Posing as a Princess (The Shady Side of the Law Book 2) by Susan Varno

Author:Susan Varno [Varno, Susan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing, LLC
Published: 2021-10-19T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

Luncheon at Buckingham Palace

Saturday morning, April 7

On the circular driveway outside the palace, West stepped down from the Willoughby carriage. Two footmen assisted Ruth’s descent. She looked regal, wide-brimmed colorful hat shading her eyes, open Oriental fan covering her nose and mouth, an elegant frockcoat over her purple velvet ball gown. If he didn’t already know what she looked like, he’d be unable to describe her face.

Proud to know her, more proud to be her escort, he offered his arm. She clutched it too tight. Did she fear for her footing or for what lay ahead? Through the tall open doors, he led her into the main hallway. A line of guards in medieval costumes, complete with helmets and lances, stood as if they were statues. Ahead, the crowd of beautifully dressed ladies and formally attired gentlemen parted to watch the princess glide by.

So far, Ruth seemed composed. In the carriage, he’d reassured her. “I’ve seen you in action. Nothing and no one stops you. By turns, you can be charming or intimidating. Even when you told me who you really are, I still believed you were the princess.”

Her tense smile didn’t extend to her eyes.

Her fingers didn’t grip his arm quite as hard. Her steps became more graceful. She needed him today, but for her most difficult encounters, he couldn’t be with her.

At the entry to a large reception room, a man in livery announced in a stentorian voice, “Princess Rosalinde of the Duchy of Hilsenborn. Her escort Weston Chandler, Sheriff of Nottinghamshire.”

West put his hand over hers. He dared not face her. For the next few hours, they must be the regal princess and the lowly sheriff.

The Foreign Secretary greeted them. “Princess Rosalinde. May I introduce you to . . .”

West couldn’t hear the rest of the man’s sentence. Without looking back, Ruth took the Secretary’s arm.

Trying to forget what he told her last night, West watched them walk away. He remembered what she hadn’t said in return. He’d been presumptuous. No, he’d been honest. He loved Ruth Fitzhenry regardless of her past or her family’s reputation. In turn, she admired him, trusted him, and depended on his protection. She just didn’t love him. Well, she had much on her mind: saving her brother’s life, convincing forty or more people she really was a German princess, and reuniting her estranged parents. Maybe for a woman, falling in love required more thoughtful reflection.

When they reached Lincolnshire, she would have little free time. Once her brother’s fate was settled, she was bound for the United States. Halfway across the Atlantic, she might think of him. Relieved her torment was over, maybe she wouldn’t think of him at all.

He watched as the viscount walked her across the room; twenty-foot ceilings, gilt galore, lit candelabras overhead, but luckily no windows. Between her hat and people bowing to her, Ruth could hide most of her face. As guests lined up to greet the members of the receiving line, West stepped out of the way.

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