Page 56 of In the Prince's Bed

“Don’t worry about us.” Katherine rose, thoroughly intrigued. “I’d love to see you ride in the arena.” And that would keep her from falling prey to his amorous attentions yet again.

Alec’s gaze narrowed on her. Had he guessed why she was so eager to send him off?

“Yes, yes, Lord Iversley,” her mother put in, “you should do it, most assuredly. What a lark!”

“It would be rude of me to leave you here alone.” Alec turned to França. “Give Astley my sincerest regrets, but I cannot oblige him tonight.”

França began to fiddle nervously with his sling. “Ah, but Mr. Astley said that if you refuse, I am to remind you that he was kind enough to offer—”

“Right.” Alec bowed stiffly. “Very well, I suppose I can manage it.”

Relief spread over Mr. França’s face. “You can wear my uniform. And if you do not want to leave the lovely senhorita and her mother alone, bring them with us. They can watch from behind the scenes.”

Alec shot Katherine a considering glance. “I have a better idea. What if Miss Merivale were to participate in the interlude, too?”

Mr. França’s face lit up.“Magnifico,senhor! That flaming red hair and that smile…she would charm the audience.”

Alec nodded. “And keep them from noticing my mistakes.”

França waved his hand dismissively. “Then we can perform ‘The Angry Wife’—it is simple enough for her, don’t you think?”

“Are you both insane?” Katherine broke in. “I couldn’t possibly ride well enough to do tricks.”

“You need not ride at all, senhorita,” Mr. França said. “ ‘The Angry Wife’ is more like—”

“Theater,” Alec put in. “You only have to stand still while I ride past and steal your hat and such with my sword. It’s mostly acting—you just pretend to be angry with me.” He grinned. “Surely you can manage that with no trouble.”

“But—”

“Do you have a costume that will fit her?” Alec asked Mr. França.

“Most certainly. But her hair will have to be dressed differently.”

“Now see here,” Katherine broke in. “I haven’t agreed to this. I can’t—”

“You can.” Alec caught her gaze. “What’s more, you know you want to.”

She sucked in a breath. He was right. She did want to. This was quite possibly the most exciting thing ever to happen to her. But still…“It isn’t proper, and you know it. If anyone recognizes me, I’ll be considered fast, or worse.”

“Don’t be such a prude,” Mama said. “It sounds like jolly good fun to me.”

Katherine whirled on her. “You can hardly find this acceptable, Mama—”

“We can put a mask on you,” Mr. França broke in. Clearly, he would do anything to gain Alec’s compliance, and if Alec wanted her along, then he would oblige. “Senhor Black can wear a mask, too, if he wishes.”

Mama scowled at him. “As long ashis lordshippromises to look out for my daughter, I’m sure it will be fine.”

“Of course I’ll look out for her.” Alec gazed warmly into Katherine’s eyes. “I promise not to let anything hurt or embarrass you.” He lowered his voice. “Take a risk, sweetheart. You might enjoy it.”

She simply couldn’t resist the intriguing idea. “All right. But you must put a mask on me. And the dress mustn’t be too…well…”

“It will be beautiful, do not worry,” Mr. França put in, oblivious to her real source of concern. “Now come, we must hurry.” He glanced to the stage, where the fair maiden was being rescued from the burning castle by a dashing fellow on horseback. “We have little time to prepare for the interlude.”

As they hurried out the door, Mama took her seat again.

Katherine stopped. “Aren’t you coming, Mama?”

“No, indeed. How can I see everything from back there behind the stage? I shall stay right here and watch your adventure. Go on, my angel. I’ll be fine.”