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great pity they deem the army unfitting for a royal prince of the realm. You have my sympathy, Teddy.”
    â€œTo add insult to injury I’m being sent to study in Cambridge under the governorship of bloody Major General Bruce!” He kicked a footstool across the room and it hit the wall with a loud crash.
    A moment later, a low knock came on the door, and theprince’s sister Vicky, who was visiting from Germany, entered the room. “Someone’s in a temper.” She sent James a flirtatious smile.
    He reciprocated immediately by taking her hand and bowing over it. Though the twenty-year-old Princess Royal had been married for three years, James knew she was still enamored of him.
    Her brother snorted. “I’m in a temper because I’m being forced to attend Cambridge to further my studies, when what I want is a military career!”
    â€œSince Father has been the chancellor of Cambridge University for over a dozen years, it is only natural he would like you to study there. However, I believe you can postpone Cambridge for a month by returning to Germany with me. I shall persuade Father to let you come to Strelitz to observe the military maneuvers.”
    Teddy’s scowl was replaced with a look of calculation. “I am well aware that Father can refuse you nothing, but if I come, you must promise not to introduce me to any German princesses.”
    â€œNo Germans. I swear on my honor.”
    â€œYou have something up your sleeve,” her brother said with suspicion.
    â€œI’m trying my best to rid Father and Mother of their obsession that your future bride be German. There are other princesses in Europe, believe it or not.”
    â€œI’m nineteen. I don’t wish to marry. The last thing I want is a fat, foreign bride.”
    â€œI’m not setting a trap for you, Teddy. Which will it be, Cambridge or Strelitz?”
    â€œI’d love to come for the military maneuvers, Vicky, but only if you swear there will be no
matrimonial
maneuvers.”
    She smiled, walked to the door, and beckoned James. “Promise you’ll accompany my brother?” she murmured.
    â€œI must take my seat in Parliament this week,” James evaded.
    â€œTeddy is eager for the maneuvers. It would be a shame to disappoint him.”
    James smiled and acceded, knowing Vicky had her own maneuvers in mind.
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    On Friday evening, when James had dinner with his family, he greeted his mother with an affectionate kiss.
    Lady Lu stroked his cheek. “It’s lovely to see you, James. I missed you this summer. I’m glad you’re back in England.”
    â€œNot for long.” He waited until his sisters were seated, then sat down between his father and his brother John Claud. “I’m off to Germany with the Prince of Wales. His sister has invited him to Strelitz to observe military maneuvers.”
    â€œBut Parliament opens tomorrow,” John Claud pointed out.
    Their mother laughed. “According to my brother Lord John, nothing much happens after summer recess. The members sniff each other like a pack of curs wondering who will be top dog, and which members will drink themselves to death before the year is up.”
    â€œI’m sorry that Prince Albert and the queen couldn’t be persuaded to let Teddy join the military. I deem it a suitable occupation for the heir to the throne,” Abercorn declared.
    â€œHe loathes the idea of returning to university under the governorship of Major General Bruce, so he jumped at Vicky’s invitation to visit Strelitz, providing he doesn’t have to meet any German princesses,” James added with a grin.
    His sister Frances, who had been listening avidly, cut in, “I heard some gossip from my friend Anne. Her sister Emily, lady-in-waiting to Queen Victoria, said she heard that Princess Vicky suggested that a princess from the Danish royal family would be a