spine, and
she tugged free from Rebecca’s hold.

“I didn’t mean any disrespect,” he said when she returned to his side. “It’s just,
Rebecca is my sister and—”

“I understand.” She silenced him with a finger to his lip, deciding it was past time
they came to a clearer understanding of the parameters of their relationship. “But
Rebecca is right, and we should get back. There are enough rumours circulating without
any more fuel being added to the fire.”

“Rumours?” Nathaniel and Hugh demanded in unison.

“Don’t worry. We’ve dealt with it.” Rebecca linked her arm with Lisa’s. “But if we
don’t make an appearance soon, all our good work will be for naught. You two, give
us a few moments, then head over and play a hand of something in one of the gaming
rooms before returning to the ballroom to allay suspicion.”

Lisa smiled at Rebecca’s commanding tone and the bemused expression on Lord McGivern’s
face.

“Marry my sister at your peril, my friend,” she heard Nathaniel murmur as they departed.
“For you can expect to be thoroughly managed.”

“I heard that, Nathaniel.” Rebecca closed the door to the sound of her brother’s laughter.

“Are you well, Anneliese?” Penelope asked after the two girls returned to the ballroom.
“Your colour is a little heightened.”

“It’s nothing. Just the crush.”

“Here.” Rebecca passed Lisa a glass of punch. “This should help.”

Gratefully sipping the ice-cooled drink, Lisa fanned her face with her free hand while
recalling Nathaniel’s kiss. It was obvious he wanted her as much as he ever had. She
just needed to convince him his scruples were not only misplaced but their confusing
application was causing them both unnecessary distress.

“You’re doing remarkably well,” her father said after coming close enough to speak
privately.

“Thank you, Papa.” She smiled.

“Are you enjoying yourself?”

“Surprisingly so.” Lisa didn’t bother to hide the relief in her tone. “I can’t deny
I was pleased when Nathaniel stepped forward, and the King was forced to announce
our betrothal. It has lessened the strain on my nerves considerably, though I fear
I’m not in very good favour with my cousin. Do you think he’ll ever forgive me?”

“You, my dear girl, will be forgiven just about anything.” The King’s declaration
was made from right behind her. “
If
you agree to my concessions regarding your future nuptials.”

Lisa grimaced. Rather than stay sequestered in an elevated location like a typical
monarch, William had spent the evening mingling with his guests, and she should have
paid better attention. “Concessions?” she asked.

To her relief, Nathaniel arrived and linked his arm with hers. “I had hoped Lady Anneliese
and I might be wed with minimal delay.”

“Your impatience comes as little surprise, Lord Marsden.” The King’s tone was wry.
“Have no fear. The repercussions I mentioned do not take the form of any great delay,
though you will need
some
time to prepare for the event I have in mind.”

“Event, Your Majesty?” Lisa gulped.

“Since the two of you have deprived me of the opportunity to strengthen
foreign
ties, I believe it is fitting your nuptials should benefit affairs closer to home.”

Nathaniel and Lisa shared a look of confusion while Lisa’s father questioned the King’s
meaning. “Weddings are typically family affairs, Your Majesty. Do you have something
else in mind?”

“I certainly do.” The King smiled smugly. “Your daughter’s debut has been a triumph,
Sir George. I’ve heard nothing but commendation from my guests, and my advisors tell
me the entire country is abuzz over her having outfoxed Copeland in such dramatic
fashion. When the announcement is made she is to wed her
noble
protector, not to mention the revelation of her illustrious connections, I believe
her star will continue to rise. The Empire has been sorely lacking a young heroine
since the tragic death of my niece, Princess Charlotte. With Anneliese insistent on
marrying her English lord, I think it is only fitting the English people get to witness
the glorious event.”

“With the popularity of the English Crown boosted in the process,” Thomas added wryly,
having come closer to listen in on the conversation, Margaret at his side. If there
was one thing that could be relied upon, it was their recently crowned monarch doing
everything in his power to increase his standing with the common man.

Lisa frowned. “But I don’t understand. How can the people
witness
our wedding?”

“I believe the King wants us to marry somewhere public and in a manner not seen for
some time,” Nathaniel said, his expression grim.

“Exactly.” The King beamed. “I’m thinking Westminster Abbey. It hasn’t seen a royal
wedding in an age, which I think is a shame. There will be ample room for Lisa’s newly
extended family, visiting royals and dignitaries, elite members of the
ton—
who I can guarantee will be falling over themselves to attend. I think we might even
invite some of the common folk, carefully selected members, of course. They’re getting
rather heated about this ridiculous law reform business . . . who ever heard of every
Tom, Dick, and Harry being granted a vote? It’s for landowners to decide the governance
of the nation.” The King shook his head before continuing. “Crowds will line the streets
to watch the bridal procession on their journey from the Abbey to the Palace for the
grand reception.”

“But . . . but . . .”

Lisa felt faint, having assumed Nathaniel’s and her nuptials would be a quiet, family-only
affair. Other than Princess Charlotte’s, whose marriage was at least
somewhat
private, England had not seen a grand royal or even society wedding since the previous
century. The French
Terror
had put an end to more than just flamboyant fashions and profligate spending. With
the
ton
living in fear of revolution and the aristocracy of both the loss of their positions
and heads, extravagance had not only been discouraged but considered downright dangerous.
A more sombre, tasteful
season had followed, one where simplicity and a disdain for showiness had prevailed.
This state of affairs had prevailed throughout the many years of the war with Napoleon.
But that was all in the past now. With a new decade, and a new sovereign, times and
fashions were changing.

“Come now, Lady Anneliese,” the King said, waving a finger. “You stated a desire to
be of service. I’m giving you the opportunity to be part of a public spectacle that
will do wonders to bolster the standing of the monarchy. A small price to pay for
being able to marry the gentleman of your choosing, wouldn’t you say?”

“Yes, of course, Your Majesty.”

“I’m not even expecting you to wait overly long, as I’d like to take advantage of
your current popularity,” he continued. “Say six weeks from now, before the hordes
depart the capital for the summer?”