Book 3: Chapter 56: An Exchange of Princes
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“Ladies and Gentlemen!” Lord Rykard called out as the orchestra died down following the sixth dance of the evening. “If you would follow me outside, we have another surprise prepared for you waiting in the garden.”
‘It’s rather admirable how easily he can command a room of nobles, most of whom are equal to or of a higher rank than he is,’ the Duchess observed as she watched the Viscount’s guests slowly gather themselves and head toward the back double doors.
Hana quickly interlocked arms with Carina and Ivy as they moved to join the crowd. They were still out of breath, having shared the last dance together with Lady Alice Gladestone, Viscount Gladestone’s wife. The latter waved farewell before moving off to join her husband and the other nobles who seemed to orbit constantly around Earl Hawthorne.
A bit of congestion at the back doors held up progress for a while. Carina forced a smile as a few of the nobles, crammed in around them, took advantage of the opportunity to introduce themselves to the Duchess and her friends. Between Hana’s curt replies and Colonel Isaac’s unfriendly glare, the nobles quickly changed tactics and stared ahead to avoid eye contact.
A small wave of boredom rolled over Carina’s tired shoulders as she glanced curiously behind them, searching for the tall ash-blonde Marquess with violet eyes. Beaumont had been called back to the Crown Prince’s side shortly after their third dance together, where he had remained, despite the fervent attempts of several senior ladies to introduce the new Marquess to their eligible unwed daughters.
She soon found the popular bachelor standing between the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, who appeared to be engaged in an intense discussion as they waited for the ballroom to clear. The Crown Princess remained in her chair beside Major Garrett, reading over a small, rolled document with focused attention.
‘That’s right. Eleanora was planning on giving a speech about the charity for orphans this evening.’