Ever After (Unfinished Fairy Tales #3)(35)

My hand flies to my mouth. After all the trouble we had gone through to save the school, it didn’t survive.

“How did it happen?”

“So many people left. Henry is in Moryn, Lady Katriona refused to contribute, His Highness was miserable about your leaving, Liam resigned, and Lady Gregory also disappeared. We couldn’t keep the school open, no matter how hard we tried. It’s because you weren’t there, Kat. Without your support, it was so easy for the school board to quarrel and they decided there was no point in having the school any longer. There aren’t that many teachers left, nor pupils.”

“But what does this have to do with the flyers outside?”

Elle extracts a flyer from her pocket and hands it to me. The title is “Petition: Education For All.” I look up.

“When I brought the question to Katriona, she refused to listen. She said it was none of her business, she didn’t believe in having a school for girls. So I had no choice but to turn to His Highness. He showed me an article he finished composing, which was adapted from a proposal you wrote, and suggested that the best way to restore Princess College was to make it necessary for the girls to attend school.” Elle looks sad. “And since Henry is gone, I had more time on my hands. So I asked Miss Cavendish, and some other nice people I met when I organized the trust fund for Jimmy. We formed the Children’s Education League, and the goal is to make education available to all children. We’re currently trying to convince people to sign our petition.”

“A Children’s Education League,” I muse. “You’re hoping that a large number of signatures will attract attention, and consequently Parliament will pass the Education Act.”

“As you did with child workers.” Elle looks at me, her gaze filled with determination. “That proposal you wrote was wonderful. We missed you so—His Highness most of all. I haven’t seen him that much, but when I went to ask him about what could be done for Princess College, I could see that he was miserable and doing his best to hide his loneliness.”

“I know.” My heart aches. Everyone—Henry, Bertram, and now Elle—have been telling me how Edward suffered without me. “I missed him as well. I can’t tell you how thankful I am to have survived.”

We chat for a while. Elle also mentions she misses Henry and wishes he’d be back soon. The duchess seems to have given up trying to find another girl for Henry, and only wants him return from Moryn. Once Henry comes back, he and Elle will marry.

I wish I could stay longer with Elle, but I know it’s going to take a long time back to the palace. The omnibus and the walking are more time-consuming compared to a private carriage.

“Can I come to the next meeting for the Education League? I have to go back to the palace, but I’d love to help you sometimes.”

Her expression brightens. “I was hoping that you’d say that, Kat. You always have the best ideas.”

Before we part, Elle surprises me by throwing her arms around me. Poppy is more likely to hug me, but Elle, sometimes restrained in manners due to her many years of servant training, is less inclined to touch me.

“I’m so glad you’re back, Kat,” she murmurs. “I’m so glad.”





18





Edward





I return to the palace with renewed vigor. I had dreamed that one day Kat would return to me, but I never allowed myself to count on it becoming a reality. Kat’s appearance in Moryn was not a dream. It seemed as if the gods above had answered my prayers. However, elated as I am, I cannot be satisfied until she is back in the palace. To be honest, while her staying with Mary is the best provision for the time being, I would feel safer were she in the suite, where I can see her constantly.

“Your Highness.” Mabel curtsies, a bemused look on her face. My brief meeting with Kat had brought me such delight that my countenance must look vastly different to the stern expression I usually wear these days.

And yet, my joy dissipates when I enter the suite. Katriona Bradshaw has emerged from Kat’s bedroom, smiling as if she had been coronated as queen. How I wish I could toss her from the suite and never have her return.

“Edward,” she exclaims, coming over to me. I retreat to the window and fold my arms across my chest. “Yes?”

She is not the slightest fazed by my indifference. “Look at me. Do you not find anything different with my appearance?”

Ever since that fateful morning I had mistaken her for Kat and embraced her, I’ve never gone to sleep without locking my door, including the journey to Moryn. My greatest fear is that if I take her for Kat and get her with child, divorce will be virtually impossible.

“I see no difference.”

She pouts. “I know I am no beauty, but you could pay me more attention. After all, I am your wife.”

I do not bother arguing with her that beauty never played a pivotal role in choosing my wife. I appreciate a pretty face, but it is the character that makes a lasting impression on me. “If you have nothing else to say, then I must be about with my business. I have far more important matters to attend to.”

“Wait!” She steps closer and again I retreat, careful to maintain my distance. “Look. Is not this necklace the most stunning?”

I wince. The necklace is an intricate web of diamonds, almost like a collar.