Year of Folly by Tracy Cooper-Posey

Author:Tracy Cooper-Posey
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Victorian Era Historical Romance
Publisher: Stories Rule Press
Published: 2019-07-12T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

I apologize once more for intruding upon your family affair,” Prince Konstantin said, as he plucked the glass of brandy from the tray Travers held out to him. He nodded his thanks to Travers and looked around the library.

When Konstantin had requested a word with Lilly and Jasper, almost everyone had stepped inside with them. Emma was surprised to see the entire family had coalesced around the small group standing in the middle of the croquet court, as if they had beckoned them.

Perhaps they had. Jasper’s dash across the court to scoop up Lilly from Raymond’s arms had made heads turn, including the prince’s. That was when he had asked if he might speak to them.

When Jasper, not Neil, suggested in a tone which brooked no argument, that the fewest people necessary should accompany them, Vaughn and Rhys had both stepped forward. Then Natasha and Annalies and Elisa, all with their chins lifted, defying anyone to protest.

Jasper looked at Emma. “You, too, Emma,” he said softly.

Her belly cramped. She nodded.

Everyone moved into the library and found seats or ranged around the back of the tight group gathered about the prince. Neil stood to one side as the acting lord of Innesford. Morgan was one of those to step through the door. When Jasper glared at him, he stared back, as if he was willing him to dispute his presence in the library.

Jasper instead settled Lilly on the sofa, her back against Jasper’s chest, her hand in his. Lilly shivered and looked as though she had a fever. The prince’s gaze settled on her as he apologized for the second time.

Then his gaze shifted to Emma.

She drew a sharp breath. Why would he be interested in her?

“It might be best if you explain yourself as quickly as possible, Your Highness,” Papa Vaughn said, his voice firm. “Your presence alone is disturbing. We would have you tell us what business you have with the family.”

Papa Vaughn was the oldest man in the room, and was speaking on behalf of everyone, for there were nods from many of them.

Emma’s head throbbed. She wanted to leave and go to her room, away from whatever was about to be said, but could not bring her feet to move.

Konstantin nodded. “It might help if I announce another of my titles. There are eleven minor titles still attached to the principality, most of them European. There is one English title. Marquis of Blackawton.”

Lilly closed her eyes and turned her face into Jasper’s shoulder. His hand tightened upon hers. He did not shift his gaze from the prince’s face. His expression was implacable. Perhaps, even deadly.

Mama Elisa and Vaugh, Raymond, and even Aunt Natasha all drew in sharp breaths at the name.

Dread pressed against Emma’s chest.

Konstantin nodded. “I can see the name has meaning to you. That is why I am here.”

No one spoke. Even Papa Vaughn looked as though he might throttle the man. Aunt Annalies clutched at Rhys’ arm, as if she was holding him back.

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