Henry smiled. “I assure you, Cate, there’s not a man in England who hasn’t committed that saying to memory since Congreve first penned the words.”
“Then I advise you not to let your emotions get in the way of your better judgment. At this point there is no reason to risk an irreparable rift between the Fitzalans and the Hanovers. Go to Amelia if for no other reason than to see how she is adjusting to the news that Selah’s ship has arrived safely. You are a reasonable man, surely you understand that by refusing her request you have nothing to gain and everything to lose.”
While she spoke, I studied her face, particularly her eyes. Though similar to my own in color, they seemed to hold a wisdom I could never dream of possessing so early in life. Maybe this had something to do with her being a widow. Regardless the reason, I decided right then that I liked her, and that Henry and I would do well to trust her judgment.
“Cate’s right,” I said, glancing up at Henry. “You should go see the princess.”
“And leave you so soon?” he asked. “Let me at least send my regrets for hunting. Then I can stay for a few more hours until it is time to dine.”
“You must honor the entire invitation,” I insisted. “At present, I know only three people in London other than Beth and the Goodwins.” And one of them already hates me. “Please go hunting so I can be spared from becoming the town pariah before the day is through.”
“You can always come back once you’ve dined,” Cate said cheerfully.
Exasperated, Henry ran his free hand across his forehead. “Amelia will do nothing of the sort, but I see there is no use trying to change either of your minds.” He guided me through the vestibule to the front door where he folded me in his arms and kissed me. “You had better be awake when I return,” he whispered into my ear.
His breath touched my neck, and I wanted nothing more than to pull him closer. “I promise.”
“Very well then.” He kissed me again on the tip of my nose and left.
With a sigh, I leaned against the closed door, forcing back the urge to cry. Less than thirty minutes together and he was already gone.
A swish of apple silk appeared in the vestibule. “He’ll be back soon,” Cate said.
So far, this day had presented one trial after another. “Do you really think the princess will speak against me?”
“Heavens, no,” Cate said with a small laugh. “Some say she’s a prickly sort, but Amelia is a steadfast friend and would never purposefully harm Henry or anyone he may love.”
I stared at her, confused by her apparent duplicity. “Then why did you send him away?”
She handed me the second letter from her pocket. “Because you have other matters to concern yourself with at present.”
My name was scrawled in big loopy letters across the front. Breaking the seal, I read the few sentences. Then I read them again, more slowly as my stomach began to twist. “The king has summoned me to the palace this evening.” I passed the note to her.
“So I feared,” she said, her face serious. “Be thankful Henry is preoccupied or he would insist on coming along, and this, Selah, is a battle we must fight alone. Go get cleaned up. We’ve a trying evening ahead of us.”
Sophie had returned from situating the Goodwins, and as I followed her upstairs, my stomach twisted further, going from general nervous tension to downright nausea for what lay ahead. I hadn’t planned on facing the king so soon and for the life of me, I couldn’t decide how to interpret his hasty summons. Cate had referred to the meeting as a battle, and having known me for all of ten minutes, she could have left me to face the man alone. But she hadn’t, and for that I felt grateful. She was obviously a devoted friend to Henry to involve herself in our troubles.
At the second floor, Sophie turned down a wide corridor. Six doorways came into view, three on either side of us. An ornate alcove of sorts preceded each door, setting the chambers back several feet from the corridor for additional grandeur and privacy.
The grandeur continued into the chamber where Sophie led me. Rather than plain plaster, wooden panels covered the walls, painted a celadon green, and insets of gilded molding. Damask tapestry formed the canopy over the large bed, and sheltered the two windows facing the street. A fire burned in the stone hearth that stood opposite the bed, with an armchair perfectly situated for both reading and warmth. Sophie continued past the hearth to the far corner, and I nearly cried from joy when we passed into a private bathing room. Fragrant steam rose up from the tub that had been filled in anticipation of my arrival.