Ever After (Unfinished Fairy Tales #3)(70)
“All right then,” I say, releasing a sigh. Baby steps, I remind myself. This is a different world.
Edward drops a kiss on my forehead and gently pushes me towards the door. “Get some rest, Kat. We have much to do.”
34
Edward
I disembark from my carriage and look over the river. Lillie’s wedding is held on an enormous glittering boat. Already, someone has set off fireworks and colorful sparks are exploding in the black velvety sky. I did not want to attend this event, given how busy I have been, plus Kat’s problem is weighing on my mind, but as Lillie is part of the family and one of the few people I grew up with, it is necessary to make an appearance, even though I would rather be back in Henry’s house, sitting in the kitchen with Kat with some unusual but tasty dishes from her own world. I am making improvement in my tolerance for spicy food. One day, I will be able to enjoy it like she does.
“May I take your coat, Your Highness?” A butler offers, glancing around me as though expecting a lady with me. I do not want to bring anyone except Kat, but although I would like her to accompany me, I cannot throw her to the wolves. Most of the guests are aristocrats (and a few industrial tycoons that even the Marquess of Sunderland cannot avoid), and since it is known that Kat is a commoner, she would be viewed as an affliction. Even when Kat was princess, I am aware that many nobles are reluctant to accept her. I have no wish to speculate how the nobles would treat her were she here as my escort.
Philip and Constance, both of them arrayed in splendid costume, greet me as I cross the plank leading to the boat. “Edward!” Philip exclaims, clapping me on the shoulder. “Things have been rough on you recently, aren’t they?”
“Everyone’s been talking about your intentions to divorce Katriona,” Constance says, frowning. “Honestly speaking, Edward, this is not what I’d expect of you. You seemed so devoted to her when you came to stay at our house last year.”
I sigh. I do not want to take the time to explain to them. “It is true, Constance. There were irreconcilable differences that could not be resolved except seeking a divorce.” Having no wish to pursue the issue further, I ask, “Did Lillie receive my wedding gift?” I had selected a rare flower that can only be found in a distant island that was once an Athelian colony. A pot is said to cost two hundreds pounds; apart from the palace greenhouse, I do not know of another place that houses the plant.
Unlike most women who pretend to take an interest in gardening so that they could approach me, Lillie genuinely derives pleasure in tending plants and watering flowers and designing her own garden. Though I am also aware that she had a childish attachment to me, which she has thankfully grown out of, now that she is going to be married. Philip has more than once expressed a subtle desire that I consider a union with his sister-in-law, but even if Kat was never transported to Athelia, I cannot fathom a lifetime with Lillie. I can never see her as anything but a little sister.
“We were absolutely astounded you would consider a divorce.” Phillip pulls me aside and lowers his voice. “Why couldn’t you have a casual fling with that commoner? If she is so…ahem, charming, there are a number of things you could have done instead. Set up a house for her in a costly district. Shower her with clothes and jewelry from High Street. There is no need to go through this scandalous process.”
I smile and shake my head. Philip will never understand—he had a few mistresses and dozens of affairs, but would never dream of leaving his wife. I do not mean to judge him—indeed, I am sure both he and his mistresses are perfectly happy with their arrangements, but it is not the kind of lifestyle I desire. Instead I try to change the subject. “I would like to see Lillie in person and congratulate her.”
When I enter the main room, I am struck by its splendor. Crystal chandeliers glitter from the ceiling; crimson curtains, golden tapestries, and mirrors decorate the walls; lavender and lilies arranged in porcelain vases adorn the long buffet tables, which are laden with silver dome-covered platters and tall bottles of wine.
Sunderland and Philip cannot have spared any expense for this wedding. There are even a few reporters (I recognize one from Athelia Daily) who will no doubt devote pages describing the opulence to the masses who want to satisfy their curiosity for the rich and famous. At a time when Liam’s landownership report is distributed widely, I cannot help but be apprehensive what the public might think about such a lavish wedding.
“Your Highness.” A middle-aged man with a well-trimmed beard greets me. Lord Ashford, one of the few men I trust and respect in Parliament. Because the seats in Parliament are based on one’s birth and connections, rather than merit, most MPs do not bother taking the time to thoroughly investigate and understand each act introduced. Ashford, however, is an exception. “I heard that you are going to introduce a new tax bill in the next session. I assume this is an attempt to replenish the public coffers, after we abolished the tax on soap and paper.”
“That is part of the reason,” I say. “But also because of the recently passed Education Act. More schools must be built in order to accommodate the number of children, and after discussing with Lord Dudley and a few officers in the Ministry of Education, we came up with the plan to levy new taxes on landowners.”
Ashford strokes his beard. “A bold move, but considering most members of Parliament are landowners and have never paid taxes…have you cause to expect this new bill will not be met with complaint?”