Princess in Love (33 page)

“What shall we name him?” Rose asked with a smile.

“What about Frederick, after your father?”

The warmth of her smile filled her whole face and echoed in the silky tone of her
voice. “That would make me very happy.”

“Then it is decided—because you know I live for your happiness.”

A knock sounded at the open door, and they both looked up.

The housekeeper entered the room. “I beg your pardon, Lord Cavanaugh, but you asked
me to send for Marie. She is here now and very anxious to see her new brother. May
I bring her in?”

“Of course!” Rose and Leopold both replied in unison.

Seconds later, Marie came dashing into the room. Leopold was quick to hold out an
arm and invite her up onto his side of the bed. “Are you ready to see your new brother?”
he asked. “But you must be gentle and quiet, for he is very small.”

“I’m always gentle and quiet,” Marie replied as she climbed up beside him. “But I
shall be even more so today.” She sat on her knees and inspected her new brother.
“You’re right, Papa, he is very small. When will he be able to walk?”

“Not for a while,” Leopold replied. “Perhaps a year. And when that time comes, we
will need you to hold his hand, sweetheart. Will you be able to do that?”

“Yes. I will be very good, and if he falls, I will pick him up and give him a kiss,
just like you did for me yesterday when we were running too fast down to the swimming
hole.”

Rose laid her head on Leopold’s shoulder again, and he felt even more love than he
ever imagined possible.

“You were very brave,” he said to Marie. “How is your knee today?”

“It’s better, but I don’t want to take the bandage off yet. I think tomorrow will
be the right day.”

“Yes,” Leo agreed. “Tomorrow will be a very good day for that.” Peace and wonder flowed
through him when Marie snuggled into his arms to watch her little brother fall asleep.

Rose smiled up at him with love, and the whole world seemed to glow in the morning
light as Leopold leaned closer and touched his lips to hers.

Also by

Julianne MacLean

Captured by the Highlander

Claimed by the Highlander

Seduced by the Highlander

Be My Prince

Praise for Julianne MacLean …

“You can always count on Julianne MacLean to deliver ravishing romance that will keep
you turning pages until the wee hours of the morning.”

—Teresa Medeiros

“Julianne MacLean’s writing is smart, thrilling, and sizzles with sensuality.”

—Elizabeth Hoyt

“Scottish romance at its finest, with characters to cheer for, a lush love story,
and rousing adventure. I was captivated from the very first page. When it comes to
exciting Highland romance, Julianne MacLean delivers.”

—Laura Lee Guhrke

“She is just an all-around, wonderful writer and I look forward to reading everything
she writes.”

—
Romance Junkies

… and her bestselling romances

“Sparkles with life and emotion … delightful.”

—Jo Beverly

“A sizzling treat.”

—Karen Hawkins

“Brimming with incredible passion.”

—Cathy Maxwell

“It takes a talented author to segue from a lighthearted tale of seduction to an emotionally
powerful romance that plays on your heartstrings … a very special, powerful read.”

—
Romantic Times Book Reviews

“MacLean’s compelling writing turns this simple, classic love story into a richly
emotional romance, and by combining engaging characters with a unique, vividly detailed
setting, she has created an exceptional tale for readers who hunger for something
a bit different in their historical romances.”

—
Booklist

“Five hearts … a special kind of love story … truly compelling.”

—
Romance Reader

“Julianne has the ability to transport the reader.”

—
Once Upon a Romance

About the Author

JULIANNE M
AC
LEAN is a
USA Today
bestselling author with degrees in English Literature and Business Administration.
She is a three-time RITA finalist, and has won numerous awards, including the Booksellers’
Best Award, the Book Buyer’s Best Award, and a Reviewers’ Choice Award from
Romantic Times
for Best Regency Historical of 2005. She lives in Nova Scotia with her husband and
daughter, and she is a dedicated member of Romance Writers of Atlantic Canada.

Visit her website at
www.juliannemaclean.com
.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed
in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

PRINCESS IN LOVE

Copyright © 2012 by Julianne MacLean.

All rights reserved.

For information address St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010.

www.stmartins.com

eISBN: 9781466814844

St. Martin’s Paperbacks edition / November 2012

St. Martin’s Paperbacks are published by St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New
York, NY 10010.