Ever After (Unfinished Fairy Tales #3)(48)
“I got lucky.” I shrug. “He didn’t expect the princess would punch him in the face.”
“But you said you aren’t the princess.”
I make sure no one is nearby to overhear us. “I let him assume I was Katriona Bradshaw. It’s because of the title that he’s willing to compromise.” Sad, but true. Fremont had said he would’ve turned me out of the house if it weren’t for Edward.
Liam is silent for a moment, but then he suddenly grabs my arm. “Last year, there was a rumor that Princess Katriona had also punched a man in the streets.” His green eyes regard me with wariness and suspicion. “Who are you?”
“She’s my granddaughter, and you’d best keep your hands off her,” Mr. Wellesley says, coming to my rescue.
“I should be going back to the palace.” At Liam’s raised eyebrows, I add, “I work in the chicken coop. I collect eggs and clean the hen house every day.”
Liam looks like he has a plethora of questions, but since both Mr. Wellesley and I are unwilling to talk, he keeps his mouth shut with a resigned air. He knows he is unlikely to get anything out of either of us. It doesn’t mean, however, that he has lost his interest in me. Before I can say goodbye and find an omnibus in the streets, he extracts a flyer from the Union and shoves it into my hands.
“Come to the meeting, Miss Wilson,” he says. “Please. I’m certain you will benefit a lot from my speech.”
* * *
I haven’t heard from Edward for days. Mary helps me send a message to Amelie, asking if the prince has been busy lately. To my surprise, Amelie comes straight to the cottage and tells me that Edward had suddenly left the palace yesterday.
“He didn’t tell anyone where he went,” Amelie says, frowning. “Mabel said he stood up after reading a letter from Duke Henry and told Bertram to make travel arrangements. But none of us were informed of his destination.”
“From Henry?” This is a surprise. “He can’t be going to Moryn again.”
“I would have liked to learn the truth, but I know when His Highness doesn’t wish to be questioned.” Edward had told me that Amelie is discreet; this is a perfect example. She didn’t even pester Bertram and use his crush on her to learn where Edward has gone. I don’t think I could have done the same were I in her place.
What bothers me is that Edward didn’t tell me he would be leaving the palace. What can be so important that made him disappear in a sudden? And what does Henry have to do with this? Oh well. Maybe he’ll come back just as abruptly as he left.
In the meanwhile, I busy myself following up on Fremont’s promise. I visit Elle, ask her for a copy of the petition, and soon we add another signature to the number of petitions for the Education Act. Since Fremont is highly popular among the peers—he’s like a younger version of Duke Philip, Edward’s eldest cousin—his support will attract other nobles to side with him. Edward’s article had already garnered a good deal of interest, and with the additional vote from Fremont, the Education Act is likely to be passed soon. We don’t need a landslide victory; just two-thirds will be enough to pass the act.
I’m reminded of Liam’s upcoming speech every time I see the flyer he practically forced into my hands. Somehow I can’t bring myself to throw it away; the title, as Mr. Wellesley said, does make me wonder what he has to reveal about the aristocrats.
The meeting is tomorrow. I don’t care about seeing Liam again, but my mind nags me to go. Partly because of curiosity, but also partly because I need to know what the people think. There are times that I dislike King Leon’s obsession with public image, but I have to agree that it is important. I need to hear what Liam has to say. Besides, the next meeting of the Children’s Education League is to start after Liam’s speech. I might as well arrive early.
* * *
The Hungry Boar is packed. If the Union had expected so many people would show up, they would have changed the location. As every chair is already taken, I stand in the back of the partitioned room, keeping care not to tread on the toes of the people behind me. I’m sweating from the number of people squeezed into the room, while it’s snowing outside.
I also can’t help observing that the people are mostly from the lower-class, judging from the dark color and rough material of their clothes. Many of them look hungry and miserable, with glum, moody expressions. There was a well-dressed man who approached the room, but seeing the masses already gathered, changed his mind and disappeared. Maybe it’s a lord curious to learn what shocking truth about him that Liam has to say.
I stand on tiptoe when the bearded man of the Union raps on the table, and shouts to everyone he needs their attention.
“‘Night, everyone. Thanks for showing up.” He grins, obviously pleased at the crowds that have assembled. “I’m Charlie Quinn, the founder of the Commoners’ Union for the Abolition of the Privilege of Peers. Our mission is to expose to this country how unfair the people have been treated and work together to combat this injustice. Tonight, one of our newest members is going to tell you something you’ll never forget. Everyone, I present you Liam Charingford.”
Liam squeezes to the front. His green eyes sweep over the audience, as though searching for someone. I consider ducking, but it’s too late. He gives a slight smile and a tiny nod in my direction.