The Blue Queen

Chapter 7

Just as I am ready there is a knock at the door. I see the white horse outside so I take the case and walk downstairs. I open and bow at the same man as yesterday.

"Thank you miss." He says as he takes the case. "You look much better today, the Prince will be happy to know." He says.

"You told the Prince how I was yesterday?" I ask.

"Yes, he asked. He was very concerned. He was awake early and told me to head here at sunrise as he knew you would be the only one awake." The man explains.

"What did you tell him? How did you describe me?" I ask.

"I told him what I saw. You looked upset to me miss, when he asked to elaborate I said heartbroken." He says apologetically. "He only asked because he cares, he has always been like this." The man explains. I smile slightly and nod in understanding. He tips his hat and I go to prepare breakfast.

The day goes back to routine today, I try to find out how long they will be gone for tomorrow morning but they do not say much, I would prefer to keep it that way, no words is better than words when it comes to my family.

I expect a letter to confirm whether or not I will be seeing Harry tomorrow or not but it doesn't come. I bake scones and bread after dinner anyway, just in case. I sometimes do it anyway as I would allow myself to sleep longer, however I always wake up as the sun comes through my window. My family do not seem to suspect anything however Elizabeth asks for me to bake a strawberry cake in the morning for her so she can decide whether or not she likes it, she already has said she does to her suitor George.

Before I fall asleep I make sure I have everything needed for the cake and I go to the garden. When I look at the lavender I swoon slightly, knowing what lies beneath it. I get a small leaf and go to bed, smelling the sweetness as I try to entice sweet dreams.

I dress my sister in her Sunday dress and she and my father head to church early as to not be late on their first Sunday service. I enjoy cakes however making them I always seem to make a small mess. I slice the strawberries thinly and put them in the cake batter. I put it in the oven just as there is a knock at the door. I rush to the door quickly, assuming it is my sister who has forgotten something which is quite common.

"Eliza- Hello Harry." I say as I see him stand there, a tall black horse stands behind him, tied to a tree. I look up at him and he smiles before laughing softly at me.

"You have flour on your cheek." He says, lifting his hand to my cheek and wiping the flour off of it. "What are you making?" He asks.

"Cake, strawberry cake." I say. "Please, come in." I say as I remember my manners. I open the door further and he steps inside. "My sister, she told her suitor George that she liked it however she has never had it, therefore I must make it for her." I say, looking in a mirror to make sure I look presentable.

"Well it smells delicious. I hope I am not stopping you from doing anything." He says as he looks around at the house.

"I was just going to sweep as the cake bakes. I cannot make the filling too soon or it will melt so I make it as the cake cools." I explain. "Can I get you anything to eat or drink?" I ask as I watch him examine my home.

"No thank you, I am fine for now." He smiles at me. "You keep a good house." He says. I smile and look around, I never really think about it.

"Thank you, I know it is nothing as grand as you are used to but I think I do well." I say.

"I often find smaller houses more appealing. There are some places I hardly know in Hampton court and that is where I reside most often." He says.

"I understand, I doubt even I could explore all of the grounds in my entire life." I say. "Would you like to sit?" I ask.