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She gave a delicate shudder, and Sebastian refrained from pointing out that she’d been most encouraging when he’d declared he was going to court Lady Peony.

An unfortunate choice, especially when a much better one had been standing next to her all along. He rued the day he’d dismissed Miss Eliana Banning as an empty-headed flirt and decided to pursue her friend, the supposedly dependable and worthy Lady Peony.

Throat tight, he took a swallow of his wine. There was no changing the past.

“Not to bring up too tender a subject,” Mother continued, “but who are you courting now?”

“No one.” He gave the same answer he always did.

It was still true—no matter that he could not banish the memory of Eliana Banning’s smile. Not to mention her courage, and kindness, and beauty…

His mother sniffed. “Are there no ladies in London worthy of a prince?”

There might be one, but he would not say her name.

“Perhaps it’s time for me to leave England,” he said, partly to annoy Mother, but partly to say aloud what he’d been contemplating.

He could not continue on as he had been, that was certain. London held almost nothing for him except a disappointed mother and a sister he’d used to know.

And a young woman who might have been his future, had he chosen more wisely.

“Oh, Sebbie, don’t,” his sister cried. “We’re finally getting reacquainted. I don’t want to lose you again so soon.”

Her words sent a pang through him.

“I’ll return,” he said. “I simply need a change of scene.” And a town where he wouldn’t be looking for Eliana Banning on every street corner.

“I’m sorry to hear it.” His mother folded her napkin precisely and laid it on the table. “When you return, I hope you’ll have grown up enough to take more responsibility in your station.”

“I’m hardly a wastrel, Mother,” he replied, stung.

“No.” She fixed him with a hard gaze. “You are a prince and must act accordingly. Perhaps more travel will do you good. I see I was wrong to hope that you might wed an English lady and settle in London. You are not suited to it by temperament. Indeed, I’d venture to say you’re as cold as your father.”

“It seems so.” He drew in a breath through burning lungs. “I will, of course, take my official leave of you before I go.”

“I’d expect so.” She rose and gave him a stiff nod. “You’re excused from my table, Sebastian. I imagine you’d like to start planning your retreat from England as soon as possible.”

Margret watched him dolefully, her eyes bright with unshed tears, as he pushed back his chair. Standing, he made them his most courteous bow, despite the anger simmering beneath his skin.

He did not feel cold. Rather the opposite.

“Good evening, ladies,” he said. “I’ll see myself out.”

The butler was surprised by his sudden exit, and hastily sent for Sebastian’s carriage to be brought round. Sebastian collected his coat, hat, and gloves, and declared he’d wait outside. He didn’t want to stay a moment longer in his mother’s mansion.

Once out in the fresh air, he took a deep breath, willing himself to calm. Overhead, the sky had softened to dove gray, and a few stars winked on the horizon. The gas lamps lining the street shed a cheery glow, illuminating the dirty snow and slush churned up by carriage wheels.

Yes, he would leave London. But he would not flee like a whipped dog, his tail between his legs. No matter what his mother said, he knew how to behave as a prince, and a man.

If Eliana could master her fear, then she deserved no less from him. Before he went, he would take his heart in his hands and tell Eliana Banning that he was in love with her, and the consequences be damned.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Although she usually enjoyed theyearly tradition of singing carols with her friends, Eliana was having a difficult time rising to the occasion. The only one who had seemed to notice that something was the matter was her brother, William, but she put him off by saying she had a touch of the stomachache.

After everyone gathered, they had sung at Banning House and, by special request, at the Plumleys’, where young Theo looked to have made a full recovery. Now they were making their way to Lord and Lady Ashford’s, where the afternoon of caroling would end with a small party.

“Did you hear?” Lady Peony said, her eyes bright. “Prince Sebastian is leaving London! Oh, what a blessed relief.”