Cora’s thoughts slip-slide through all of Béa’s lessons, Alice’straining, those arcane history books and papers on the German Empire, which she’s studied for hours on end.
She knows Alice warned her not to appear too informed or intelligent, but it may be time for yet another pivot.
“Well, to fully understand, you simply need to consider our nation’s history.”
Cal slowly tilts his head. “Go on.”
Cora steadies her hummingbird pulse.Unflappable.
“Württemberg has always been a nation of secrets,” she explains. “One need only look to the decisive battles of recent times.”
Cal retrieves his pencil from his ear. “The decisive battles, you say...”
“The Battle of Tauberbischofsheim, as one prime example.”
The reporter’s eyes almost evacuate his skull, which gives Cora a rush of satisfaction.
“The Battle of—” Cal coughs, clearing his throat. “Sorry, can you spell that?”
Cora proudly obliges.
“The Battle of Tauberbischofsheim was a crucial conflict in the Austro-Prussian War, where Württemberg, along with the rest of the Eighth Army, faced the mighty Prussian forces.”
She is careful to keep her tone somber and disguise her delight, now that Cal is writing copious scribbles in his notebook.
“It is well known that Württemberg was comprehensively defeated. What is less well known,secreteven, was the forced indemnity payment and clandestine treaty between Württemberg and her conqueror.”
Cal’s brow furrows. “I... see.”
“And then? Only a mere decade later, Württemberg is again pillaged for the sake of peace, the terms of its entrance into the German Empire wholly unfair, andnotwidely known.” Cora steals a breath. “Consider the current devastated state of our once-great nation, Mr. Archer. After all this theft and exploitation. I do hope you appreciate why we Württembergians are unwilling to proclaim what is left of our riches to the world.”
She pauses, understanding how crucial it is to choose her next words carefully—to keep the mines themselves out of the papers and yet still sell the story.
“And I do hope you will honor that... reluctance, Mr. Archer,” she says. “When and if you choose to write your piece.”
Cal studies his notes and then nods, looking up at her.
“I believe we understand one another, Miss Ritter.” He snaps his book closed decisively. “You certainly know your history. This has been very enlightening—”
“I’m sure my cousin would be most pleased to give you more details,” Cora hastens to add. “At some point, anyhow. But I really must be going now.”
“Of course. Thank you for your precious time.”
Cal smiles. It’s quite a nice one, actually. Cheeky and lopsided. With a tempered sort of cockiness that she might find appealing in other circumstances.
He waves his notebook by way of goodbye.
As soon as he’s gone, Cora wilts with relief. Along with elation. What she just concocted for Mr. Archer might keep him at bay for the duration of their scheme. Who would have believed it possible? Miss Cora Ritter, capable of conjuring news stories straight out of thin air!
She stifles a laugh on the stoop, excited to tell Alice.
“I expect you to do exactly as I ask, without hesitation, objection, or embellishment.”
Though she realizes there is aslightpossibility that Alice may be less than thrilled by this latest improvisation.
In any event, Cora will need to banish that concern for another time because there is a more pressing matter at hand.
Dinner. Tonight.
