The Princess & the Pea

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Authors: Victoria Alexander
Tags: Fiction, General, Romance, Historical, Demonoid Upload 3
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all too aware of his lack of funds and determined not to embarrass him in any way—although she did note his fashionable attire, especially for someone with so little money, and ignored a twinge of annoyance that she had not dressed a bit more impressively herself.
    He offered his arm and they strolled along the Pont-Neuf, the lights from the bridge's lamps reflected in the twinkling waters of the river.
    "It's been a lovely evening, Jared." Cece sighed with contentment.
    He raised a skeptical brow. "I'll agree the company was certainly lovely, but we did nothing save drive the streets."
    "Jared," she chided. "this is Paris—an ancient city facing the future head on. You can almost feel the spirit of progress in the air. Besides, it's truly beautiful. And at night... why, it's almost like magic."
    "You're right, it is beautiful." The words were casual but the gaze that met hers was intense. "And very much like magic." He paused for a moment and then smiled, his mood again lighthearted. "I've never actually believed in magic."
    "I find that difficult to accept."
    He raised his brows in surprise. "Why? If I remember, you have accused me of being stuffy. I hardly think being stuffy and a belief in magic go hand in hand."
    "Don't be silly, Jared." Cece tilted her head and cast him a teasing glance. "Anyone who believes in horseless carriages surely has a touch of magic in his soul."
    He laughed, with a flash of dimpled cheek. "So you've ascertained my secret."
    She nodded solemnly. "That's not all I've learned about you."
    "Really?" He raised a skeptical brow. "What exactly have you discovered?"
    She leaned against the stone bahistrade and studied him casually. "A great deal, I think. I know you are surprisingly well versed in art. I know you are obviously quite clever with machines. You should go far." A question flashed through her mind. "What are you planning to do with your automobile?"
    His expression hardened. "It's a pipe dream, Cece, nothing more."
    "Tell me about it, about your dream," she said gently.
    "No doubt you'll think it foolish," he warned.
    "No doubt." She shrugged. "But since you have already proclaimed me a foolish American, who better than I to determine what's foolish and what isn't?"
    He stared at her for a long moment, then nodded slightly, as if reaching a decision.
    "Very well." Those two words sent a rush of pleasure through her heart that he would trust her enough to share the confidence of his dream.
    "I wish to build not just one automobile but hundreds, eventually thousands. I'm firmly convinced motorcars are the vehicles of the future." His eyes glowed with the light cast by the bridge lamps and an inner fire, a fire she'd glimpsed briefly before.
    He leaned forward eagerly, and the masculine scent of bay rum enveloped her, drawing her closer to the intoxicating warmth of his body. "Once we refine our design, I see no reason why automobiles cannot be manufactured easily and at a reasonable cost. Mass production would make them accessible and affordable for the public." His voice rang with his vision strong and determined and ... irresistible, much like the man himself. "I should like to see an automobile in front of every manor house and cottage in England."
    "I don't think that's foolish at all," she said staunchly. "I think it's admirable for a man to have ambition. To strive for success in a venture untried before. To want to make his presence known in the world. I find it deplorable that many men these days seem to feel the way to make their fortune is to marry a girl who already has one."
    A startled expression darkened his handsome features. "You do?"
    "Indeed." She nodded firmly. "Far too many men seem to want nothing more from marriage than a sizable dowry and the prospects for a significant inheritance."
    "Perhaps they have no other choice," he murmured.
    "Stuff and nonsense." Indignation rang in her voice. "I see absolutely no reason why a man should not work to get ahead in this life."

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