The Princess & the Pea Read Free Page B

"Without a chin his collar creeps right up his face. Why, half the time I have no idea what Clarence is saying, his mouth is so muffled by his shirt. A chin would anchor his collar in place quite nicely."
    "Just so, my dear.... What did you say?" The paper collapsed in a crush of newsprint and Henry stared at his oldest daughter in confusion. Cece favored him with an innocent smile. "I see. Sorry." Her father's expression shifted to a look of amused chagrin. "You now have my complete and undivided attention."
    "Thank you." she said primly.
    "Henry, I think a trip to London is a wonderful idea." Phoebe White glanced pointedly at her daughter. "I think it's exactly what Cece needs and Emily, too, for that matter." A wistful expression flashed across her face. "I still remember my sojourn in London as if it was yesterday. A truly delightful season."
    Henry's dark brows drew together in annoyance. "Delightful seasons can be had right here at home."
    "Of course they can, Father." Cece said quickly. This was not the time to irritate her father by casting aspersions on his favorite city. "Chicago is one of the very best places anywhere. And didn't we prove that with the World Exposition?"
    "By George, we certainly did." Satisfaction rang in his voice. "Two years later and they're still talking about it."
    "Exactly." Cece nodded.
    "Exactly ... what?" The look of confusion had returned. Cece smiled to herself. She was thoroughly familiar with her father's expressions. The more befuddled she managed to get him. the better her chances of achieving what she wanted.
    "Exactly why going abroad is such a wonderful idea." She tossed him a smug smile.
    Henry glanced at his wife, who simply shrugged in resignation. She, too, was used to her daughter's convoluted way of thinking.
    "I must be a little muddleheaded this morning." he said, his words cautious and deliberate. "Explain to me the reasoning behind this wonderful idea. In words your poor, stupid father can understand."
    "Well." She breathed deeply and prayed for inspiration. "You and I both know this is the best country in the world, even if England and the rest of Europe are ever so much older. But since we are young we don't have silly little things like nobility and titles and such." Her words came faster and faster, in the belief that sheer speed alone would counter any flaws in her argument. "Still, it would be great fun, don't you flunk? To have one, I mean. And quite exciting for you and Mother, too, to have a prince or a duke in the family."
    "Thank you for your concern for your mother and me." Sarcasm dripped off Henry's words. "But I scarcely think 'fun' is an appropriate reason to head to the other side of the globe."
    Cece threw her mother a silent appeal for help. Phoebe merely smiled in encouragement. She was on her own.
    "Very well, Father," she said, in her best no-nonsense voice. Henry's brow quirked upward at her tone. "Let's look at this realistically."
    A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth and he gestured for her to continue. "Please, go right ahead."
    "Thank you." Her voice was brisk. "I fear I shall never find a husband in Chicago." Henry opened his mouth in protest and she waved him aside. "Oh, I know what you're going to say. I've had offers, dozens in fact. And that's true. But no one, I felt, who could live up to the standards you'd expect from a son-in-law."
    "There's Clarence."
    "He has no chin." Mother and daughter chorused.
    Henry rolled his eyes heavenward. Cece ignored him.
    "I simply feel that my chances might be better in a new city, another country." She threw her father a mournful look. "I fear otherwise." she sighed deeply. "I shall never marry."
    Henry stared in amazement for a long moment. He shook his head in disbelief. "That was good. Very good. Excellent." He glanced at his wife. "Does she get that from your side of the family or mine? Although I doubt my side has ever seen dramatics quite this impressive."
    "Father!" Cece resisted the urge