“What I have to speak with Miss Brett about doesn’t concern either of you,” Princess Anastasia countered firmly, doing nothing to ameliorate the concern and dread tightening Eleanora’s belly.
“Then whatever can it be about?” Princess Annalise wondered aloud.
Princess Emmaline smirked. “Likely about Nando.”
Nando.
Eleanora didn’t miss the familiarity implied in the princess’s use of the prince’s given name. And not just his full given name, but the shorter version he preferred. The very name he had so recently been requesting Eleanora call him by. The sharp pang of jealousy tearing through her in that moment was unwanted and foolish, but it was beyond her control.
“How is he faring today?” Princess Annalise wanted to know.
“Fortunately, the prince is recuperating well,” Princess Anastasia said. “But I’ve had quite enough questioning for now, if you please. I wish to speak with Miss Brett.Alone.”
Princess Emmaline harrumphed. “You’re not our mother, Stasia, no matter how much you like to act as if you are.”
“I could never replace her,” Princess Anastasia said sadly, softly. “But it’s my duty as your older sister to watch over you. Our mother would have wanted that.”
Princess Emmaline’s countenance instantly crumpled. “I’m sorry for mentioning her. I shouldn’t have done so.”
“I wish we remembered her better than we do,” Princess Annalise added, her tone wistful.
Their older sister’s eyes shone with unshed tears, her smile bittersweet as she clearly struggled to suppress her emotions. Eleanora felt as if she were intruding upon a private family moment. She would have excused herself had not Princess Anastasia requested an audience with her. As it was, she held her tongue, stepping away to a discreet distance, allowing the sisters the opportunity to bond over their grief. Her heart broke for the three of them.
Eleanora knew how difficult and painful it was to lose one’s mother. Mama’s death had left a gaping hole in her life that would never be fully healed, although time and distance had done their best to blunt the anguish.
Princess Anastasia sniffed, still battling for control over her composure. “Please, sisters. Allow me a few moments of privacy with Miss Brett now.”
At last, the younger princesses took their leave, subdued.
Eleanora followed her employer to the drawing room, waiting patiently as Princess Anastasia secured the door and ventured to the seating area.
“Please sit, Miss Brett,” she invited.
Eleanora did so, her mind churning. Would this be the moment that all her hopes would be ground into a thousand tiny, jagged shards? Was she about to descend headlong into ruin, just as her mother before her had done?
Princess Anastasia occupied a Grecian couch, turning to Eleanora with a heavy sigh. “We’ve received an offer for Annalise’s hand today.”
That wasn’t what Eleanora had been expecting.
Her spine straightened, and she was instantly both relieved and on her guard. “Oh, Your Royal Highness? I hadn’t realized the princess possessed any suitors so keen upon coming up to scratch just yet.”
“Nor had I.” The princess paused, wincing. “The suitor in question is the Duke of Lockhart.”
The revelation made Eleanora certain that something indeed was afoot between Princess Annalise and the duke. But she was keenly aware that such a circumstance could only reflect upon her poorly.
“Are you acquainted with His Grace?” she asked gingerly.
Princess Anastasia’s expression turned pinched. “Naturally not. However, his reputation is notorious enough that even someone relatively new to thetonsuch as myself is more than aware of it. I cannot fathom allowing my precious sister to make such a match. I was hoping you might offer some insight.”
Eleanora well understood the princess’s dilemma.
She nodded. “Although Lockhart is a duke, his reputation is quite dire. In your circumstances, Your Royal Highness, I, too, would be hesitant to encourage Princess Annalise to make such a misalliance.”
“As I thought. There are rumors swirling about Lockhart…” Princess Anastasia’s words trailed away.
Eleanora was more than aware of the rumors. Lockhart’s duchess had died under mysterious circumstances. Gossipssuggested the duke was responsible and that she had been murdered. A shiver went down her spine at the notion.
“I have heard the rumors as well. If there is any grain of truth to them, then by marrying the Duke of Lockhart, Princess Annalise would be in grave danger,” she said grimly.
