Princess in Love by Julianne MacLean

Author:Julianne MacLean [MacLean, Julianne]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Fiction, Romance, Historical, Regency
ISBN: 9780312552794
Google: IFjwCWaOG84C
Amazon: 0312552793
Publisher: St. Martin's
Published: 2011-12-31T13:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

Hofburg Palace, Vienna

October 13, 1814

In his pocket, Randolph carried with him at all times the private, intimate letter from his sister, Rose, to Archduke Joseph, heir to the Austrian throne and eldest son of their generous host, Emperor Francis.

Randolph had hoped to deliver the letter the day he arrived, but was informed that Joseph had not yet returned from his diplomatic visit to Naples, though he was expected to arrive home at any time.

As a result, Randolph went about the business of the Congress, meeting with the other European monarchs while establishing a strong rapport with Prince Metternich, the Austrian foreign minister and influential president of the peace conference.

He also attended an important dinner with Talleyrand, the French foreign minister, and the following evening he and Nicholas were invited to the Duchess of Sagan’s salon at the Palm Palace, where he spent most of the evening wishing he were at home in Petersbourg with Alexandra, spending the hours alone with her, naked in bed. All he wanted to do presently was return to his apartments at the Hofburg and write to her about the events of the day and all that he had seen and experienced thus far.

He regretted not bringing her. She was his queen, after all, and they were newlyweds, but she was in a delicate condition with her pregnancy and the palace physician had advised against it.

Just then, the butler announced a late arrival to the Duchess of Sagan’s intimate soiree. “His Imperial Highness, Joseph Francis.”

The duchess went quickly to greet him while Randolph put a hand to his breast pocket. Was he carrying Rose’s letter this evening?

Nicholas appeared at his side just then. “Well, this is a surprise. Will you tell him tonight? Seems a shame. He only just arrived.”

“I believe these things are best dealt with head-on,” Randolph replied.

“At least let him have a drink first.”

The archduke—who was an exceedingly dignified gentleman, richly dressed, with light blond hair and a freckled complexion—kissed the duchess’s hand, then lifted his gaze and spotted Randolph across the room. His expression brightened, and he excused himself from the duchess’s company.

Randolph and Nicholas each greeted him. “Welcome back, Your Highness.”

“Your Majesty,” he cheerfully replied. “What an unexpected pleasure. My father and I were pleased you could both attend the Congress. But first, please accept my sincere condolences over your own father’s passing.”

“Thank you,” Randolph said. Nicholas nodded in agreement.

“And Rose?” the archduke asked. “How is she? What a shame she couldn’t join you.”

Randolph set his empty glass down on a table. “Yes, indeed. In that regard, I have a letter for you. If you will excuse me for one moment?”

He left Joseph with Nicholas while he sought out their hostess to request the use of a more private location—her dining room perhaps. All the while, his heart was filling with dread, for he genuinely liked the archduke. He was not going to enjoy disappointing him in this manner.

* * *

Ten minutes later, the archduke lowered the letter to his side and sank into a chair at the table.

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