The Princess and I

Chapter XIV: After reason hits you

Doctor Mason bids me to stay at home a couple of days more, but after that I almost feel like myself once more. I even take a stroll through the garden with my sister-in-law Louisa and my niece and nephews. We talk about all that I have missed out on, since I have been ill. I learn from her that my former suitor, the Duke of Savoy, has proposed to a woman below his class. Quite the scandal. Furthermore, I discover that Viscount Earling is walking again, though still with crutches after his heavy fall during the Polo game. But the most exciting news is that finally a suitor for Diana Mornington has announced himself. The son of the Earl of Auckland has expressed his sincere interest in the oldest Mornington daughter. So, I hope the attention of the Earl's son will keep Diana off of my and Christina's back.

Christina... Since our last thrilling encounter I have not seen Christina anymore. She wrote me a couple of letters though, which I faithfully answered. Although I am still a bit mad at her for putting me on that spot, I easily forgive her since for the umpteenth time she was there to guide me back to the living. Someone so important I can forgive a little extremity. But when she acts the same way the next time I will not let her go that easily and she will have to pay for her impertinence with another black eye.

But no matter how infuriating she can be sometimes, I cannot stop thinking about our last discussion about me calling out for her in time of need. I still think it strange, but since both Liam and Christina have heard me I guess they speak the truth. But why? I did not call for my parents or the rest of my family. I did not call for Mary-Ann nor did I call the man that I am fond of. Then why did I call Christina?

The longer I come to think about it, the stranger it all seems to be. Yes, she is my best friend. Yes, we have been through a lot. Yes, I am actually quite fond of her. But me calling out for her in my times of need, seems to point to something else entirely. Something I cannot quite put a finger on... Cannot or perhaps will not?

Although I try not to overthink it, it sometimes slips back into my head at unguarded moments. Like now. I am accompanying Mary-Ann to pick the perfect wedding dress for her upcoming marriage, which is scheduled in July. But after her fifth dress my mind starts to wander and while her mother and her three sisters are complimenting the dresses I stare out of the shop window sunken away in my own thoughts. Dreams of longing. Dreams of wanting. Dreams of kissing and making love. Dreams of just being together with the one you love...

I am startled from my thoughts, when aunt Emma enters. Countess Mornington may be higher in class than Christina's guardian, but Mrs. Maxwell is a very respected woman everywhere. So, that explains why the Morningtons jump up as they see Mrs Maxwell and curtsy.

'Good day, ladies,' aunt Emma says and she curtsies as well. 'I see you are preparing for the upcoming wedding? Where is the bride to be?'

'She's trying on wedding dresses.'

'A real misery if you ask me. And you only wear the damn thing once.'

'But therefore, it must be perfect. I am sure you agree?'

'O, yes, perfectly. But I wouldn't want to be in her shoes again. I had my fair amount of dress picking back in the days. I never want to do it again.'

She leaves them a bit flabbergasted and I hide a smile behind my fan. 'Elizabeth, I am glad to see you up and alive again.'

'Yes, I am happy to be outside again.'

'Lying in bed day in and day out is quite a nuisance, I imagine.'

'It's not for me.'