Free Be My Prince by Julianne MacLean Page A

she replied. “I would be most pleased to accept.”
    An awkward silence ensued. Nicholas quickly filled it by turning to the princess. “And Rose, would it be too forward of me to request the honor of a dance with you tomorrow evening?”
    She laughed. “Of course not, dear brother. I will look forward to it.”
    Everyone smiled and nodded politely; then the bell rang to indicate the end of intermission.
    Nicholas turned to Lucille. “Your Grace, I will have the coach brought around to the front of the theater following the last curtain call. If you would be so kind as to meet me here, I will escort you and Lady Alexandra home.”
    He intended to see them home? But she thought … she thought …
    Oh God, she couldn’t think.
    “How generous of you, sir.” Lucille and Alex curtsied to the royals, and they all made their way back into the theater.
    *   *   *
    “My word,” Lucille said irritably as a young man in a shabby jacket pushed by. “What is the world coming to when one must attend the theater with merchants and solicitors?”
    Alexandra turned as she felt a warm hand cup her gloved elbow.
    “The coach is waiting for us,” Nicholas said in her ear. Then he offered his arm to her stepmother. “Your Grace, may I assist you to the vehicle?”
    Alexandra had never seen the dowager blush before, which only confirmed the inconceivable level of his charm.
    “Will Prince Randolph be joining us?” Lucille asked as they reached the vehicle.
    “I am afraid not, Your Grace. He is invited to Carlton House to discuss matters of state with the regent. I will be joining them there as well after I deliver you safely to your destination.” He handed her up into the coach.
    He then held out a hand to Alexandra. She slid her fingers across his open palm and relished the brief moment of contact.
    Settling herself comfortably inside the cozy interior, she waited for him to join them, but he merely stuck his head inside the door to ensure they were both seated.
    “Are you not coming with us?” she blurted out, then regretted it immediately, for she had revealed too much.
    “I beg your pardon,” he said. “I have forgotten something inside. If you will wait but a moment, I promise I will return.”
    With that, he closed the door behind him, and Alexandra sat back with relief. She worked hard to slow her breathing and smiled to herself—for he was coming right back—then felt the watchful eye of her stepmother examining her movements and expressions.
    “Mr. Carmichael was right about one thing,” Lucille said, adjusting her cape around her shoulders. “That man is dangerous.”
    “Whatever do you mean?” Alexandra asked.
    “Did you see the way he looked at me when he helped me into the coach? He is too charming for his own good. It’s no wonder he has a reputation with the ladies. He knows how to flaunt his looks.”
    Somewhat relieved that her stepmother was not referring to her own response to him, Alex chuckled softly. “Let us be honest, Mama. I saw you blush. You quite enjoyed it.”
    “Well, that is neither here nor there,” she haughtily replied. “What matters is your reputation. You mustn’t let that man charm you. Remember your objectives.” She was quiet for a long moment while they waited. “I don’t like him,” she said.
    “Why?”
    “I just told you why. He is a danger to you. I can feel it. He may pretend to be aiding you, but I would not be surprised to learn it is nothing but a cunning ploy bent on seduction. Heaven knows how many women he is encouraging. Promising them a good word delivered to his brother if they will toss a few favors in his direction…”
    “Oh, Mama, now you’re being ridiculous.”
    “Am I?” She wiggled self-importantly on the seat. “He is far too handsome. Try not to look at him during the ride home. Think only of Randolph.”
    Alexandra squeezed at her reticule. “I could say the same to you.”
    Just then, the coach bounced under Nicholas’s