Her eyes darkened. “I know where your mind is,” she said softly.
Before he could answer, Leonie touched his arm. “Marien, dear. You’re too harsh on this fine young man. Here we are in a room full of Dutch beauties and he only sees you.” Leaning closer, she lowered her voice to admit, “My Frederik would be ogling the younger ladies, and don’t get me started on the serving girls. I’ve fired half a dozen this month.”
From the corner of his eye, Eduard watched Tohpati. The servant glanced over his shoulder once, as if to assure himself he had Eduard’s attention, then returned his provocative poses. Beside Eduard, Marien quipped, “Oh, I don’t have to worry about the girls.”
“Darling, please.” Eduard took her hand in his and raised it to his lips. When her eyes met his, he smiled. “Save the g
