Page 81 of A Royal Mistake
No part of her life.
Not beyond the summer, anyway.
A server approached, and they both took a glass of champagne. Pippa sipped hers slowly, the alcohol bubbling on her tongue.
Two-drink limit. Stay sharp, stay focused.
“Ready?” he asked, looking at her over the top of his champagne flute.
She pasted a brilliant smile on her face. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”
True to his word, he introduced her to his top donors and when he excused himself to see to his host duties, she worked the crowd, determined to make as many introductions as possible before dinner was announced. She delivered her pitch with practiced ease, stealing glances at Henry whenever she could.
He always seemed to be aware of her, no matter what he was doing or who he was talking to. Their eyes would meet from across the room and in those stolen moments, everything else faded away. It was just the two of them, sharing a secret smile as they worked to deliver more resources to underserved populations.
The knowledge warmed her chest and gave her the strength to push on when the conversations got uncomfortable. She had no problem asking total strangers for money, but when they wanted details from her personal life in return? Hard pass.
Several people asked about the progress of her courtship, and each time, she redirected the conversation back to the work of VDRI and Stanley International. It was a solid strategy, right until Frau Dietrich cornered her in the loo, blocking the door and any chance Pippa had of escape.
Damn it all to hell.
“It’s such a pleasure to meet you,” Frau Dietrich gushed, wringing her hands. “I had no idea you would be here tonight. A true Valerian princess. We don’t have any princesses in our country,” she whispered, as if sharing a national secret. “Just princes. Not nearly as exciting when it comes to courtship.”
Pippa stared, at a loss for words. Not that Frau Dietrich seemed to mind. The woman was more than happy to fill the empty silence that stretched between them.
“I’ve been following your courtship in the news. It’s just fascinating.” She paused and her eyes grew wide. “Is it true Prince Gabriel shot the king with a paintball?” She frowned, lips puckering in distaste. “Usually, I don’t believe stories like that without photographic evidence, but if you confirmed it…”
The implication was obvious. She’d blabber it all over the free world.
When Pippa didn’t answer, the other woman continued. “Oh, well. I suppose it doesn’t really matter, now does it? Most people believe everything they read in the tabloids.”
Frau Dietrich was clearly most people.
“Just between us girls,” she said, offering a conspiratorial smile. “Which of the suitors are you going to choose? Is it true you favor the Spanish prince, or is Herr von der Recke going to sweep you off your feet?”
Pippa pursed her lips, an idea taking shape.
“I’m really not supposed to say.” She gave an apologetic smile. “I’m sure you understand. But I suppose if you were to make a donation to Stanley International, I might be able to give you a hint. Just between us girls.”
* * *
Henry handedhis dessert plate to the server. Exhaustion nipped at him, but he ignored it. The night wasn’t over yet. He still had to make closing remarks and thank his guests for their support of Von der Recke International.
Without their generosity and confidence in him, VDRI wouldn’t exist. It was thanks to their support that the organization had grown each year, delivering more funding and more resources to communities in need. Yes, he’d made a mistake trusting his CFO—a mistake he was still paying for—but he would not let one man’s crimes tarnish what so many had worked to build.
He was proud of the work he’d done these last eight years, of the lives he’d changed. Lives he wouldn’t have been able to impact if not for the veil of anonymity.
No, that wasn’t true.
He would’ve found a way. Even if it meant spending more time in the office and at events like this one. But he enjoyed working hands-on in developing communities, of connecting face-to-face with those he was helping.
He wasn’t ready to give that up. Not yet.
Pippa had worked the room like a pro tonight, moving from group to group with that brilliant smile of hers. Armed with only her words and her smile, she’d painted a vision of Stanley International that made it near impossible for anyone to deny her. Pride swelled in his chest. She’d accomplished so much in such a short time.
Hell, tonight alone, she’d secured several follow-up meetings. Give her a few more weeks and she’d be raking in the donations.
Just in time for the end of the season and the official unveiling of Stanley International.