“I know the world is changing, but while old men like my husband remain in power, it will not be as simple as wanting to change minds. You can’t buy his loyalty, I can tell you that. But win his heart instead.”
“Thank you for all your help.”
She shook her head. “I don’t do it out of the goodness of my heart. Just make sure you remember my kin when it comes down to giving out titles and positions.”
“I will keep it in mind.” She bowed her head to her.
Again, a dismissive wave of her hand. “I cannot guarantee I can get you what you want, of course, but hopefully, it will be better than nothing.”
“Certainty,” Aristea said.
They talked a few minutes longer before Duchess Krantz declared she was tired. Aristea got up to leave, and on their way out, they were greeted by the servant.
“My lady. Lord Sommerfeld is here...” He trailed off. Or perhaps Aristea had stopped listening.
Jonathan was standing in the parlor of the Krantz’s town house.
“What are you doing here?” she asked.
Jonathan’s eyes bounced between her and Duchess Krantz.
“And how do you know my son-in-law, Lord Sommerfeld?” the duchess mused, seemingly intrigued by their attachment.
A flush burned across Aristea’s face, and she was even more thankful for the disguise.
“The prince consort facilitated my marriage to the duchess’ late daughter, Ida,” Jonathan said, his eyes barely moving from Aristea to acknowledge his mother-in-law. She knew Heinrich had arranged the marriage, but she’d forgotten it was Duke Krantz’s daughter. And his late wife? Why hadn’t she heard? Had it been recent? Her mind swirled with the implications.
“Ah,” Duchess Krantz said, as if that explained it all.
But Aristea couldn’t be more mortified by her outburst. “Forgive me, Lord Sommerfeld. That was rude of me.”
He smiled at her. “Think nothing of it. Your highness.”
“If you have business with me, see to it later. I’m too tired for you today,” Duchess Krantz said and started to walk up the stairs. “But see Her Highness to her carriage for me, will you?”
There was no pause for him to answer. Just an expectation to be obeyed.
Jonathan shrugged as if to say he had no choice. And he offered his bent arm to her. As if she needed escorting the few feet to her awaiting carriage outside.
She should have politely declined, but the reckless and greedy part of her took his offered arm and walked with him outside the house.
“I hope she wasn’t too rude to you. She can be cold, but she means well,” Jonathan said.
“Not at all. She was very helpful.”
“I’m glad we ran into one another, actually,” he replied.
“Oh.” A small thrill ran up her spine, thinking of another accidental meeting. She’d sworn she’d stay away, but it seemed that fate kept thrusting them together.
“I thought you might want an introduction to Duke Krantz. He’s rather biased against your family, I’m afraid. But he’s got one weakness.”
Aristea looked up at him, wide-eyed. “How did you know?”
“I saw the way you looked when Duke Mattison implied he was courting you. It’s presumptuous of me, but I came here to ask the duchess to intercede with my former father-in-law for you. But I suppose you did that yourself.” He rubbed the back of his neck.
“Jonathan,” Aristea said in an awed whisper.
“Once a week, he strolls through the park. If you happened to run into him, he’d have no choice but to greet you or give great offense.”
