Then he heard her laugh. His father was a good host who entertained his guests with amusing conversation, but James heard none of it. His head was filled with memories of the masquerade ball where the two of them had laughed together at the other guests’ outlandish costumes.
His gaze caressed her hands, and he remembered lifting one to his mouth and placing a kiss on each long, delicate finger. He recalled how it felt to take her into his arms and waltz with her. Toward the end of that first dance, his arms had tightened about her and he had drawn her close to his body for their first kiss. It could not have been more perfect. When I withdrew my mouth from hers, she whispered “James” with longing. How I loved the taste of my name on her lips. James felt his blood surge. Come home with me tonight? Then he felt the slow, heavy pulse in his groin, and his imagination swept him away as he relived a recurring fantasy in erotic detail:
Slowly, he took the pins from her glorious hair one at a time. The silken texture between his fingers made his desire flare. When the golden red mass came tumbling down, he could not resist burying his face in the fragrant curls. Then he lifted her high in the dominant position, so that the fiery tendrils fell upon his naked chest in a waterfall of splendor. He drew in a ragged breath of anticipation knowing the tips of her breasts would brush against the muscles of his chest as he pulled her down to him.
“What’s the latest news in the House, James?” the earl asked.
James came out of his reverie and looked blankly at Richard Howe. “I’m sorry, my lord, I was a million miles away.”
“The American Civil War,” Richard prompted.
“Ah yes, since General Robert E. Lee assumed command of the Confederate army, they have been winning every battle.”
“The Confederates certainly seem to have some superior generals.”
“Yes, General Stonewall Jackson is advancing on the Union army near Washington. I believe General John Pope’s soldiers will go down in defeat,” James predicted.
Anne’s presence, across the dinner table from him, was so distracting that James had great difficulty making intelligent conversation. He lapsed into silence, allowing the others to express their views, and nodded his head occasionally, pretending to follow the weighty subject of war. It wasn’t long, however, before his imagination was filled with a far more enchanting subject.
• • •
In spite of her father’s avid interest in war, Anne’s attention was focused on more immediate concerns. Though she was sitting across the table from James Hamilton, she might just as well have been invisible for all the attention he paid her. When Lady Lu told us the Prince of Wales would be dining with us tonight, I should have known James accompanied him, yet the thought never occurred to me. When I came face-to-face with him, my pulse began to race madly and my heart hammered in my breast so loudly it almost deafened me. Yet Lord Bloody Rakehell hardly glanced at me.
James Hamilton’s complete indifference stung her. She reluctantly admitted to herself that for almost eight long months she had been holding out hope that he would call on her or send her a note. The masquerade ball had been the most romantic night of her life, and a thousand times since she had regretted her refusal to go home with him. If she’d had a chance to relive that night and do it all over again, she would have kept her identity a secret and let him take her home. Now Anne cursed herself for being a fool.
It’s time I grew up and faced reality. John Claud was right—James has no interest in ladies. It is utterly ridiculous to be infatuated with a man who will break my heart.
Anne glanced up at John Claud and found his possessive eyes on her. In the past eight months our families have dined together more than a dozen times. I know my parents would be delighted with a match between us. Her gaze traveled to the Duke and Duchess of Abercorn. I would love to marry into this family, and I know they would welcome me as a daughter. She glanced at John Claud again and this time she gifted him with a smile. He’s so devoted—perhaps I should give him a chance. But deep down inside, her heart ached with longing, and Anne suspected that if she couldn’t have James, she’d rather do without a husband.
• • •
Back in his apartment at Buckingham Palace, Prince Teddy was reluctant to have James leave. “I thoroughly enjoyed myself tonight, and got an education to boot. Bloody hell, I blush at my own ignorance.”
“Well, I too was in ignorance. I had no idea that Marlborough House belonged to you.”
“Best surprise I ever had in my life.”
“You were due for a bit of good luck, I warrant,” James said sincerely. “This calls for a toast.” He poured them each a nightcap and they happily raised their glasses. “Here’s to becoming head of your own household.”
Teddy sipped his drink thoughtfully. “I want to be absolutely sure I have my facts straight, so correct me if I’m wrong. I’m free to move into Marlborough House when I turn twenty-five, and the Treasury will allow me to draw on my considerable fortune for its upkeep.” He took another swallow. “The only fly in the ointment is that I won’t celebrate my twenty-fifth birthday for another four years.”
James nodded. “Four years and three months to be precise.”
Teddy grimaced. “That’s an eternity. Looking back over the last four years, the only time that was bearable was the three months I spent at the army camp in Ireland with the Grenadier Guards.” He shook his head. “James, I’ll never last another four years. I’m at the end of my rope now.”
“So, let’s explore the alternatives. The way I see it, you have three options. A quick death—slit your wrists; a slow one—drink yourself to death; or take a wife.”
Teddy chuckled at his friend’s dry wit. “When you put it so graphically, I really have no choice. Either I perish, or I marry.”
“Well, look at it this way—sooner or later most men marry, and for a royal prince marriage is inevitable. You are the future king and your first and foremost duty to the country is to produce an heir to the throne.” James drained his glass. “But you also have a duty to yourself. You must choose wisely for any chance at happiness.”
“Though princes are expected to marry princesses, that isn’t the law of the land. The lady I marry doesn’t have to be royal.”
“In theory that is true. But you must have the queen’s consent before you can marry, and Her Majesty would never approve of a bride for you who wasn’t a royal princess.”
Teddy’s shoulders drooped. “My choices are so limited.”
“Especially since a German princess is anathema to you,” James declared. “I thought Alexandra of Denmark was rather sweet.”
“I found her colorless and childlike. She’s not my idea of an attractive female.”
“Well, I grant you that she is not like Nellie Clifden, and may I point out that if she were, she would not be acceptable.”
“You are right, as always. Lady Anne Howe, who dined with us tonight, is a ravishing beauty. She seemed so vivid and filled with laughter. I warrant she’d be rewarding in bed.” Teddy sighed. “I take it your brother is courting her?”
James stiffened at mention of Anne’s name, and immediately tried to steer the Prince of Wales’s thoughts away from her. “Our families have known each other for years. You don’t have the luxury of years. If you want to establish your own household at Marlborough House, you need to marry as soon as your mourning period is over. Royal marriages take time to arrange. That means negotiations must begin as soon as you make your choice.”
“How can I possibly decide who to marry? My choice is so limited.”
“You must carefully weigh the qualities you want in a wife. First and foremost she should be a princess, and preferably one who is young and biddable.”
“In other words someone childlike and colorless!” Teddy said with disgust.
“Bear with me for a moment, while I compare two princesses for you. Y
our sister Princess Victoria was indulged and thoroughly spoiled from the day she was born by doting parents who allowed her to have all her own way. She is vain, willful, demanding, extravagant, headstrong, and sexually precocious. She insists on having her own way about everything, and I’m willing to wager she rules her husband with an iron hand.”
“You paint a graphic picture, James, but an exact one.”
“Now compare Princess Victoria with Princess Alexandra, who is young, sweet, biddable, and above all innocent. It’s quite obvious she has never been indulged and spoiled. Her father has never had money for an extravagant lifestyle. Such a young woman would be in awe of you, and would no doubt do her utmost to please you in every way. Would you prefer a wife who is aggressive or one who is passive? One who rules the roost, or one who would bow to your wishes? I warrant young Alexandra is malleable and can be molded to anything you desire her to be.”
“I’ve been ruled long enough. The last thing I want is another woman ruling my life.”
James set down his empty glass and went into the prince’s study. His finger ran across the books in the bookcase until he found the one he wanted. “Here’s a Genealogy of European Royalty.” His glance searched the table of contents. “Princess Anna of Hesse, Princess Pauline of Mecklenburg, Princess Caroline of Schleswig-Holstein, and her gaggle of royal sisters, Princess Maria Alexandrovna, who’s Russian rather than German.” He handed the book to Teddy. “I shall bid you good night and tomorrow we’ll visit Marlborough House.”
“I am faced with an onerous task,” Teddy lamented.
“Just remember, the lady you choose will be the next Queen of England.”
“Thanks for making it easy for me.”
“What are friends for?” James asked lightly.
• • •
Before Lady Anne climbed into bed, she opened her journal and dipped her pen in the inkwell. I find it ironic that James Bloody Hamilton couldn’t spare me a glance tonight, yet the most eligible bachelor in England, namely, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, couldn’t take his eyes off me.
However, I don’t consider it a compliment, since Teddy looked at me with lust rather than admiration. According to John Claud, the Prince of Wales and James are both predators, constantly on the prowl for females willing to lift their skirts for them.
Tonight, I realized how foolish I’ve been to think James had a tendre for me. When we saw each other again for the first time in almost eight months, for one mad moment my heart sang. Just one intimate glance would have told me I lingered in his thoughts, and would have kept my hope alive. But when James looked through me as if I were invisible, it was like a slap in the face—a slap I obviously needed.
When this dreadful year of mourning is up, and social invitations to parties and balls are no longer frowned upon, I shall accept all of them. I will no longer discourage my admirers, I will collect them, and John Claud can get in line behind Fitz Kerry.
Anne closed her journal, turned out the lamp, and slipped into bed. Putting her thoughts on paper had given her a small measure of satisfaction. Her last thought before she drifted off to sleep was I’ll show him!
• • •
“Marlborough House is absolutely magnificent. The interiors are far more grand than anything I imagined.” Prince Teddy gazed about in amazement.
“Just look at this wall painting. I believe it’s The Battle of Blenheim by Laguerre.” James looked up at the ceiling where a cupola had been inserted and was surrounded by paintings. “All this magnificent artwork is a result of your father leasing the house to the Royal College of Art. Some of the greatest artists in the world have used the walls and staircases as if they were canvases, and turned it into a showplace.”
“Every chamber takes my breath away. Look at all the marble, the chandeliers, the fireplaces. The tall windows were obviously designed to let in all this light.”
“It was designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Is it any wonder he’s considered England’s greatest architect?”
“James, I can scarcely believe my great good fortune!”
“It’s not just a mansion, it’s more like a palace. Your Highness, this will become the social center of London. You will become the most famous host England has ever known. All Society will fight for an invitation to Marlborough House. You’ll have more friends than you’ll ever want or need,” James predicted.
“That will be extremely gratifying for someone who’s endured a rather lonely life.”
“You can say good-bye to loneliness. Since Her Majesty the Queen has withdrawn from public life, all the focus will be on you. London has always looked to the royal family as the leaders of Society. Now that role will fall to you.”
“I can’t wait. I’d move in today if I could.”
“You have to marry before that can happen,” James reminded him. “Have you decided who will become the Princess of Wales?”
“By a process of elimination, I’m left with only one choice. It will have to be Princess Alexandra of Denmark. How do we start negotiations?”
“I’ll consult my father. He has handled the royal family’s business affairs for the past fifteen years.”
“Thank you, James. What the devil would I do without you?”
I trust I’m not giving him false hope. Though Father is a miracle worker, God knows how long this will take. Teddy’s been forced to live like a monk at Buckingham Palace.
“I have an idea. Here’s the key to my town house on White Horse Street. Why don’t you go and stay there for a couple of days? My servants are discreet, and won’t blink an eye if you enjoy a little female companionship. I’ll sleep at the palace.”
Teddy accepted the key with gratitude. “You are the best friend a prince could ever have, James. Someday it will be within my power to grant you favors,” he promised.
• • •
James Hamilton made his way to Abercorn’s office at Buckingham Palace. He closed the door so they could speak in private. “Father, after seeing Marlborough House, the Prince of Wales is extremely eager to remove himself from Buckingham Palace. He has come to accept that he must take a wife, and realizes that negotiations must be started at once.”
“That won’t be easy. The year’s mourning period isn’t up for another four and a half months.”
“Teddy’s at the end of his tether. You must find a way to circumnavigate the mourning period. You are such an experienced diplomat, Father, surely you can come up with a way to get around it.”
“It will certainly take some delicate maneuvering. Who is the lucky lady?”
“Princess Alexandra of Denmark, I’m happy to say.”
“Is she his choice, or yours?” Abercorn asked shrewdly.
“Teddy’s choice, with only a little manipulation from me.”
Abercorn sighed heavily. “I shall certainly have to resort to manipulation when I approach Her Majesty on this matter. After all these months, she still considers it sacrilege for me to even utter her son’s name.”
“I believe that the only reason the queen gave her permission for the Prince of Wales to travel to Strelitz last year was so that he could meet Princess Alexandra.”
“Yes, it was. For years, Victoria had her heart set on her son marrying Princess Anna of Hesse. It was Albert who suggested Princess Alexandra might be a better choice.”
“And it was Albert’s favorite daughter, Vicky, who persuaded him. She is a manipulator, par excellence.”
“I’ll rearrange my work schedule and give priority to this matter. The first hurdle will be getting an audience with Her Majesty. I’ll put in a request today.”
James grinned at his father. “The rest will be a piece of cake. According to Mother, Victoria has always fancied you. She’ll be putty in your hands.”
“Don’t try to manipulate a manipulator, James.”
• ??
? •
“Your Majesty, forgive my intrusion, but I need your advice on a most delicate matter.”
“My dear Abercorn, you never intrude. Please have a seat. You are so tall it strains my neck to look up at you.”
“Thank you, ma’am.” He took a seat and purposely rustled a paper in his hand. “As I said, I would appreciate your advice on some unfinished business that Prince Albert had begun with Prince Christian, heir to the King of Denmark.”
“Was it in regard to his daughter Princess Alexandra?”
“It was indeed, ma’am. Prince Albert had made up his mind that the Prince of Wales should marry, and that Princess Alexandra of Denmark would be the chosen bride.”
Victoria nodded. “My dearest Albert and I discussed it a few times.”
“Your husband asked me to draft a letter that would open negotiations for the marriage, but alas, Prince Albert became too ill to finalize and sign the official letter.”
“Is that the draft my husband dictated?”
Abercorn handed Victoria the draft that he had drawn up only this morning, and waited quietly while she read it.
The queen’s eyes filled with tears. “Albert had such a way with words.”
The duke cleared his throat. “Since it was your husband’s wish that the marriage take place, would Your Majesty like me to prepare an official letter for your royal signature that will open negotiations?”
“That is an excellent suggestion, Abercorn. However, we cannot embark on such a mission during our year of mourning for our beloved Albert. It is unthinkable.”
“I am loath to offend your sensibilities, ma’am, but such an eligible royal princess will be snapped up by some calculating, minor European royal the moment she turns eighteen. Her birthday is three months away, on December first. We could conduct our negotiations privately and in strictest confidentiality. After your year’s mourning period is up would be the ideal time to announce the engagement, if we are fortunate enough to secure the marriage prize.”
“You are overlooking the greatest obstacle to our plans, I’m afraid. The Prince of Wales adamantly refuses to even consider marriage. He is an unnatural son!”