How to Propose to a Prince Read Free Page B

twitched upward. “You make it sound like a military campaign. Need I remind you that I am in London to woo a woman, not to usurp the throne.”
    “And I am here to ensure you survive. That, cousin, is my mission.” Sumner tipped back his glass and drew a long draught of brandy, then roughly wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.
    As much as Leopold pretended to dismiss the danger of his presence in London, he was nothing if not brilliant and calculating. Sumnerwas well aware that he knew the risk to his own life by simply appearing, without royal invitation, to win the hand of the Princess of Wales—especially when another held so much support within the most powerful echelons of Parliament.
    “Or you could dismiss these threats and enjoy yourself in London,” the prince muttered.
    Sumner slammed his glass to the table. “Leopold, we must proceed under the assumption that the shot was directed at you—and was quite possibly fired by someone associated with those who sent the threatening letters.”
    “Always my protector.” The prince glanced down and pensively swirled the brandy in the glass. At least Leopold had heard him. “Look here, Sumner, I know you are only doing your duty, but this is extraordinarily difficult for me. I am used to driving the charge across the field, not cowering in the treeline.”
    “You are not cowering. You are being prudent.”
    “So you say.” Leopold let his gaze trail across the room, where he fixed it to the great window centered along the east wall. It might as well have had bars over the glass.
    Sumner exhaled, all too aware of how much it irked Leopold, a highly skilled soldier in hisown right, to be watched over and ordered about by his cousin. To be forced to remain far from danger. But the occurrences over the past two months had made a personal guard for the prince a sad necessity, and Sumner was the only logical and practical choice. His reactions were swift, his English was perfect, his gun skills keen, and his loyalty to the Coburg family unmatched. The Coburg family knew that he would put Leopold’s life before his own, which was precisely what he had been entrusted to do.
    “Letters…” As though something had suddenly occurred to Leopold, he shifted his gaze to Sumner. “Speaking of letters, my good man, you included mine with the—what did you choose?—I suppose I ought to know so I can respond knowledgeably when she comments on my gift.”
    “A tiara.” Sumner sighed beneath his breath, remembering the sight of the beguiling Miss Royle wearing it. “It was a tiara…fit for a princess.”
    “Ah, yes,” he replied with a distinct air of bored disinterest. “I am sure you made a suitable choice. But, you did include the letter, did you not?”
    “Yes, I did. ” Sumner nodded, amazed at how fluidly his cousin’s attention had shifted fromattempts on his life to Princess Charlotte. “And, I was promptly mistaken for you, again. ”
    Leopold’s expression darkened as Sumner eyed him from the roots of his dark hair to the tips of his gleaming boots. “Frankly, I do not see the resemblance. You are at least a hand’s length shorter in stature.” Sumner grinned as he took a lingering taste of his brandy.
    “And with your warrior’s shoulders and muscle-knotted arms,” he went on, “you lack the elegance and refinement I possess in abundance.” Leopold looked haughtily down his aristocratic nose at his cousin, then pursed his lips and waggled his dark eyebrows.
    Sumner tried to stop the guffaw charging up his throat, but Leopold, always so formal in public, just looked so damned absurd. Carmel-hued spirits spewed out all over the twin rows of glasses positioned atop the satin wood table before him in a fit of laughter and coughing.
    Sumner caught a glimpse of movement and glanced up at the two liveried footmen positioned just inside the door. “I do apologize, gentlemen,” he said. “I am afraid my cousin is severely lacking in