Page 102 of To Pleasure a Prince

Tears stung Regina’s eyes. She loved him all right. What else could possibly make her this weepy?

Blinking back her tears, she stared out at the dying sun and prayed that he could love her, too. That he would eventually forgive her for her part in Louisa’s near ruin. Because if he couldn’t, she didn’t know how she’d bear it.

Chapter Twenty-two

Remain loyal to your charge and when she is married, she will reward you.

—Miss Cicely Tremaine,The Ideal Chaperone

Regina shivered as they were ushered into the Iversleys’ drawing room. The mood was somber as a tomb. Louisa sat on a couch, flanked by Cicely and Lady Iversley, and Lord Iversley stood stiffly by the fire, his hand resting upon the marble mantel. But while Louisa’s guardians bore expressions of dismay and concern, Louisa was the very image of defiance.

Ignoring his sister, Marcus headed for Lord Iversley. His half brother. Now Regina could see a resemblance, in their dark hair, their height, their chins. Marcus might be stockier, but they had exactly the same chin. The prince’s chin.

Lady Iversley caught her staring, and the woman’s gaze grew speculative. Did she know of her husband’s true parentage? She had to. Otherwise, why had she agreed to sponsor Louisa in society? And what was it the earl had said at dinner the night of the soiree?He’s like part of our family.

Regina snorted. Part of the family, indeed. She should have seen it before.

As Marcus reached Alec, guilt spread over the younger man’s cheeks. “Draker, I’m so sorry. I swear I never thought—”

“It’s not your fault. You’ve done better by Louisa than I could have dreamed. But when the girl acts like a fool, you can’t do much to stop her.”

“How dare you?” Louisa jumped to her feet. “You don’t understand—”

“Hush, Louisa,” Regina said hastily. “Your brother is very angry at the moment, and I would not try his temper if I were you.”

Still ignoring his sister, Marcus turned to Cicely, who was coaxing Louisa to sit back down. “Miss Tremaine, I should like a word with you.”

Cicely rose uneasily, her hands balling a handkerchief into a knot. “Yes, my lord?”

“First of all, thank you for your good service to me and my wife. I promise that you’ll be amply rewarded for it. Now tell me exactly what happened between Foxmoor and my sister.”

Cicely shot Regina a glance, and Regina nodded. Cicely’s face cleared. “Forgive me, sir, but I do not know how the duke managed to communicate his plans to Louisa, or I would never have allowed it to go even as far as it did. I did try to intercept any notes or letters sent to her.”

“Traitor,” Louisa muttered.

For the first time since he’d entered, Marcus looked at his sister. “Excuse me, young lady, but did I just hear you insult one of your betters, a woman of advanced age and superior education, and the relation of my very own wife?”

Louisa had the good sense to duck her head, and mumble, “No.”

“Good. I had better never hear it.” He turned back to Cicely. “Go on.”

With a nervous glance in Louisa’s direction, Cicely said, “Fortunately, I am a light sleeper. My cough often wakes me early. So I heard Louisa slip out of her room. Concerned for her safety, I followed her outside. The duke awaited her in his carriage at the foot of the garden, and Louisa was nearly there when I called to her to stop. I told her if she did not return to the house, I would scream until everyone came running. Simon tried to convince her to come along anyway, but—” She glanced toward Louisa. “She knew that would be futile.”

“We could never have made it to Gretna Green unless we had a head start,” Louisa protested.

“Gretna Green!” Marcus snapped. “You little fool—did you really think he meant to marry you?”

Louisa paled. “He said he did.”

“Drat the man,” Regina muttered. She couldn’t believe he’d actually lied to Louisa in order to get what he wanted. “My brother can be such an idiot.”

“He’s a dead idiot now,” Marcus snapped.

“No!” Louisa leaped from the couch. “You must not hurt him. We did nothing wrong. We wanted to marry, and you wouldn’t allow it.”

“You promised not to see him.”

Guilt flooded Louisa’s face. “I know, but…well…I knew you would never consent, even if I waited the two years. And I thought that if it were done, and there was nothing you could do to stop it—”