“Goodness, Grayson, that is what one has when one marries a prince.”

A real prince. “Quite right.”

She reached the stairs and glanced back at him. “You’ve been very kind to them—the children, that is.”

“Well”—he shrugged—“I am their beloved uncle.”

She smiled in an annoyingly satisfied manner. “And no one deserves that title more than you.”

“I have to confess, I was not at all pleased when you aimed them in my direction. And apparently it is my lot to keep them away from the others.”

“Who better than you?”

He chuckled. “But I must admit as well, I’ve quite enjoyed my day with them.”

“Excellent, as you are the beloved uncle tomorrow too.”

“I’m not sure I have the strength.”

“Nonsense.” Her gaze flicked over him. “You look to be in fine physical condition to me.”

He grinned. “Is that a compliment?”

“It’s an observation.” She started down the stairs. “I saw how you skated and the speed with which you covered the ground from the pond to the stables and the house. I would say, you are well up to the herding of five little boys.”

“I do hope so. I should hate for my epitaph to be: ‘Small children were his undoing.’ ”

She laughed. He’d never forgotten how much he’d liked her laugh. But then, he now appreciated the passion of her anger as well. He couldn’t recall her ever being angry with him in their youth. They reached the first floor and she turned in the direction of the public rooms. He stayed a step behind her for a moment, enjoying the way her hips swayed beneath her bustle. With very little effort, he could reach out and pull her hips back against his. How much more passionate would she be when she was in the throes of desire? When she was naked and writhing beneath him? When his hand caressed the curves of her—

“It’s almost a shame they are only here for one night.”

“What?” He stepped up beside her. “Who?”

“Pay attention, Grayson, we were talking about the boys.” She slanted him a curious glance. “What were you thinking?”

“Me? Oh. Nothing, really.” Except picking you up in my arms, carrying you to the closest bed and making mad love to you until you begged for more and screamed my name and admitted that we belong together. “Pity they fell asleep, though. I rather wanted to see how the story ended.”

“Oh no, it’s better that they don’t hear it.”

He drew his brows together. “Why not? Don’t they live happily ever after?”

“The princess and her family do, but the magic fishbone, having lost its power, is swallowed by the nasty little pug dog that lived next door. How did Mr. Dickens put it?” She thought for a moment. “Ah yes, ‘he expired in convulsions.’ ”

Grayson stared. “The dog dies?”

“He snapped at children.”