Affairs of State(39)

Simon’s younger brother Henry was at the center of the group of more rambunctious partygoers, and Ariella felt a sense of apprehension as Simon led her over to meet him.

As tall as Simon, but with curlier hair and bright blue eyes, the youngest prince had a reputation as a hard-partying playboy.

“I see you convinced her to step into the fray.” He fixed his eyes on hers as he kissed her hand, which felt very awkward in front of the gathered crowd of guests. Young girls, spilling out of their expensive dresses, stared at her with curiosity.

“My brother, Henry, Ariella Winthrop.” Simon made the introduction.

“I think everyone in the developed world knows who Ms. Winthrop is. And she’s even lovelier than her photographs.”

What did you say to a comment like that? “It’s nice to meet you.”

“But is it? You haven’t known me long enough to be sure.”

“Don’t scare Ariella.” Simon was smiling. “She’s just heard the pedigrees of the entire equine half of the polo team from Gran.”

“I hope you showed a suitable degree of fascination. Gran is very suspicious of anyone who doesn’t share her passion for horses.”

“I freely admit that I know almost nothing about horses.”

“I thought Montana was cowboy country?” Henry was obviously enjoying this.

“Some parts of it are, but not where I lived.”

“I think Ariella would make a marvelous cowgirl.” Simon slid his arm around her waist. She tried to keep a straight face. Did he really want to do that in front of all these people? She felt eyes boring into her from all directions. “But I intend to make her fall in love with England.”

Henry raised an eyebrow. “He must be serious. Usually he can’t wait to get on a plane and go somewhere looking for adventure.”

“Ariella has me thinking about adventures closer to home.”

Ariella could hardly believe her ears. He was all but declaring himself. Maybe this was some kind of ongoing joke between him and his brother. She had no idea how to react. “I like England very much.”

“Well, thank goodness for that. There’s one thing I can’t change about myself, and that’s my homeland.” Simon squeezed her gently, which sent a ripple of confused emotions through her.

“I’m not sure you can change all that much else, either.” Henry teased Ariella. “He’s very bullheaded and opinionated.”

“I am not.” Simon shoved him gently. Ariella could see the brothers had a friendly sparring relationship, but that they cared for each other deeply. As someone who’d never had a sibling to rib her, she found their closeness touching.

“Ariella came up with the idea for an outdoor concert to raise money and awareness for World Connect.”

“I like.” Henry grinned. “The lawns in front of the Washington Monument would be a great spot.”

“I agree.” Ariella smiled. “No harm in aiming high.”

“Especially when your dad is the president.” Henry winked. “We royals aren’t averse to a little nepotism when the occasion calls for it. It’s how we pass on the throne, after all.”

Ariella’s stomach clenched slightly. Everyone seemed to assume that she had a relationship with her father, when nothing could be further from the truth.

“Uh-oh, here comes trouble.” Henry’s nod made Simon turn.

“Too true. Let’s head it off at the pass.” He turned and led Ariella away from Henry and his gaggle of blushing admirers toward a tall man in baggy tweeds, approaching fast through the knots of glamorous polo-goers.

“Your uncle?” The man’s bushy brows sank low over slitted dark eyes and his cheeks were the florid pink of a smacked behind.

“Good old Uncle Derek. Here to pour gasoline on untroubled waters.”

Derek marched up to Simon and launched into a conversation about the polo team, totally ignoring her. She counted the burst blood vessels in his cheeks and wondered if he intended to simply pretend she didn’t exist.

“Uncle Derek, do hold your fire a moment so I can introduce you to my honored guest, Miss Ariella Winthop. Ariella, this is my mother’s brother, Derek, the Duke of Aylesbury.”

“Just visiting England, are you?” His haughty voice grated on her ears.

“Yes, I’m going back tomorrow.”

“Oh.” He turned back to Simon and launched into a tirade about poor sportsmanship at his shooting club. Simon caught her eye as he nodded and yessed his uncle. Ariella sagged with relief when Derek finally finished his monologue and sauntered off.