That he had used two phrases from his native tongue surprised her. He had striven to always speak English. How did he know she looked lovely? He had yet to turn his eyes fully upon her. A nervous shiver went up her spine.

He wiped his hands on his trousers and beckoned her to take a seat. What had happened? Duke Heinrich always behaved with perfect aplomb, and she’d never seen him uncertain, but he appeared almost timid.

“I thought you must have some important news. My uncle will join us shortly, if you would prefer to wait for him. May I ring for tea, or do you prefer coffee? If you have not broken your fast, you are welcome to join us in the breakfast room.” She was speaking too fast, trying to forestall learning whatever had upset him.

“Nein, I could not eat. Please, will you sit?” He clasped his hands behind his back, his feet braced apart.

She sat on the edge of the seat, twisting her garnet ring, searching her mind for what could have brought him here. Had someone they both knew seen her at the rally and told him?

How would she explain herself? What plausible story could she tell? Where was Uncle Bertie? A pit opened at the base of her stomach, and her insides trickled into it.

“You must know, over the past weeks I have come to have a high regard for you and your family.” He sounded as if he were speaking from a script. “Word has come through my government that my time in England is coming to an end. I am being called home in less than a fortnight.”

“Oh, I am sorry, for I have enjoyed your company.” She relaxed her spine a fraction and lowered her shoulders. This was merely a call to say goodbye.

“I am pleased to hear you say that, for I hope that our separation will not be for long. I would wish your parents were present, for I would like to speak to your father at this time regarding your future.”

Her future? The pit in her stomach reopened. No, please don’t.

“I cannot make a formal declaration nor a formal request at this time, for I must first speak both to your father and to my own family. But I also could not leave these shores without at the very least telling you how I have come to care for you. It is my intention to return to my homeland, consult with my family, and make all haste to come back here to you.”

This time his blue eyes met hers, and in them she read his firm resolve. And his regard.

At this juncture, when she was scrambling for something to say, something to answer the hope in his expression, Uncle Bertie strolled in.