Page 49 of Always a Princess
“Great-Aunt Albina?” A second wave of surprise hit Thea.
She looked at Alexander. “How did you do this?”
“A few notes. A little cooperation. The shop agreed to close for the day.”
She hugged each one of her family members, mouthing, Thank you, to her new husband over Sophia’s shoulder.
“A prince, dearie. How ever did you manage that?”
“It’s a long story, Aunt Albina.”
“She was the most captivating woman in the room,” Alexander said. “I will leave you to visit. Send a servant when you are ready to return home.” He took her gloved hand and pressed a kiss to it before bowing. “My ladies, Your Highness.”
The girls tittered at her title on his lips.
As soon as Alexander left the room, they let loose a collective breath.
“Oh my God, Thea. He’s divine. Absolutely perfect.”
“I dare say she is correct,” Great-Aunt Albina agreed.
“How are you?” Louisa asked. “It has only been a week, and yet it feels like a lifetime that you’ve been gone.”
“A whirlwind. Very much. He wants us to travel to Russia sometime in the near future.”
“Russia!”
“Don’t worry about that right now. Tell me about you. What has happened? Are you engaged to be married?”
“The banns were read two days ago. For both of them,” Aunt Albina replied. “But mark my words—young Beaumont will not wait a month for Louisa. I would place all my whist winnings on him stealing her off to Gretna for an anvil wedding. He’s impatient, that man.”
Thea looked to her cousin. “Louisa, what happened?”
She smiled shyly. “I asked him.”
“If you could paint him?” Thea said. “And?”
“He kissed me. A lot.”
Sophia burst out laughing. “He told her she could paint him any way she wanted. He told Father to make haste with the wedding plans.”
“And you’re excited? Happy?”
Louisa nodded. “I like him. He’s intelligent. He talks to me about business and asks my opinion. He is an unusual man, to be sure … and a good kisser.”
Tears welled in Thea’s eyes until she was practically crying with happiness.
She turned to Sophia. “And you? Your viscount? The duke’s cousin?”
“How did you know he was Carlton’s cousin?”
“Doesn’t matter. How is he?”
“He is sweet. I think he is a little afraid of me, if I am being honest.”
“There is nothing wrong with a man who holds himself back,” said Great-Aunt Albina.
“Will you be happy with him?” Thea asked.
