His words should have scared me, and probably would have if I weren’t sitting so snugly on his lap. “James said the king might try to arrest me for treason. I almost believed him until I saw you waiting.”
Henry gave a heavy sigh. “James may have been right. The king threatened so much a week ago when we last spoke.”
This revelation disheartened me. “Then I assume you have not yet been released from your betrothal.”
“I’m afraid not, though the news is not all bad. My father showed considerable understanding when I told him about you, which is most surprising since he was the greatest proponent of my marriage to the princess before I was pressed into service last spring. With his support, I believe the battle is half won.”
Which still left the other half. “And the king?” I asked.
“His majesty was very displeased when he heard that I had chosen a lady from the Colonies over his daughter. He has refused to act until after you arrived.”
My heart fluttered nervously. “Why should my arrival have any bearing on his decision? Is he so concerned that I’ll prove an embarrassment to the crown?”
“I’ve no idea what the king is thinking,” Henry said. “For the time being, I’ve been commanded to honor the betrothal with Amelia, and notified that any actions to the contrary would be considered an insult to the house of Hanover. His spies arrived at the docks shortly after me, I presume under orders to witness our first encounter. If I had done as my heart bid and publicly shown my preference for you, I believe the king would have taken action. Rather than risk my father’s anger by arresting his only son and heir, he would have had you arrested instead.”
I sat up a little straighter. “But Henry, what if we’re being followed? Surely they saw us get into the carriage together.”
“What I do in private is my own affair.” He laughed bitterly. “As a matter of fact, the king has even encouraged it. I would never insult you by sharing such vulgar notions, but I believe you deserve the entire truth. The king suggested that I marry the princess and keep you for my mistress.”
I pulled in a sharp breath. James was a bloody soothsayer! Or else he was exceptionally good at guessing the king’s mind. Whichever, the man had been uncanny in detailing what would happen once I arrived. I felt a twinge of guilt for even asking my next question. “And what do you think of the king’s idea?”
Henry stiffened behind me. “I think my uncle is a damned fool, and if he were any other man I would have challenged him to a duel right then and there.”
“Are you insane?” I cried, trying to twist my head around to look at him. He was holding me so tightly, my movement accomplished very little other than bringing my cheek closer to his own. “You might have died! And then where would you have been, with me stuck in the middle of the Atlantic too far away to help?”
Henry was undeterred by the rhetorical nature of my question. “Dead, I guess.” He laughed, his deep voice tickling my ear. “Don’t worry, Selah, there is not a man in England who can stand against my sword, the king included.”
Cocky bugger. I would have laughed except for the severity of the situation. “I thought dueling was illegal in England.”
“Only for those careless enough to get caught. Otherwise it’s perfectly acceptable.”
“And if one happens to be careless?”
“Fines for the most part unless a death occurs. Then it’s considered murder and tried accordingly.”
I swallowed hard, grateful I hadn’t yet shared James’s thoughts on my being a mistress. Best friend or not, I had a bad feeling that Henry would feel compelled to act on the insult. “Others are sure to disapprove of me and may even share the king’s opinion. You must promise never to duel on my account.”
“I’ll not stand by and let people make a mockery of our love.”
“Good heavens, Henry! What will it matter if you are dead?”
“You’re here now, my guardian angel, come to keep me safe.” He buried his face in my hair and inhaled deeply. “I’ve missed the way you smell. It’s so different from other women, sweet like violets, with something wild mixed in.”
“Be serious. If you get hanged for murder there will be nothing I can do but stand by and watch it happen.” He nuzzled my neck, sending warm tremors all over my skin. “Stop that,” I said, pulling away. “Unless you promise not to duel, I’ll sail back to the Colonies this very evening. Some conceited dolt is sure to insult me, and I’ll not live in fear of losing you. I would rather you marry Amelia than die protecting your stupid honor.”
“You don’t mean it.”
“Yes, I do, so you best let me know right now whether or not I should seek passage.”
Henry laughed again. “I would lock you in the Tower myself if I thought you would really try to leave. All the same, I solemnly pledge not to duel without good cause.”
“You’re jesting! You might as well swear not to breathe for all the good it will do. I assure you, someone is going to insult me before this is done. I almost think you’re hoping for a fight.”