The day before the Ball 

Caroline was sitting alone in her room, enjoying the silence of the late morning until interrupted by a knocking on the door. She had the felling she should have ignored it, but instead called to whoever was in the hallway, announcing that the door was unlocked and they may enter, without so much as turning to look to the door.

George entered her room, smiling broadly. Placing the dress in her lap he lounged upon the arm of her chair and tickled her neck. "Lovely gown Caroline! It will go nicely with my gray and silver suit. Perhaps I have a bit of purple or violet something to match. Isn't that the color? Very royal, very nice." He rambled.

Caroline paid little attention to the dress as he laid the box on her laps. As he tried to touch her she moved back and swatted at his hand. "I would have thought you would have chosen some rose trim."

He laughed as she swatted away his hand. "Come now coz there is a ball to be had! Surely even your usually sour self can get into good cheer for a party. And in honor of you no less!" Raising himself from the chair, his eyes narrowed in thought. "Rose trim? For me? Whatever for if my suit is gray? It might look nice perhaps to compliment it but I assumed you'd like me to incorporate violet to match your gown. Unless you are speaking of rose on your own gown, in which case, the lack of the color is not my fault!"

"I wasn't speaking about the color of my gown in particular. Perhaps you should try and catch the tailor, I'm sure he would understand it if you wanted to add a bit of rose to your attire."

"Well then why would I want to suddenly get Robert to add it to my suit? Really Caroline, the ideas you have." Slowly her meaning came seeping into his brain. Robert, rose......Gwen. The only reason she could be upset at having seen Robert is if he had let his mouth run loose and mentioned his visit with Gwen. He hoped he was wrong.

"Ah, very well then, suit yourself." Caroline calmly remarked, that was only a warning as far as she was concerned. "What else must be done before this farce your father has arranged for us?"

She had dropped it. Perhaps she didn't know anything after all. But George would not pursue the issue further to find out. "We have to meet with the servants briefly, you must double check the menu, and.....we have to prepare to appear as loving and civilized as possible."

"I can be loving and civilized as long as it's not with you.”

"That's not what I remember....." George said with a twinkle in his eye, referring to the night they had both gotten so drunk as to become very affectionate with each other in spite of their animosity. He had not been thrilled about that occurring either but he could be when it suited his purpose. Especially when his purpose was to get Caroline's goat.

Why do we have to check and menu and meet with the servants anyway?" Caroline said, finally getting up from the chair to put some space between herself and George.

"How should I know?" He said flippantly, throwing his hands in the air. " I suppose to make sure everything is arranged as we want it."

"If things were arranged the way we wanted it, I doubt either of us would be here right now. Don't try and make light of this George. I know deep down right now there are scores of other woman you'd rather be with then me, so don't try and sweeten this, even for appearances."

"Caroline" George said with a sigh. "Why must you always be so grim and realistic? Of course there are "scores of other women" as you put it, that I would rather be with and no doubt there are others you'd rather be with then me. I am not trying to sweeten this for your sake. I am simply trying to make the best of the situation I am in. Also I *was* excited about the ball. I'm always in the mood for a gathering of friends. That is until you decided to be so glum about it. What good will complaining do except make you more miserable? Ignore the fact that we are getting married if you must, run off for the afternoon and find a nice young man to spend it with for all I care, but I KNOW that we are betrothed and that neither of us wish it. You don't have to keep reminding me."

"At least you have some things to look forward to. At least your friends are here, virtually everyone I know is in Germany and there are very few that are making the crossing for the event, and most of them are friends of my parents not of mine. You at the very least get to stay in England with your close family, your friends, servants and others you've known all of your life while my parents ship me away from home without anyone or anything familiar to me."

"Caroline don't exaggerate." George said tiredly. "You spent enough time here as a girl to know a good number of people. Besides, that is what the ball is for-to re-introduce you to English society so you can *make* more friends. But don't you see, there you go again. Stop wallowing in self-pity. You are not the only one losing out in this union."

Caroline plopped down on her bed and sighed, "I spent little time here as a girl and barely remember the few people I had met then, and English society is not a group I wish to belong to."

"Well you don't have much of a choice." George responded, exasperated by her never-ending griping. "The English aren't all that bad-you *are* half English may I remind you. Our ways aren't all that different from yours in Germany. Just maybe we don't have the accent or as much sauerkraut!"

"Germany is my home nonetheless. How would you like it if your family decided that we should reside in Germany, and you were forced to leave England?"

"I understand what you are saying Caroline and I am sorry you have been uprooted so but good grief! Nothing can be done so why not drop it and move forward?" George quickly decided he wouldn't mind too much being moved to Germany. He would love to try his hand at German women but not if they were all like the specimen before him.....

"Maybe I don't want to move forward George, maybe I'd prefer moving back home, going back to my old life, a life which I was rather happy living."

"Well what are you telling me for?" They were going around in circles. George was hearing the same thing *over* and *over* again. This conversation was going absolutely nowhere and it was extremely frustrating to the Prince. " You have TOLD me this before, made it VERY clear in fact countless times! I have no more control over it then you do. We've been over this remember? There *is* no way out. You are in England and we are getting married thanks to our parents. End of story Caroline."

"And you've done nothing but remind me over and over and over again that there is nothing to be down. I could use a little compassion, a little comfort, even if from the man soon to be my loving husband." Caroline spat. He's trying to make the best of things but in reality wasn't doing much to help her. She curled into a ball and hugged a pillow tightly to her as she laid down on her bed.

Was she going to cry now? George didn't think he could stand much more of this nonsense if she did. He ran a hand over his face and took a deep breath, going to her and sitting gingerly on the edge of the bed. " I'm sorry" George started, in a softer tone then before. "I was just trying to put things into perspective. How about we talk about something else then alright?"

Caroline moved a hand up to her cheek and wiped away a tear from one watery eye. "Fine, talk about whatever you want."

George cringed inwardly. At some point one of them had to move their relationship forward, improve it a little. Obviously it wasn't going to be Caroline. Tomorrow evening they would be expected to smile and swoon at each other. That was impossible but something had to be done. George resigned himself to get their relationship veering toward the right track. "Caroline don't be upset." He said placing a hand on her shoulder.

Feeling his touch, his first attempt at any sort of compassion he ever offered her, she began to cry again. “It's hard not to. I know you think I'm being just a stubborn, spoiled little brat and maybe in some ways I am, but what they're doing hurts. I'm lonely and I miss my friends. I'm homesick. I'm tired of arguing with everyone and I hate the fact that not even my mother seems to care about me anymore."

Seeing her cry again George grimaced. "oh...caroline..umm....oh please don't" he pleaded, wrapping an awkward arm around her shoulder. " I know it isn't easy. But being the offspring of royalty we are supposed to expect such things. Obviously we hope for the best but it doesn't always turn out that way. The only thing we can do is think of what we can do to make things better, not dwell on things that would only make us more miserable." God, was this actually coming from his mouth? What sort of dribble was this? George was surprised at himself. He truly did want to calm Caroline and what he was saying was true but it sounded far too trite to be his own words! Closing his mouth, George hoped he wasn't going soft.

Caroline eased up her sobbing. "It sounds almost as if you're going soft George."

Damnation! Apparently he was.....

She reached up and squeezed his hand. "Why is it like that George. everyone thinks we're the privileged class. We live in luxury, with fine things and little to do all day but idle and prepare for the opera or a ball or some other party. Why are there all these complicated rules we have to follow?"

He linked his fingers with hers. So she could act human! "I'll be" George thought to himself, surprised at her sudden change of attitude. "Because that is the way it has always been. A little absurd I know, but tradition is tradition. Most likely if we had our own way, we'd give no thought at all to what would be best for our country. we'd accomplish nothing if left by ourselves so our earlier decisions are made for us. or so I’m told." he replied with a wry smile.

"Tradition is a joke. Just because someone else did it means we have to? I'm sure we are not the first pair of would be royals that have been thrown together despite harsh feelings. And is it so impossibly of a leader to live in happiness and successfully rule. I would think a happy king and queen would make better rulers then an unhappy set." She said as she squeezed his hand.

"I cannot argue with you there" George said sorrowfully. "Perhaps we can break tradition with our own children. Lud, wouldn't our parents have a fit!"

"I will agree with that. Let's agree right now to never force our children into anything they don't want simply for the sake of tradition."

George pondered this agreement. He knew how miserable this situation was but at the same time he knew it was beneficial. "Might as well say yes now and extend the amiability. I shall be the head of the family and can change my mind in the future if need be." He reasoned. "Agreed!"

Caroline continued to sniffle as she laid on the bed. "Well, I suppose that's a start. I think that's the first thing we've agreed on since we found out we were to be married."

"I believe you are right Madam" George said chuckling. But Caroline continued to sniffle so moved his hand from her shoulder and lightly rubbed her back. "Anything I can do for you?"

Caroline just laid there for a for a few minutes, letting George gently rub her back. She silently rocked back and forth on the bed and eventually shook her head to answer him.

"Are you sure?" George asked a smile playing upon his lips. "I'd hate to just leave when we appear to be on a roll."

"You don't have to leave then, I just don't need you to get me anything." Caroline said.

"Then it's settled." George stated. Staring at his fiancée he realized she really wasn't as awful as he remembered. People can change from their childhood, and there had even been a change in her character from her first afternoon until now. George could almost categorize his feelings for her as friendly. Something he never considered that he would ever associate with his cousin before. "Caroline I don't wish for you to be unhappy here."

Caroline continued to rock back and forth. "I know. I know this wasn't your fault, you didn't choose this." for once in her cousin's presence, Caroline had settled down, allowing herself to be calm and not defensive. It was a nice change from the uptight brat she had been lately.

"Caroline, you aren't a ship my dear. Do stop rocking so." George said, gently teasing as he continued to rub her back.

Caroline turned in a lightly swung her pillow at him before gathering back into a ball like shape. "I'll rock if I want to rock. It's a very comforting motion."

"Attacking me with a pillow? How unladylike!" George said feigning shock. Picking up a small pillow beside him he swatted it at her in return.

Caroline returned with yet another swat of the pillow "We ought to stop, do you remember what happened last time we started swatting each other with pillows?"

"Yes. Well. Those will very different circumstances" George replied winking. He swatting her with the pillow once more before acquiescing and dropping it back on the bed.

Caroline rolled over and whacked him once more after he had dropped his pillow.

"Now *that* was unfair!" George cried.

She grabbed it and put it under her head. "They were different. Are you always so affectionate after a few drinks?"

"Always? No. It depends on who I am with at the moment. And how many drinks I've had! Why do you ask?" HE said rubbing his head from the pillow attack.

"Just wondering" Caroline said. She went back to her rocking motion, but this time a little more rapid, just to get to George, just a bit.

"You are not a pendulum either! *Do* stop that rocking Caroline!" George said laughing at the ridiculous sight. When she refused to cease he reached out, grasped her by the shoulders, and held her still.

Caroline wiggled out of George's grasp. "what's wrong George? getting sea sick?"

"I might." He said grinning back. "But it's hard to carry on a conversation when you act like a cradle or rocking chair!"

"Ok, fine." Caroline said as she stopped her rocking back and forth. "are you now capable of carrying on a conversation?"

" I believe so." George said moving over to allow her more room. "So why don't you let me see what this new dress looks like eh? Instead of hiding it in the packaging." He would keep this up as long as possible. HE would bask in her good sign as long as he could. Women liked to talk about clothing didn't they?

"I suppose." Caroline sat up and pulled the box closer to her. She carefully opened the package and pulled the top of the dress out. Sliding off the bed, she stood and pulled the dress out of the box and held it up in front of her to let George see. "Oh no," she started, "this isn't right."

"Isn't right?" George said wide-eyed and shaking his head in wonder. " I should say so! It is quite low cut and......tight looking coz."

"The sleeves, the sleeves are too long. I specifically asked the tailor for three-quart length sleeves." Caroline said as she pulled held one of the sleeves up to her arms to compare the lengths.

"So you *asked* for the rest of that?" George said amazed at the audacity of his bride. " If that is the case I think you can leave the sleeves be my dear! Poor Robert it probably broke his old heart to make it. Don't mistake me" George amended quickly "you shall look lovely, but it might be a bit much for some!"

"Of course I asked for it. I asked if such things were common and he said yes so I requested it, and I like shorter sleeves, they're cooler, especially with the warm weather we're having here." Caroline took in a bit of a sigh. "Oh, and now there's not enough time to get it fixed."

"You shall attract enough attention without it" George replied with a smile. He wasn't yet sure what to make of it but Caroline certainly liked to go against the grain. " You are quite the rebel dear coz. Much more so then I remember!"

"I asked for all the fashionable trends. Enough to be daring without offending most. Besides George, judging from your reputation I would think that you'd like a woman with a small shape and soft bosom." Caroline remarked as she put the dress back into its box.

"Touché Caroline. But did I say it would be *I* who would not enjoy it?" He retorted.

Caroline gave him a smirking look. 'I wonder if he'll enjoy it as much as that rose dress tomorrow night.' she thought to herself, but it was a though she would keep to herself. It was rare that she and George could even be in each other's presences without wanting to rip the other's head off, being amicable to each other was unprecedented. "So then, tell me again what you're wearing?"

"It's a gray and silver suit. Magnificent if I do say so myself. If nothing else, you shall have the best dressed husband in all of England!" George replied. They were quite a pair. Poor England had no idea what she was in for....

"If nothing else," she half mindedly muttered as she allowed her mind to drift a bit while putting the box aside for a while. She crossed the room to where her packed trunks sat and began digging through one of them, "Mother insisted that I pack everything up early, and now that I have I can't find the necklace I wanted to wear."

"Would you like some help?" George inquired, rising and moving to her trunk full of belongings. "What does it look like?"

&"It's, um, it's in a dark blue box." Caroline said as she pulled through one of her trunks. "Inside it has a diamond necklace with a large emerald." As she continued to look, she pulled more frantically though the second trunk searching for the box.

"Do you want to wear a green stone with a purple gown?" George said quizzically. "Have you an amethyst?" George's sense of fashion was almost always running at high speed and now was no different.

"You and your fashion." she remarked, her mood beginning to turn sour. "If that's the way you want to look at it, I'm not wearing a dark purple stone with a light purple dress, and this necklace, regardless if I wear it tomorrow or not, was a gift and is very special to me."

"Don't get so miffed Caroline" George said with a sly grin. " I was merely inquiring. The green will compliment the purple well enough. And if it is dear to you then by all means go ahead." He put down the fabric he had been holding and stopped his search. "What makes it so special, if I may ask?"

"In addition to being a beautiful and probably expensive necklace, it was gift from a very dear friend of mine. More then the monetary value, it has high sentimental value for me and I'll be very upset if I've lost it." Caroline sad in frustration as she slammed the top of the second chest and opened the next one.

Digging through the bottom of another trunk he felt something hard. "Found it!" George cried triumphantly. Bringing up his hand he saw he held a blue box. Handing it over he remarked " I assume this was a gift from a male friend."

Caroline shot up from the trunk she was digging in and took the box, a bit harshly from George, "What difference does it make if it was from a male friend or a female friend?" Caroline said as she sat down on one of the trunks. She opened the box to she her prized necklace. She breath a deep sigh of relief as she covered the jewel with one hand. The necklace it's self actually wasn't spectacular. The stone was a bit on the dull side for an emerald and lighter in color. Compared to her other jewelry, it wasn't nearly as fancy or pretty, but the gift meant a lot to her and she was very relieved that George had found it.

"Just wondering." George said nonchalantly as he handed over the jewelry. "So is he *just* a friend?"

"They were just a friend, George." Caroline said, attempting to keep calm and not ruin the so far civil meeting between the two that day.

"You don't have to get so defensive Caroline, really. You are allowed "friends" " He said with a hint of a smile. "Even rich male ones."

"I am allowed to have rich friends, poor friends, male friends, female friends, and any combination of friends that I choose George. It's really none of your concern who I received the necklace from I would appreciate it if you would stop assuming things about my belongs and my friends." Caroline said as she stood and took a few steps away from George and the trunks.

"Caroline dear, you must learn to become used to my particular sense of humor or else this well never work." He said sighing. " You may associate with whomever but I was simply making an attempt to lighten the mood. Do not take everything I say so seriously.

"Fine then," Caroline said as she placed the box on top of the box holding her dress. "But I don't find it particularly amusing when you continue to press for details about a friend because they gave me a gift."

Good grief did she always have to be so irritable? " Pressing? I thought it was goodnatured teasing but I shall try to restrict it on the future if you wish."

Caroline nodded, "Thank you" she said curtly before crossing the room and sitting back on the bed. She kicked her shoes off the side and stretched her feet a bit. "So what's next?"

"Whatever you want Caroline. Provided we remain close to home I would guess. We need to be near in case any questions concerning the ball arise." He replied leaning against a dresser.

Caroline gave him an odd look. "It's a ball, they've done this before, how much input from us do they really need anyway?"

"But it's not everyday members of the royal family get married. We are making them awfully nervous!" George stated, almost pleased at the thought of making everyone go to such trouble.

Caroline couldn't help but the laugh. "I'm sure the wedding itself isn't the only thing making them nervous."

"I don't doubt that!" George said joining in on her laughter." We by ourselves cause enough disturbance as it is. With the two of us together, I'm suprised the whole British Army wasn't invited as well."

"I'm surprise part of the Germany forces haven't been sent over as well." Caroline hugged one of her pillows in front of her again but kept from rocking to appease George. "I suppose most of your friends plan to be here tomorrow night."

"I expect they shall attend, yes. At least I hope so. I sent out enough invitations to invite all of England it seemed! Why would you like to be introduced?"

"I'd like company. I don't think any of my friends will be here. The English Channel is a long journey for just one ball." Caroline said sorrowfully.

"Of course you'll have company! You'll have a whole ball full! I'm not so mean spirited that I would leave you deserted coz." George said. He was beginning to see that there was more to Caroline then anger and rebellion. Down somewhere inside her determined face and hard air lay the core of humanity the same as his.

"I wish some of my friends would come. They'll come for the wedding, but not for this, I doubt. Anyone coming from Germany is probably just a friend of my parents." Caroline said, unintentionally ignoring George's comment.

"Then you shall see them at the wedding. Thanks to our parents it's not *that* much farther down the road. But you needn't worry about being alone there Caroline." George said kindly. For the past few weeks they had been in the same predicament but he could easily warm up to her *now*-providing the friendliness continued to be reciprocated.

"I suppose not, as long as you don't run off into some card room and hide away all night."

"How did you know?" George said with a chuckle. HE was notorious for a good game of cards. "I will do my best not to be so distracted. But am I allowed one game?"

"You can play many games as you wish as long as I get to play too. Cards aren't are boys only game."

Her? Go in the study and play cards? He hoped not. "You'll have to see if they'll yet you my dear. Men are very protective of their territory." HE replied smiling, hoping such a response got him off the hook.

""Men also easily fall for the charms of a woman, they are also easily over confident when it games to games with an easy target." Caroline smirked.

True but la! An easy target? Cards is a skill Caroline, and thankfully I skill I am very experienced with."

Caroline tried to hide a small smile. George was like all the rest. "Well then, if I'm so inexperienced, and willing to put up the same money as everyone else, why shouldn't I be allowed to join in a round or two at the card game?"

Persistent as she was George realized he could not realistically expect her to give up so soon. " That you will have to bring up with the rest of the men. But I'd be more then happy to beat you at a game!" He grinned hoping she wouldn't fly off the handle again and get upset but know it as a jest. Although with his luck at cards George didn't doubt it was the truth.

"I'm sure if they're anything like you, a quick glance of me in that dress is all I'll need for an invite to the game." Caroline smirked.

"You seem very sure of yourself Miss Caroline" George said exaggerating his accent. "And who says the dress will work on me? Presumptuous thing you are."

"Well, I guess we'll see tomorrow night just how well that dress will work and who it works best on now won't we?"

"Yes we will." George said smiling. He wasn't exactly sure of the wager they just made, but it would be an interesting one. "Well now that's settled should I give you a larger tour of the grounds?"

"Oh I suppose." Caroline said as she sat up, "Where do our parents plan on putting us after we're married anyway?"

"I probably know as much as you do, which is next to nothing. We have lands spread out all over they could choose to give us any one of them they wish. I just hope it isn't too far removed from civilization!" George cried as he helped Caroline to her feet. It bothered him a great deal that he didn't know anything about their future. Lud, it was *his* life wasn't it? Shouldn't he be involved in planning it?!

"Why George? Need somewhere to run off to easily when I become too much for you?" Caroline said as George pulled her off the bed.

"You are *already* too much for me " George retorted with a smile, only half joking. Opening the door he offered her his arm.

Caroline looked at George’s outward stretched arm for a moment before taking it. No doubt this would cause the jaws of any servants that saw them drop. "So, where to now George?"

"Wherever you'd like. There are the gardens, the west rooms I don't believe you've seen, the ballroom area.....it's your choice." He said with a grand sweep of his arm.

"It makes no difference to me, no doubt I'll forget it before the next time I comeback." Caroline said with a sigh. "You do know I'm leaving in a few days."

"Leaving? Did we scare you off so soon?" He asked surprised. Why didn't anyone inform him of anything?!

”Of course I'm leaving George. There are things I need to take care of back home before moving here." Caroline said. "You knew from the time I came here that I would return to Germany before the wedding."

"Of course, it just slipped my mind." He said remembering. "They'll have to drag you back kicking and screaming I'm sure!"

"Awww, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you're going to miss me George."

"Miss you?" George said making a face. " Oh most definitely. I'll have more time to myself, no one to argue with, well except my father, and more brandy to myself!" He shook his head and threw her a lazy grin. " You flatter yourself coz"

"Must run in thee family then." Caroline said as she walked along with George. "Are you sure the silence won't bother you?"

"I think I can deal with it." He replied smoothly. "So the gardens or the rooms Caroline?"

"It's a bit stuffy inside I suppose, I guess we could head outside for a while, while it is still light out." Caroline said.

"Outside it is!" He said escorting her down the stairs. Reaching the bottom he turned to see a servant frozen in shock with a tray in his hand. Laughing out loud he gave the man a nod as they headed out.

"I think the staff here is in for a number of shocks over the next few months," Caroline said, "I hope they have strong stomachs."

"A *number* of shocks?" George questioned. "Scheming already are you?"

"Well," Caroline smirked, "being that my dress now has sleeves, I might as well put something up them."

"Well said." George muttered, musing over these new facts. Cleverly put but intriguing. What could Caroline be planning already? " I'd tell you we could fix that but fear of increased impropriety keeps me from it. Care to give a man a hint?"

Caroline only smiled, "Not even in the slightest, you'll have to wait like everyone else."

"Caroline" George said firmly trying to carefully choose his words. " Much of what you and I do is considered.....well intolerable by some. Just please reassure me that whatever you are planning is within acceptable bounds of society?"

"I will only promise you that I will take full responsibility for whatever events that I am responsible for." Caroline plainly stated.

George sighed. He was starting to remember all the irksome characteristics of his cousin that had gotten on his nerves as a child. " Caroline you said you wanted friends here in England, people with which to occupy your time. I can introduce you but is up to you to present yourself correctly to English society. If you ruin your reputation make sure it is yours alone."

"Now who has no sense of humor?" Caroline asked, "I have no intention of ruining your reputation or alienating any of your friends."

"By all means then, plan away!" George responded, still disbelieving. A few more steps and another door and they were out into the King's lush gardens. "So what do you think?"

Caroline looked over the garden and then back at George and plainly stated, "It's rather green don't you think?"

"Well.......err......yes. Yes it is." What did she mean "it's rather green"? It was a garden for Pete’s sake, of COURSE it is going to be green! " I take it then that grounds and nature do not interest you much. What is it then that *does* interest you?"

Caroline gave George a look and rolled her eyes. "you really have no sense of humor do you George?" she said as she took a few steps down towards the garden.

"Why, because I don't disagree the garden is green? I thought that a rather astute and scholarly observation -I hadn't planned to argue." George said smirking. "But really Caroline what *does* interest you?"

"So, trying to find common ground George?" Caroline said as she began a stroll along a garden path. "If you must know, I enjoy opera and theatre, and believe that the first reason to attend the theatre is to see the performance, not to be seen by others. I do enjoy nature, and even a bit of sport."

"Ah good you enjoy the theatre! The wife if a good friend of mine is an actress, perhaps I could introduce you at the ball. And we have plenty of land to satisfy your love for the outdoors." He smoothly plucked a flower from off the nearest bush and offered it to her, almost as a peace offering. "But sports? You've divulged your keenness towards cards-is there more?"

"The wife of a friend of yours is an actress?" Caroline asked, slightly surprised, "I wouldn't expect any of your friends to have married a woman that was an actress."

"I hadn't expected it either. But I've heard that she was quite well known in Paris and very popular. We don't get along well unfortunately. She has an unusually........strong personality." George said. "She is a lot like you." He added with a smile.

"Well, if she doesn't get along well with you, I like her already, but an actress George? A French actress? She's probably one of those French republicans too or whatever they call themselves now."

"George calmly rolled his eyes at her first comment and chose not to address it. "Somehow I doubt that is possible. She married Sir Percy and that is about as aristocratic as one could get. I can't imagine that she would go against her own principles like that if she *were* Republican.

"Well, republician ideals I'm sure don't prevent french actresses from letting French nobels from setting them up in nice little flats in Paris and such. Come now George, surely you aren't that blind."

"No but I prefer to believe that people stick to their word rather then become hypocrites the instant life affords them the opportunity." He stated seriously.

"I didn't say she was a hypocrite. After all she married English not French, and doubtless marrying and aristo did little to change her lifestyle."

"I'm not saying she is a hypocrite either, I just doubt she is one of those devout Republicans. But Lud! Since when do we have to have such glum and grave topics as Marguerite's political affiliations?" He exclaimed with a wave of his hand. "Let's so who else could I introduce you too? Ah yes, well I would let you meet Lord Hastings (lord knows he needs some womanly attention) but I would rather give him a kitten then throw him in the ring with a tiger." He gave a silly grin as his mind drifted-he hadn't heard from Edward in awhile.....

"Slightly subdue when it comes to the ladies then is he George?" Caroline said as she strolled along. Did he have any female friends? Probably not, not in the sense of "friend" anyway. Although if his male friend were unattached, things might be better for her anyway.

"Subdue? Not quite" He disagreed with a laugh. " I think he'll try his luck with just about anyone. He's a charming fellow but I think he tries too hard and the ladies know it."

Caroline simply nodded and continued walking, quickly losing interest in the discussion, "who else do you plan to introduce me to?"

George began to steer their walk toward the back of the garden where his mother had a little pond. " Probably Miss Abigal, Lord and Lady Glover, Percy and his wife, really whomever you wish."

"Well, I can't make requests for introductions now can I if I don't know who to expect." Caroline said.

"Good point." George took a deep breath, inhaling the familiar dampness of the path near the pond. It was not yet in view but they were close. It had been a favorite spot of his as a child and he was going to share it with his bride. HE didn't know why, but he wanted to take her there. " I assume you are an accomplished dancer eh Caroline? If not, a lesson might be needed." He said with a twinkle in his eye twirling her around.

"Of course I'm an accomplished dancer, however I feel it might be best if I observe you first. I wouldn't want you to trend upon my dainty toes."

"Observe me?! Why I am deeply offended" He said taking on a frown he did not feel. " Doubting MY dancing? Have no fear cousin it shall be like walking on air!" He twirled her once more and bowed low to demonstrate.

Caroline let George twirl her around a bit before dipping her. "That will do for now, I suppose." Caroline said as she stood back up, "do you only twirl or do you waltz and gavotte as well?"

"Bah! I can do it all!" He bragged. " I just hope you can keep up with me Madam."

"And if my feet can't handle it, what ever shall you do?" Caroline teased.

"Well I'll only have one choice Caroline." He said calmly. To illustrate what he meant, he deftly picked her up, humming a popular waltz. Spying the pond not far ahead he laughed and made as if to throw her in....

Caroline screamed and smacked George on the arm, "don't you dare even think such a thing George."

Laughing heartily he gently put her down right near the waters edge. " You asked......" He reminded.

Caroline caught her breath and sat down in the grass. "I suppose I did. Well, since you're so keen on dancing, I suppose that I can keep you out of the card room."

"Why all this against the card room?" He said lazily lowering himself down beside her. Smoothing his tailcoat out behind him he leaned back on his hands. " It's a giant evil to suck me in! And I do not plan spending my entire evening taking money away from all the poor fellows. Wouldn't be fair."

"I have nothing I against being in the card room." Caroline said, "as long as I can play too."

"We've already been over that Caroline, let's play it by ear hmm?" He leaned back on the grass and put his hands behind his head, enjoying the warmth of the afternoon sun. "This was my hideaway when I was younger. I would always run from my tutors and hide in the rishes over there" He nodded in the general direction. " and muddy my clothes so I was paddled black and blue for it too."

"I used to hide in the forests and hills around our manor, but I always had clothes hidden where I could get to them before anyone had caught me." Caroline said as she watched George lay down in the grass beside her.

"My escapes were always spur of the moment so I never had time to plan ahead like that" He said sorrowfully. As a child he could have used some forethought like to save his backside once or twice. "Why is it we are always running?" HE pondered aloud to no one in particular. Watching the clouds roll by he remarked. " Do be careful-I think we're setting a record." They had not argued in what.....a few hours? Bravo to them!

"Do you have much choice? Born into a life so full of restrictions and rules and propriety and expectations. It's no wonder people like us run."

"I can't argue with you there." George closed his eyes feeling the rays of the sun dance over him. He could easily fall asleep if Caroline wasn't beside him expecting to be entertained. Cocking one eye open he said " If you wish to move on to another part of the grounds, just let me know."

Caroline pulled her knees up in front of her and rested her chin on them. "No, I'm fine jest sitting here for now."

He nodded and went back to resume his catnap but her silence was odd and he peeked at her through half-closed lids. Her position was one normally reserved for any mood but a happy one. Hunched over her knees she looked much younger and George felt a *slight* twinge of concern. "Anything the matter coz?" He said quietly, placing a hand on her back.

Caroline turned her head and looked back at George as he rubbed her back. She sighed and shook her head, once more leaning against her arms on her knees. "It doesn't make much difference anyway."

"Caroline what is it?" He repeated again, propping himself up on his elbows. HE couldn't see her face but something was bothering her. Something that did not include the normal list of occurrences that annoyed her to no end. The entire staff was more then aware of *all* of *those*.

"I already said it doesn't matter. It's the same old thing, we've been over it time and time again."

One of the reasons George had so many female "companions" was because he had taken time to establish some sort of emotional connection with each. Not necessarily that he was emotionally attached to each of them but he had taken the time to get them to open up and had grabbed hold of that trust. The problem with Caroline was that she wasn't letting him in. And that bothered him. He was nowhere near in love with his cousin but to make the relationship work she had to expose her heart. So far she had done no more then build up a wall and yell over it. And George did not take kindly to being walled out, it was not a position he planned on being in forever. He scooted over beside her and wrapped a strong arm around her shoulder. "The whole situation again eh?"

"Yes the whole situation." Caroline said "You know it, being forced into things like this marriage, and that's just one part. Forced to follow rules no one else does, following traditions few people care about or even understand, all of it."

HE could not think of anything to say. They had gone over this before and Caroline knew that he felt the same way. There was no way out and complaining did no good. But he noticed it tended to make her feel a hell of a lot better. Unable to answer George sighed and gave he shoulder a squeeze.

Caroline felt George close in his arms around her. She drew in a deep breath and fought the urge to scream and to run. She sat there defeated in silence.

George heard her intake of breath and his eyes narrowed in disappointment. Silently he removed his arm from her shoulder, scooted back to where he had been and sat staring straight ahead. If she did not want to be comforted, so be it.

Caroline felt him pull away from her. Was this what there relationship was to be, back and forth, close and then far. She turned her head to hide the threatening tears.

He caught the abrupt turn of her head and he rubbed his eyes tiredly. "I'll be demmed Caroline if I know what I've done. Do you want me here do you want to be left alone, what?" He said it quietly but with an urgency that demanded an answer. "I am trying and that is all I can do. I cannot read your thoughts coz...."

Caroline pulled in a deep, shaking breath, "Stay," she whispered, "please, just stay."

He turned, eyes widening in surprise at her answer. With a sympathetic smile and a nod he crept over to her patch of grass and gently wrapped his arms around her. It was not a passionate embrace nor was it overpowering. Simply a kind gesture from one human being in need to other. In the back of his mind he remembered the absurd little tidbit of information that she found rocking comforting. Slowly, almost imperceptibly he began to rock her, keeping a hold of her shoulders.

Caroline closed her eyes and let George take her into his arms and rock her as if she was a frightened child. "You're not going to get sea sick now are you?"

He stopped rocking and stared at her chuckling. "As long as you don't." His voice grew soft as he studied her. "Better?"

Caroline giggled a bit and leaned into George. "A little, thank you," she whispered as rested against him.

"We shall be fine I promise you." He reassured her as he calmly rubbed her back. " Between your wit and my connections and good fashion sense we'll have all England wrapped around our little fingers." He teased.

Caroline let her eyes roll behind her shut eyelids, not more fashion talk, but she wasn't about to ruin another rare, quiet moment. "George, after we're married, can we move to Andorra?"

Once more he laid back on the grass but kept a hand on Caroline's back, continuing to stroke her shoulder blades with his fingertips. "Why so far away? What's in Andorra?"

"Absolutely nothing, and it's the last place on earth our parents would look for us if we just up and left." Caroline said with a smile.

"I love the way you think" He said approvingly. "Too bad our relations with Spain are next to nil and the French aren't very fond of us anymore."

"We'', we're still on decent terms with both, my parents would probably assume I'd go to France. Andorra is much less likely. The perfect hiding place."

"The perfect hiding place." It was a tempting idea. One that was completely illogical, but tempting all the same. " Alas my dear, I doubt we could even make it off these grounds unnoticed."

Caroline rolled her eyes, "I think they literally think we're capable of killing each other. I'm surprised we been left to think we're alone as often as we have been."

"Well the servants are all a tad flustered. The wrath of the almighty Caroline is enough for them to give you some space!" He chortled at the memory of the staff member from earlier who looked as if he might have a heart attack when he saw the two of them together, voluntarily.

"So far only you and my mother have suffered my so called wrath. If I've been polite to anyone it's been your staff." Caroline replied.

"How comforting. You've been nicer to the staff then your future husband."

"Well, they had nothing to do with the upcoming nuptials." Caroline said with a sigh, "But then again I guess you didn't either."

"I was wondering when you'd realize that." George replied softly, with a wry smile. "We'd be more valuable as allies then enemies coz."

"I suppose" she said as she continued to rock in his arms, "So then what do you propose we do?"

"Stay away from the house so we don't have to mess with the details of tomorrow." He responded slyly.

"Does that include tomorrow night as well?" she asked, "Believe it or not, I think I'd prefer sitting out here with you to going to the ball."

George stopped rocking her and leaned back to study her instead. A slow sincere smile spread across his features. " I think we are making progress coz." He said approvingly. " Unfortunately I don't see how I can get you acquainted with English society if you don't associate with those who head it, but it is *our* ball after all. I'm sure we can sneak away for a bit before the send the hounds after us!"

"Well, I would assume that you and uncle George would be at the head of English society, after that who cares." Caroline said with a bit of a smirk.

"I don't think I'll dispute *that*." He said laughing. "But I do want you to feel at home here, get to know everyone."

"No offense George, but I doubt this will ever feel like home." Caroline said sadly, letting her head drop into her crossed arms again.

He reached out and touched her cheek gently. "Chin up coz. Don't disregard it so soon."

Caroline allowed her cheek to gently rub against George's hand. "I suppose." she said, "I suppose I could get used to it at least."

"There's a girl!" He said quietly, leaning over and planting a light kiss on her forehead. "In that case, would you care to see the rest of the grounds?"

Caroline shook her head and then lean her head against his shoulder, "No, if I don't know the grounds, getting lost in the gardens would be a more believable excuse if I want to leave the party tomorrow."

He repositioned himself to allow Caroline to get more comfortable. All in all George was awfully pleased with himself. He was out of the house and somehow had manipulated his way into Caroline's good side. Perhaps this day was worth getting up for after all. " So I can't even leave the ballroom to play cards but you can run out into the garden eh? That doesn't seem like fair odds.

"You can play cards as long as I get to play too." Caroline said, "And if I run into the gardens someone will have to leave the party to find me."

"And that someone will have to be me will it?" George was unsure what sort of game she was playing, or if it was really a game at all. But he was willing to participate as long as he seemed ahead and on stable ground.

"Of course it will, unless you'd rather send someone else to look after your fiancée." Caroline said, "Besides in the end it's another excuse for you to leave."

"Who says I'd want to leave? Or that I'd want you back?" He said teasingly, gazing down at the woman resting against his shoulder.

Caroline didn't say anything. She silently turned her head to rest against his and pushed her lips against his cheek, "And risk suffering my wrath. I think after a night of being stranded in the gardens I would not be so pleasant the next day."

"Is that a promise?" He said grinning. Leaning down he kissed her back deeply, but on her lips instead of her cheek. "If that's so I might have to rethink coming to your rescue."

Caroline closed her eyes as George kissed her. Finally breaking away, just slightly, she whispered, "You might have to rethink a lot of things."

"You just might be right." HE said in a low voice as he drew her close.

Caroline let George hold her tighter again. She knew she was going to regret this shortly, but she leaned into him, pressing her cheek against his until again their lips met.

George did not love his cousin of that he was sure. He had not really truly loved anyone in the soul connecting sense of the word although with Maria he had come close. But physical love was something he was skilled at. His ability to pleasure had been easily misinterpreted over time by many woman as genuine affection but he never told them otherwise. And in all cases save Maria he had never uttered the words "I love you" to another human being that he could recall. But he was more then able and willing to give freely of his passion and himself physically. George was starting to grow a sort of fondness for Caroline, or at least the capacity to tolerate her and get something out of her company. The reason he had so much success as a lover, besides his experience, was his way of trying to make the woman he was with feel as though she had all his immediate attention, to feel desired. Turning into her and returning her kiss George leaned back on the grass bringing Caroline down with him, resting her against his shoulder. "What is it you miss most about Brunswick?" He inquired, an arm lazily draped across her midsection.

Caroline was almost disappointed that he pulled away until George pulled her down to the ground next to him. "I miss a lot of the little things. I miss my own bed. I miss servants and staff I recognize. I miss looking out my window to see the mountains and forests. I miss being able to have a conversation and not have to translate half of what I say over again in my head before speaking. There are lots of things I miss."

"I think you've done a fair job remembering the servants you've met so far." He commended, absently running her hair through his fingers. "And you've spoken English on and off since you were a small girl since your mother is British-is it really so bad? Unfortunately my German is barely recognizable or else I would try to help things out a bit. But who said words were that important anyway?" He asked teasingly as he leaned over and kissed her again.

Caroline closed her eyes and didn't bother to protest when George leaned over and took her lips with his own. "So, tomorrow night at the ball," she said when she broke away for a breath, "and they say something in English I don't understand, is this how I should respond?"

"It would certainly stop them from saying anything further" George replied with a wink.

"Maybe it would be a good way to keep you from saying anything too." Caroline said as she kissed him again.

"I agree most emphatically my dear." He responded, graciously accepting and returning her kiss. "So am I not as abhorrent as you once thought me or is this all just a ploy to keep my voice from grating further on your delicate nerves?"

"A little of each. Now why do you keep pulling away. I might not always be so accommodating." Caroline said.

"Is that a threat Madam?" He said playfully as he assented to her wishes and pulled her closer.

"I suppose it would depend on what type of mood you're in." Caroline said. "are you trying to be rid of me now?"

"Be rid of you? The sun must be dulling your senses dear coz, for if I pulled you closer" he said, reiterating the gesture by tightening his hold on her waist, "then why would I want to be rid of you?"

Caroline stopped for a moment as she felt him tighten his grasp on her, "George, what are we doing?"

"I'm not exactly sure we are doing anything yet my dear but *I* for one am only following directions-you said to stop pulling away did you not?" George questioned.

Caroline looked at George, "I mean this little game we're playing George. One moment we can't stand each other, the next we're laying in the middle of a field wrapped in each other's arms. this back and forth, up and down, game we play with each other. what are we doing?"

Gently he laid her back down on the grass...this was not a good conversation for pillow talk. " I can't say I know. So far I've only followed your lead."

"It's not just now, it's the same game we've been playing since I came here, and don't say you're following my led, you kissed me first."

"I also happened to be drunk so I'm not sure that counts." He said. "But so far it seems like there hasn't been much of a downside so why worry? We are only trying to find common ground and make this more bearable are we not?"

"You're not drunk now," caroline said, "And I do believe you did kiss me.”

"I never said I didn't!" He laughingly, throwing up his hands in protest. What was she getting at?

Caroline just shook her head and rolled her eyes at him, laying back into the soft grass and turning away form him.

"Caroline..." He started, rolling onto his side so he could better see her face. "What is it?" He took a deep breath fearing that they were heading towards dangerous waters and delicate subjects. "You are asking how I feel about you are you not?"

Caroline shook her head, but perhaps that's what she was getting at. "Not directly, but it's a good point. How do you feel about me?"

Good Lord he should have just kept his mouth shut. " I could ask you the same, as the woman of many faces. But if that wasn't the point-then what was?"

"You could ask me the same," Caroline said, without turning to face him, "But I did ask you first."

"Fair is fair I suppose." HE gulped and took a second to consider his answer. "To say that you can love only one person is like saying that a single candle will burn as long as you live." He could either tell her the truth now or..cloud it over a bit. "I....am more fond of you then I was when you first came a few weeks ago. But I don't think I would call it love exactly no."

"That's good." Caroline said, "If you said you loved me I'd call you a liar."

"At least we are on the same page for once. But I do believe it is your turn to answer." He propped himself up on his elbow to listen. This should be good. "What is your opinion of me and our somewhat poor excuse for a relationship?'

"That your one half of a poor excuse for a relationship." Caroline mumbled. "Truth is I don't know what to make of you George."

"Whatever is that supposed to mean?" He said surprised. " You aren't so easy to follow yourself you know."

"It means just what it sounds like George." Caroline said. "One minute we're at each other's throats, the next we're drunk doing god knows what, the next we're walking arm and arm through the palace. I don't know what to make of it."

"What makes you think I do?" George quipped. " I may not be such a novice to marriage nor new to courting but this situation is a little different then what I am used to. " Of course he wasn't used to it. In a normal situation he would have chosen a woman he wanted and probably one not as difficult to comprehend as the ever changing snow queen next to him.

"Regardless of the situation our parents have put us in, what do you make of everything George?"

George sighed. " I feel as if we are going around in circles- we've been over this more times then I care to count already Caroline. Outside of the situation our parents have put us in there isn't much else. We both feel this is grossly unfair and unjust and I hope we shall make the best of it, but if you are asking about "everything" as in us....I thought we *just* covered that. We both find each other confusing to an extent but care more then we did a few weeks ago. But Rome wasn't built in a day, Persevere and all that."

Caroline sighed. "So there it is, we're stuck in an awful loop, chasing each other round and round in circles, playing games, swaying from extremes, unsure of whether we're should despise each other or idle the day away in each other's arms." Caroline sighed.

"I never said we were stuck in a loop, only that our conversation kept reverting back to already discussed topics." George put a hand over his eyes. He disliked back and forth conversations like these were nothing really got accomplished. They were extremely tiresome. " But why must we analyze everything now? Can't we just simply deal with whatever happens instead of planning out all our actions?"

"Fine then," Caroline said as she sat up, "we'll stop going in circles, we'll stop complaining, why don't we just stop speaking to each other altogether!"

"Caroline if you are so concerned with the current state of affairs then taking offense to everything I say and getting flustered and childish over nothing will not help improve it."

"What's the point of speaking if you don't bother to give me straight answers and the turn everything I say back around on me."

George was flabbergasted. What more did this woman want from him! "Me? I have answered your questions as best I know how and as for turning your words around....I have done no such thing."

Caroline gave a wordless scream as she stood up, "I am so tired of this, all of this." she snapped as she stormed off.

George rose from his reclining position and effortlessly caught up with her. He reached out and grabbed hold of her arm though not hard enough to cause another row. "Tired of what?" He said trying to speak calmly. " You asked questions and I gave you honest answers. There is no need to go into a tizzy yet coz."

Caroline turned as George grabbed her and brought one hand sparkly across his face. She quickly pulled out of his grasp and snapped, "Don't you ever, ever grab me like that again."

George's eyes widened and he winced ever so slightly as her palm came in contact soundly with his cheek. Turning red with rage he yanked her towards him and hissed, "How DARE you. *I* was acting *most* civilized and endured your repetitive questions and you storm off and SLAP me when I try to help you solve what you claim is the exact problem?" His voice was low enough to be almost inaudible and he was near shaking in anger. "Don't EVER forget your place like that when it is so uncalled for do you *understand*?"

"My place! Well George why don't you tell me what exactly is my place. For two weeks I've been trying to understand my place, and I have yet to grasp what exactly my place is." Caroline said, wincing at the pain in her arm.

"You are to be my wife Caroline!" He yelled. "NOT my rival! If you want to leave the meek example set by those of your sex and ask such questions then you should be able to handle honest answers. No things are not perfect and they *are* confusing but throwing hissy fits when things are not as you wish and running away is as far from your "place" as I can think of." He noticed her arm growing red from his grip and with an exasperated grunt he let her loose.

"I can handle the honest answers, unfortunatly it seems to be very rare that one is given to me." Caroline screamed. "As for you, you monsterous excuse for a man, you would be better fit to wed to some ferious animal then a person if this is how you act, violent and abusive. Now tell me dear cousin, what will English high society think if they know you abused your wife to be."

He wanted to tear his hair and or hit a tree. Or her preferably but he wouldn't dare, he had some shred of manners. Instead he closed his eyes and tried to breathe and calm down. "Caroline...." George began slowly his muscles taunt and his voice sharp. "Do tell me, for I am very interested, when I was not honest with you just now. And you must be running out of rude comments rather quickly to have to come up with "abuser." I would hardly deem catching hold of you before you ran off as abuse. Although if English Society did hear of such a factitious rumor they would probably applaude me if they knew you were the victim."

Caroline huffed and rolled back the sleeve of the arm he was holding onto to reveal a dark bruise in the shape of a hand on her arm. Caroline bruised easily, but she figured George didn't know that. Even if she didn't, the mark on her arm spoke for itself.

George was caught off guard by the large bruise but did not change his stance. " Who says they wouldn't feel for me even more if I let slip that my wife mentally abused her household?"

"Mentally abused my household? I am nothing but cordial to every member of the staff at home and you won't find one to tell you otherwise. Sights speak louder then words."

"Ah." He simply said, a smirk playing on his lips. "So arguing with the King and causing such a ruckus that he has to isolate you from the entire household, scaring the servants so they stay in their quarters as long as possible, and loudly declaring all my faults is cordial. My my manners certainly have changed."

"Must I remind you that I did not argue with the king. He is not my king, he is my uncle. If the servants were scared it is because of him, not me, and I highly doubt, that any balanced woman, subject to an arranged marriage would find it difficult to accept my outrage at the situation."

"So you were the picture of cordialness then. If you say so." He said tauntingly. How she could rationalize her outrageous actions in her head was beyond him.

"There's no point in this anymore." Caroline snapped as she again turned to leave him in the garden alone.

"Leaving without your wrap?" He said in a satisfied voice, glancing back toward her shawl laying on the grass.

Caroline wasn't about to give him such satisfaction, "Does it look like I'm leaving without my wrap?" she called over her shoulder.

"Considering you are walking in the opposite direction, yes. Yes it does." George said regarding her with an odd mix of amusement and contempt, one hand lazily balanced on his hip.

Caroline wouldn't even bother to look back at George, mumbling to herself as she walked away.

George laughed quietly to himself. He almost felt sorry for Caroline....she thought she'd won. He could kill with kindness or throw back her venomous comments but this battle was far from over.

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