Rags To Riches: At His Bidding. Rebecca Winters

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СКАЧАТЬ like for her not to be distracted by the baby during the tour,” Benjamin said, towering over the man as he extended his hand. “Miss Jordan is very important to me. I trust you’ll take good care of her.”

      Coco grabbed her jacket and walked toward the door. Benjamin caught her arm before she could leave and she met his gaze. “Have fun, sweetheart. Emma and I will be waiting for you,” he said and lowered his head to kiss her.

      Coco stared at him for a long moment, stunned that he’d kissed her, then she reminded herself that this was part of their ruse. She finally managed to take a breath and nodded. “Thanks. I hope she’ll take a little nap. I’ll see you later, um, honey.” She nearly choked on the word. This was going to be more difficult than she’d anticipated.

      “Miss Jordan,” the man at the door prompted.

      “Yes,” she said, relieved to have her attention diverted from Benjamin. “Mr. Bernard.”

      He nodded and escorted her to a car parked in front of the villa. “We shall tour the grounds first and I’ll provide you with a history of the Devereau family,” he said as the driver opened the door for her and Mr. Bernard.

      “Although our gardens and vegetation are always lovely here in Chantaine, unfortunately, due to the time of the year, most of our flowers are not in full bloom. As you can see, however, we have several green courtyards that provide the royal family with opportunities for moments to ponder and escape the pressures of their responsibilities.”

      Coco drank in the sight of the lush, green palace grounds. She could only imagine how stunning they would be with colorful flowers and foliage. As Mr. Bernard continued to give her a running commentary on the various buildings, including guest cottages, staff quarters and stables, she wondered what it would be like to grow up in a place like this. She thought of her own childhood home in a rural town in Texas and smiled.

      “Do you have fishing ponds?” she asked.

      Mr. Bernard blinked at her. “Fishing ponds?”

      “Yes. Large ponds where you can swim and fish,” she said.

      Mr. Bernard gave a slight smile. “We have a pool and ocean for swimming. Likewise, the royal yacht can be used for fishing expeditions. There are a few stocked ponds on the property that feature mostly garibaldi fish and carp. Do you have more questions?”

      She shook her head. “Not right now.”

      “Very well, we shall now proceed to the palace,” he said.

      Mr. Bernard began to share the history of the Deveraux family and Chantaine. The family, of course, went back centuries and representatives of the crown had conducted a series of negotiations with both France and Italy in order for the royal family to remain in power and for Chantaine to maintain its independence.

      “Some men are born to rule and some are determined to make a difference. Chantaine is proud that with this new generation, the royal family actively seeks to improve the quality of life for all of Chantaine’s people. Within the last several years, His Royal Highness, Stefan, has invited a limited number of cruise ships to our port. He and the rest of the royal family have instituted art, music and film events with percentages donated to Chantaine’s charities. And, of course, Her Highness Bridget married a highly credentialed American doctor, who now serves as our chief medical officer. Prince Stefan is always looking for ways to improve Chantaine.”

      The car slowed to a stop in front of the grand palace entrance. White columns rose several stories high. A man in uniform stood at the front door. The driver ushered her out of the car and she joined Mr. Bernard as the huge heavy door opened to a grand two-story foyer with curving staircases and marble floors. Above her hung several chandeliers.

      “Wow,” she whispered.

      Mr. Bernard continued his discourse as he led her throughout the main floor of the palace, which held numerous meeting rooms, two ballrooms and several nooks with antique furniture where someone could look out the window and enjoy the sight of the palace grounds. As her guide commented on the origin of the architecture of the palace, she couldn’t contain her curiosity any longer.

      “What was he like?” she asked. “Prince Edward?”

      Mr. Bernard seemed slightly taken aback. “Prince Edward was a sword master. His passion was yachting and he was loyal in his duties as prince. He graduated from university in France and provided Chantaine with an excellent heir, along with a progeny that are a delight to our citizens.”

      “And his—” she paused, wanting to repeat the word he’d used, though it wasn’t one she would dream of choosing “—his progeny. What are they like?”

      “As I said, they are delightful.”

      But that didn’t answer her question.

      * * *

      Coco ate half her sandwich with Emma on her lap while Benjamin wolfed down the meal delivered from the palace kitchen. He eyed her remaining half sandwich.

      She shoved her plate toward him. “Take it. I’m not going to eat it. I have formal tea in a short while. Can we look that up on Google? I’ve never had a formal tea before.”

      “You’re sure?” he asked, staring at her sandwich.

      “I’m sure,” she said and shoved her plate toward him.

      He immediately scooped up her half sandwich. “Did you get any real information?” he asked before he took a bite.

      “He was very nice and informative, but when I asked what the royal family was like, he said delightful.”

      He scowled. “No one is always delightful. He’s a PR guy. You’ll get a better feel for this after this afternoon.”

      “But I’m nervous now,” she confessed. “I’ve never had a formal tea before and certainly never with royals. I really need to check Google. Am I supposed to curtsey?”

      “It’s a choice. You’re not one of their subjects,” he said. “You’re not a citizen of their country.”

      “True,” she said, feeling conflicted. “I just want to be respectful.”

      He snorted. “Let them be respectful to you.”

      His response made her smile.

      Emma waved toward the plate she’d shoved in Benjamin’s direction and protested as if she wanted what was on his plate.

      “Uh-oh,” he said.

      “Yes. We have jars ready for her. As soon as you finish, can you give her some food while I look up high tea on the internet?”

      He chuckled. “Yeah, I’m there,” he said, reaching for Emma.

      Emma hesitated.

      “He’s got the food,” Coco said in a low voice and gave Emma a squeeze before she passed the baby to him.

      “And that baby food is where?” he asked as Emma began to squawk.

      “I’ll get it,” СКАЧАТЬ