The Earl's Snow-Kissed Proposal

‘And such a surprise. My sources had you at a function in Lycander, with Prince Frederick and the rest of the Lycander Royals.’

‘It was a last-minute decision.’

‘Hmm...I hope all is well with you and the Prince? I did hear a little rumour that the Lycanders had been hoping for a match with a Princess.’

‘I’d like to think that the Prince will make up his own mind about his marriage.’

Kaitlin’s voice was even, but Etta could sense the tension that vibrated from her body.

Before April could answer Gabe arrived, his body seemingly relaxed as he stood next to his sister in definitive alliance.

‘So no rift?’ April persevered.

‘None.’

Kaitlin’s composure was enviable—due, no doubt, to a lifetime in the public eye.

‘Hmm...’ The reporter’s tone hinted at scepticism. ‘I’m glad to hear it. So, what about your Christmas plans? Will you be jetting back to Lycander for the Christmas Eve celebrations? They are spectacular. I was there last year, covering a story on the Prince and Sunita Greenberg—the model he was supposedly serious about. Before you came on the scene, of course.’

‘Of course.’

Again her voice was level, but now a slightly strained quality had entered Kaitlin’s smile and Etta could sense the effort it took for her to hold her body poised.

Gabe stepped forward. ‘Easy does it, April. You’re here to cover the fair—not grill my sister on her personal life.’ There was a steely undertone to his voice.

‘Good point.’ April turned her green gaze, alight with calculation, to Etta.

Great. Unfortunately she didn’t have a lifetime of experience in the public eye, and a feeling of foreboding prickled her skin.

‘I do have a question about the fair. Etta, you have done a fabulous job—the Victorian theme is spot-on...accurate to the last detail...’

The ‘but’ loomed, travelling at warp speed, and Etta braced herself.

‘But I am a little confused. You’ve been here for over three weeks. It seems a little over the top for a consultant role. Makes me wonder if there’s something else going on here... Any other aspect to your role...’

Keep calm. This was a fishing expedition—April couldn’t know about her work on the new family tree and was way more likely to be angling for a romance story.

Etta opened her mouth, summoned the evasion. ‘Well...fairs like this need a lot of planning.’

‘I understand that. But your role wasn’t to plan the whole event, but simply to consult over historical accuracy. I’m not sure I understand why that necessitated such a long stay here. I was wondering if maybe you were hired for something else. Maybe you’re writing a book, Gabe? Or maybe...’

Etta’s mind raced. Any minute now April would mention the possibility of her researching a new family tree and she knew her face would give away the truth.

Then Gabe stepped forward and took her hand in his, gave it a squeeze that conveyed warning. ‘OK, April. We’re busted.’

Say what? They were?

Apprehension sliced at her tummy even as she did her best to keep her expression neutral. No need to panic. Clearly Gabe was in possession of a plan.

‘I did hire Etta to help with the fair, but once she’d been here a few days...well, we got to know each other better and what we saw we liked so...’

‘So the two of you are an item?’ April’s gaze skittered from Gabe to Etta and back again, suspicion mingling with the hope of a nice juicy story.

Etta remained stock still, her head awhirl with disbelief. Gabe wasn’t in possession of a plan—the man was clearly possessed.

Suspicion won out and April shook her head. ‘And you’ve just stayed buried in the countryside for weeks? I haven’t heard even a whisper of gossip. No fancy dinners? No parties?’

‘The fair took precedence. But I’m going to make it up to Etta. We’re off on a Christmas break to Vienna. Surprise, sweetheart!’