The Princess and I

Chapter XXVIII: The truth will set you free

Christina and I remain in the cottage the whole day and only when the sun begins to set, we leave the cabin and ride back home. On our ride back we talk about how we want to confront Liam tomorrow and after a little discussion we decide it best that I would visit Arlington Park tomorrow, where we would tell him about our love together.

Because in a way I still care about Liam and I have pictured every way he could react in my head a thousand times. Therefore, it doesn't come to me as a surprise that I didn't sleep well that night. So, when Alice gets in my room to wake me up in the morning, I have already taken a shower and chosen a dress to wear. Alice doesn't ask questions though as she is dressing me.

'You must be so excited today,' she says however.

'I beg your pardon?'

'Because of the Duke visiting you of course.'

I stiffen. 'Me visiting Arlington Park, you mean?'

'No, haven't your parents told you?' Her pupils widen. 'Perhaps it was a surprise. In that case you haven't heard it from me, Miss. My mother will be furious if I spoil the surprise.'

'No, no, I won't tell,' I say annoyed. 'But tell me more.'

'The Duke was here yesterday, when you were out with the Princess. I think he came to see if you were all right. But since you were gone, your parents invited him and the Princess for dinner tonight.'

Thinking their eldest daughter would be engaged after tonight. Instead I would have to break Liam's heart, while witnessed by my whole family and staff. So, much for acting in silence. 'And you're sure about this?'

'My mother told me so last night. She overheard Lord Le Bon talking to the Duke.'

I hide my face in my hands in shock and Alice interprets it all wrong. She squeezes my shoulders encouragingly. 'You have been properly trained, Miss. Don't be nervous. You will make a perfect wife. The Duke is lucky to have you.'

I feel tears coming up and I swallow them back desperately. 'But I don't want to,' I stammer.

Alice smiles knowingly. 'These are the nerves talking, Miss. And it is exciting to be proposed to, but you're ready, Miss. And you will be so happy with the Duke. A couple made in Heaven, I daresay.'

I feel the panic building inside of me and I quickly grab a piece of paper, while I hastily scrabble down:

My Beloved,

Things have changed. Write to me immediately,

Forever yours,

Elizabeth

I roll it up to a small scroll and seal it with wax. 'Give this to one of the servants immediately.'

'And where will I tell him to bring it?'

'Arlington Park. And he must not return, until he receives an answer from the Princess.'

Alice is flabbergasted by my reaction, but I beckon her to leave me alone. She hastens away and I bury my face in my arms. I feel the noose around my neck tightening and I am having difficulty breathing. What have I done?

∞

It takes my post boy until after midday to come back to me. Although he looks weary he smiles proudly. 'I took the letter, Miss, as you requested and I refused to leave until I had a response.' I took the response out of his little sweaty hands and I patted his curly head.