Page 10 of Always a Princess
“Somehow, I believe there is more to it than that.”
“Perhaps, Your Highness.”
As they took their place in the center of the ballroom, Alexander reveled in the opportunity to hold her in his arms. This was his moment.
As one of the matrons had said, “It always starts as one dance.”
“You are utterly captivating, Miss Templebourne. Like no other woman I have laid eyes upon since landing in England.”
“You are too bold, sir. First the slippers, and now your words.”
“Is the truth bold? Perhaps. But you draw me in, and I wish to know you.”
“Why?”
“Does the wind need a reason to blow?”
She smiled as they moved seamlessly into the steps of the waltz as though they had practiced together for years.
“You fit me. Your bearing … it is unmistakably royal.”
In that moment, Miss Templebourne missed a step, and her face paled. She recovered as quickly as she had faltered, but Alexander’s curiosity was piqued.
“You do not wish to fit me?”
“It isn’t that,” she replied hurriedly.
She regained her composure quickly, but Alexander wasn’t fooled. His comment had struck a nerve for some reason.
“Then what?”
“I am firmly on the shelf, Your Highness. Thirty years have I. You cannot be honorably pursuing such a woman.”
“Says who?”
“All of British society.”
“Then it is fortunate I am not British or blinded by tradition.”
His words seemed to shock her once more. But instead of paling, as she had before, bright red flags appeared upon her cheeks.
“You … truly, you must be mad.”
“Because I don’t care that you’re not a child with whom I would have nothing in common?”
She blinked and then stared at him as they moved in perfect harmony around the dance floor.
“Let me know you, Miss Theodosia Templebourne.”
“Thea. Not Theodosia, please.”
The thrill of victory shot through Alexander’s chest. Progress. Truly.
“Thea,” he said. He already loved the way her name felt upon his tongue.
“What am I even doing?” she whispered, more to herself than to him.
Alexander smiled. “You feel the same pull I do. You know a title doesn’t make a man a good match. You must know his character first.”
