a member of the British royal family lost his head over an American. He abandoned his country and his duty in the name of love. Not because he wanted to, but because he knew it was an absolute requirement.” His emphasis on the last two words was underscored with a hiss.
“Why?” Now she was curious to hear his answer.
“Because he knew she could not possibly fit in.”
“I thought it was because the monarch can’t marry a divorcée. For starters, Simon’s not a monarch, or very likely to be one. And second, I’m not divorced.” Her own boldness shocked her. Pimm’s must be powerful stuff.
The monstrous brows shot up. “Times are different now, but not that different. Her Majesty holds very traditional views, and each of her grandchildren has been groomed from birth to follow a specific path. Simon will marry a member of the British nobility, and will raise his children here to be members of the British aristocracy. Lady Sophia Alnwick will be his future wife and the wedding invitations are all but printed. She’d be here with him today if she wasn’t holding vigil at her esteemed father’s deathbed. Within the next day or so she’ll inherit all his lands and wealth and be the richest woman in England.”
Ariella blinked. “I hardly think Simon needs to marry for money or prestige.”
“Those two things are never a negative.” Derek’s beady black gaze chilled her. “You are a…a nobody. The illegitimate daughter of an American upstart who’s clawed his way into a temporary position of power. Don’t delude yourself that you can compete with the thousand-year history of the Alnwick family. Like his brother’s, Simon’s life path has been planned since birth. The estate he lives in, the so-called charity he’s so enamored of, these are all part and parcel of his role. If you get your claws into him and cause him to do something foolish, he’ll lose both of them.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“No? The estate isn’t his. It belongs to Her Majesty. That silly charity is funded almost entirely by the royal coffers. Simon’s role in the family is a job like any other. His employment is contingent on Her Majesty’s largesse, and can be rescinded at any time. Think about that when you kiss him.”
He hissed the word kiss, and spittle formed on his bulbous lips. Then he turned and marched away. She wilted like the mint in her Pimm’s. Was this true? Was Simon really a royal puppet whose strings could be cut at any time?
Part of her wanted to encourage him to tell them all to shove it and live his own life. Then she thought about how much he loved his home at Whist Castle. And how proud he was of the achievements of World Connect. Could she really be responsible for causing him to lose them both?
Her legs were shaking and her hand sweating around her glass. She hurried to the drinks tent and got another Pimm’s, then walked around the perimeter of the royal enclosure, pretending to watch the match. She cheered wildly, heart pounding with pride and happiness, when Simon scored a goal. Then glanced around, wondering if she should have pretended more disinterest. He looked so dashing and handsome on top of the muscled bay horse, who listened to his every move and galloped for the ball as if its life depended on it.
“He’s a fine player.” The distinctive voice startled her.
“Yes, Your Majesty.” The queen must have walked right up to her while her eyes were glued on Simon and she hadn’t even noticed. Her attendants hovered at a discreet distance. “He obviously enjoys the game.”
“Simon’s been playing polo since he was about eleven. He’d already been riding for years at that point, of course. Do you ride?”
“No. I’ve never even sat on a horse. I suppose that seems funny when I come from Montana, but we lived in town and I never had the chance.”
“Ah. What did you do for entertainment in Montana?”
Ariella swallowed. This seemed dangerously personal. And she was to blame for bringing up her roots. “My dad used to take us to watch football games almost every weekend in season. And we went fishing at the lake.”
“How nice.” She didn’t seem especially interested. And why should she be? “Do you plan to go back to Montana?”
“I have a business in Washington, D.C., so I’m not sure if I’ll ever live in Montana again. Never say never, though.”
“And when are you returning to Washington?” A hint