But the prince had already removed his attention to his rival. “Where is your home, Sir Harry?”
“Lately, next door,” Harry said cheerfully.
“I thought that English aristocrats have grand homes in the country.”
“They do,” Harry replied affably. “Of course, I am not an aristocrat.”
“How is the tea?” Olivia asked, a touch desperately.
Both men grunted an answer. Neither was more than one syllable. And neither syllable was particularly intelligible.
“But you are called Sir,” Prince Alexei said.
“True,” Harry replied, not looking at all concerned by his lack of status. “But it does not make me an aristocrat.”
Prince Alexei’s lips curved ever so slightly.
“Baronets are not considered part of the aristocracy,” Olivia explained, giving Harry an apologetic look. It really was rude of the prince to hammer on about Harry’s lower rank, but one did have to make allowances for cultural differences.
“What is this ‘baronet’?” the prince asked.
“Endlessly in between,” Harry replied with a sigh. “A bit like purgatory, really.”
Alexei turned to Olivia. “I do not understand him.”
“He means, or at least I think he means”-she shot a peeved look at Harry because she had no idea what he thought he was doing, purposefully antagonizing the prince-“that baronets are not a part of the aristocracy, and yet they are not untitled. That is why he is called Sir.”
Prince Alexei still looked confused, so Olivia explained, “In order of rank, beneath royalty, of course, there are dukes and duchesses, marquesses and marchionesses, earls and countesses, viscounts and viscountesses, and finally, barons and baronesses.” She paused. “Then baronets and their wives, but they are considered part of the gentry.”
“So very low,” Harry murmured, having fun with this now. “Miles and miles below someone like you.”
The prince glanced at him for barely a second, but it was long enough for Olivia to see the distaste in his eyes. “In Russia, the aristocracy provides a structure for society. Without our great families, we would fall apart.”
“Many feel the same way here,” Olivia said courteously.
“There would be-how do you say it…”
“Revolution?” Harry supplied.
“Chaos?” Olivia guessed.
“Chaos,” Alexei selected. “Yes, that is it. Revolution I do not fear.”
“We would all be wise to learn from the experiences of the French,” Harry said.
Prince Alexei turned on him with fire in his eyes. “The French were stupid. They allowed the bourgeoisie too many freedoms. We do not make this mistake in Russia.”
“We do not fear revolution in England, either,” Harry said softly, “although I expect it is for different reasons.”
Olivia’s breath caught. He’d spoken with such quiet conviction, in such contrast to his earlier flippancies. His serious tone could not help but capture the moment. Even Prince Alexei paused and turned to him with an expression that was…well, not respect, exactly, for he clearly did not appreciate the comment. But perhaps there was some sort of recognition, an acknowledgment of Harry as a worthy opponent.
“Our conversation grows so serious,” she declared. “It is far too early in the day for such talk.” And when that failed to garner an immediate response, she added, “I can’t bear political discussions when the sun is shining.”
Actually, what she couldn’t bear was making herself out to be a complete ninny. She adored political discussions, at any time of day.
And the sun wasn’t shining, either.
“We are most rude,” Prince Alexei said, rising from his seat. He came before her and sank to one knee, leaving her speechless. What was he
“Can you forgive us?” he murmured, taking her hand.
“I-I-”
He brought her knuckles to his lips. “Please.”
“Of course,” she finally got out. “It is-”
“Nothing,” Harry put in. “I believe that is the word you’re looking for?”
She would have glared at him if she could have seen him around Alexei, who was presently filling her entire breadth of vision. “You are of course forgiven, Your Highness,” she said. “I was being silly.”
“It is the right of all beautiful women to be silly when they wish.”
The prince moved at that point, and Olivia did catch a glimpse of Harry’s face. He looked as if he might gag.
“You must have a great many appointments here in London,” Harry said, once Alexei had resumed his seat.
“I am given several awards,” he said, looking confused and annoyed by the change of subject.
Olivia jumped in to translate. “I think what Sir Harry means is that you must have many commitments, many people to meet.”
“Yes,” Alexei said.
“Your days must be very busy,” Harry added, his voice just a touch impressed and fawning.
Olivia frowned. She had a feeling she knew what he was up to, and it would not end well. “You must lead a very exciting life,” she said quickly, trying to shift the conversation.
But Harry was not to be diverted. “Today, for example,” he mused. “You must have a terrific schedule. How honored Lady Olivia is that you should take time out to see her.”
“I would always make time for Lady Olivia.”
“You are ever generous with your company,” Harry said. “From what do we take you this afternoon?”
Harry gave a knowing little smile, just to show that the insult, while noticed, had not stung. “Where else could you be this afternoon, Your Highness? With the ambassador? With the king?”
“I could be anywhere I wish.”
“Such is the privilege of royalty,” Harry mused.
Olivia bit her lip nervously. Vladimir had begun to inch his way over, and if there was to be violence, Harry was not going to emerge the victor.
“I am so honored by your presence,” she said-the absolute only sentence she could think of quickly.
“Why, thank you,” Harry quipped.
“I think you speak without me,” Alexei said angrily.
Vladimir moved ever closer.
“Of course not,” Olivia assured him. “I was only trying to remind Sir Harry that his cousin is…ehrm…expecting him for, er, a meeting.”
Alexei looked most dubious. “You said all this?”
Olivia could feel her skin burning. “Quite a bit of it,” she mumbled.
“I really must go,” Harry said abruptly, standing up.
Olivia stood as well. “Please allow me to escort you to the door,” she said, trying not to sound as if it were coming through clenched teeth.
“Please do not trouble yourself,” he replied. “I would not dream of asking so beautiful a lady to get up.”
Olivia blanched. Did Alexei realize that Harry was mocking him? She looked over at the prince, trying not to be obvious about it. He did not seem to have taken offense; in fact, he looked quite pleased. That is, he looked quite pleased in a rather stiff and reserved sort of way. Perhaps satisfied was a better description.
Harry saw himself out, depriving Olivia of the chance to tell him exactly what she thought of his childish behavior. She gripped the edge of the sofa cushion beneath her, seething. He would not escape so easily. He had no idea what it meant to allow a woman’s ire to fester. Whatever she had to say to him, it would be far less pretty tonight than it would have been this afternoon.
