Ever After (Unfinished Fairy Tales #3)(44)
“I got more than thirty here,” a gray-haired lady says proudly. “From our knitting society. We’ve pledged a bit funding too for the flyers.”
“Excellent work,” Elle says, smiling. I could be wrong, but I guess Ms. Gray-Hair is one of those people who have a lot of time on their hands, and thus is amenable to contributing to a good cause.
“I don’t see what’s the point of doing this,” a man in overalls growls. His accent is quite similar to Molly’s father. “Of course I’d like to send my kids to school, but what’s the point when you can’t even feed them?”
“When I was a servant, my brother died when he was working in the factory,” Elle says quietly. “I know it’s tough, but I’d do anything to keep him alive. Prince Edward has promised us funding if the Act is passed. Children who can’t afford to have a square meal will be allocated food at school.”
“That’s right,” I say, and everyone looks at me. Oops, I shouldn’t have spoken up. I’m Katherine Wilson, a commoner, and therefore I’m not supposed to be familiar with what the prince is planning.
The discussion continues for some time, until a tall young man enters the partitioned room. Brown hair, leaf green eyes, and an angular face—why does he look familiar?
It’s Liam. Edward’s childhood friend in Enrilth. He used to treat me with cynicism and hostility, until the court trial brought upon by Bianca. A tinge of anxiety ripples through me; I make myself appear calm. Because he is most certainly to recognize me as Princess Katriona.
22
Kat
“Excuse me,” Liam says politely. Several men are hovering near the partition. “We have this place booked for the next hour.”
“But we have this place booked until five.” Elle frowns. “There has to be a mistake.”
“The owner told us…” his voice trails away when his gaze falls on me. Recognition dawns in his eyes. I hold my head high, however. I haven’t done anything wrong.
Liam asks one of his companions to sort out the booking issue with Elle, then he crosses over to me. “Your Highness. Fancy seeing you in a place like this.”
As the gray-haired lady next to me casts a curious glance when he says ‘Your Highness,’ I sense I should let him know my new identity.
“I’m not the princess,” I say in a low voice. “I’m Katherine Wilson; my grandfather is Mr. Wellesley.” I explain the best I can—I’m a friend of Elle’s, I’m interested in the welfare of children, and I want to help her achieve compulsory education for children.
Liam listens in silence, but the suspicious look remains in his eyes. Unlike the members of the Children’s Education League, he had met me several times—enough to know me better than a random stranger who had a fleeting glance at the princess.
“Katherine Wilson? How extraordinary. Because if you didn’t tell me that, I would never have suspected otherwise. The way you speak, plus your interest in education, are too similar to Princess Katriona. Actually... aren’t you the girl that Lady Pembroke brought to court and claimed to be her real sister?”
“No,” I quickly say. “I have nothing to do with Bian—Lady Pembroke. It is pure coincidence I resemble Katriona Bradshaw.”
“Hmm.” He regards me with narrowed eyes. I wish I could disappear from his scrutinizing gaze. “So you are not a lady?”
I shake my head. At that moment, Elle returns with a bearded man and announces that the owner of the Hungry Boar had mixed up the meeting times of the Children’s Education League and the Commoners’ Union for the Abolition of the Privilege of Peers.
The Commoners’ Union for the Abolition of the Privilege of Peers? What a mouthful. I look up at the bearded man, who has approached us. He could be anywhere from twenty to forty, but his well-worn, checkered shirt indicates he’s middle or working-class. Edward had told me that only nobles can afford to wear white shirts, since they don’t have jobs and are less likely to soil their clothes.
“Hey, old chap.” The bearded man lands a sunburned hand on Liam’s shoulder. “Looks like we got to wait another hour. Want to hit the bar for a beer?”
“All right, everyone,” Elle calls. “Let us resume the meeting.”
As Liam retreats with his companions, I wonder what he is doing in this Union. When he handed in his resignation, he told me he had found a better-paying job. Was he referring to this Union? But as most members in the Union look like they belong to the working-class, I can’t see how it could be a better-paid job.
I wonder if his perception of me remains a simple, naive princess, or if he has changed his mind. As long as he doesn’t suspect there’s anything queer about me resembling Katriona, I won’t get stressed about him. I have enough problems to worry about.
* * *
About a week later, I decide to visit my adopted grandfather. Mr. Wellesley had taught me some of his family history, but there are gaps I need to fill in. Running into Liam has made me aware that I mustn’t let others suspect my identity. If anyone takes me for ‘the girl Bianca Bradshaw had brought to court,’ I’d have a difficult time. Elle had told me that since the court trial, the people have scorned the ‘stranger’ who tried to pass herself as the future queen.