Ever After (Unfinished Fairy Tales #3)(38)

19





Kat





“Kat?” Mary calls me before I go to bed. Little Joel is already fast asleep; he had a race with the other boys today. “Do you have anything planned for tomorrow?”

Translation: is Prince Edward going to meet you for a secret tryst tomorrow?

“No.” I wish it were a yes, though. It’s been a few days since he came down to the chicken coop, and I’ve found that sighing over his ring is a waste of time and makes Joel worry about the vacant look in my eyes.

“Well then,” Mary says. “If you don’t mind, there’s a favor we’d like to ask of you.”

“Anything I can do, of course,” I say automatically. It’s the least I can do for Mary letting me stay here. “Wait a moment, did you say we?”

“Bertram asked if I could act chaperone for him and Amelie. It’s his day off, and Amelie has agreed to accompany him to the city. I’d go if there were no one else, but frankly speaking I’m not fond of walking all day long and I’ve no need to go downtown.”

Ooh, that sounds fun. “Sure, I’d love to go in your place. But...why does Amelie also need a chaperone?” I thought only debutantes couldn’t go anywhere alone. Even then, I had disregarded that rule many times.

“She is nevertheless a lady’s maid and would prefer a semblance of propriety. Besides, this is the first time Bertram is taking her out, and knowing Amelie, she’d rather not be alone with him all the time, until she is comfortable around him.”

“But…” I recall how Amelie usually behaved when Bertram was around. “Shouldn’t it be the other way round? Bertram’s more likely to freeze up when Amelie is talking to him.”

“Oh no.” Mary uses the tone of an older sibling who knows something that outsiders don’t. “That’s because there’s always other people present. Amelie could be like our Ma at times, but inside she’s as simple and immature as girls of her age. She’ll need the extra company, believe me.”



* * *



The next day, I rise extra early and have a basketful of eggs collected before I race back to the cottage, have a simple wash and change into a sea-blue gown and buttoned boots. I pin my hair into a simple bun and tuck it in my hat, just to be on the safe side. I put on gloves (the omnibus lacks hygiene) and slip Edward’s new ring on my finger. The original wedding ring that cost a fortune hangs on a chain around my neck, concealed under my corset. I look older, more matronly—the perfect chaperone, haha.

Bertram arrives earlier than Amelie; Mary ran into him when she was heading out of the door. His hair is neatly combed, his tunic crisply pressed, and his boots are so shiny that I suspect that they are bought new, specifically for this occasion.

“You take good care of Amelie,” she says in a warning tone that is so like Amelie’s that no wonder they are siblings. “And Kat as well.”

“‘Course I will.” He bangs a fist on his chest. “I ain’t a member of the royal guards for nothing. You sure you’re not coming with us? The chickens can do without you for a day.”

I choke down a laugh. Mary also smiles reluctantly.

“Joel picked loads of berries with the boys yesterday, and I want to make a pie from them. You can come back when it’s ready.”

Bertram brightens, as he usually does when he hears about food. “Sounds mighty fin...” His eyes go round and he swallows, an embarrassed flush spreading over his face.

A slender figure has appeared in the doorway. Oh wow. Is this the Amelie I used to know? She has ditched the dark browns and grays she usually wears, and has put on a dainty, light blue dress with a warm cashmere shawl. She has let down her hair and it falls to her waist in smooth, glossy ringlets. There’s a wreath of tiny starflowers on her head, making her look like a nymph who has walked out of a painting. She doesn’t have any makeup, but she’s so pretty that it’s no wonder that Bertram couldn’t take his eyes off her. Even I stared at her for a tad too long for a heterosexual woman.

“Princess?” Amelie’s voice jolts me into the realization that even her tone has changed. She doesn’t sound cool and business-like. There’s an earnestness in her pretty brown eyes as she searches my face for proof that I’m Kat, not Katriona Bradshaw.

I step forward. “It’s me, Amelie. I’ve come back.”

Hope springs in her eyes; she looks relieved. “Thank heavens. It is so...different without you. When will you return to the palace?”

“His Highness is working on it.” Bertram has found his tongue. “Won’ be long, I expect.”

“I highly doubt it. That lady is determined to stay.” Amelie frowns when she mentions Katriona Bradshaw. “His Highness has talked to her many times. He made it clear he has no need of her, but she remains unmoved. Nothing will induce her to give up the position as princess.”

Bertram scratches his head. “Do you think is possible I can threaten her in some way? I could give her a blow in the stomach if she doesn’t agree to step down.”

“No,” Amelie says with an are-you-an-idiot look. “Your strength may work in other cases, but not in this one. Save your strength for defending thugs, rather than using it on a lady who could put you in jail.”