“They accepted him, then?”Hannah asked.“Did the audience go well?”
“It did.And I should imagine they will formally acknowledge him as the Fürst within a day or so.”The Graf gave a relaxed smile.“There’s no need for you to stay in Lohenberg any longer.”
Hannah didn’t return his smile.“I promised I would remain for a few days.”
“There are others who will help him assimilate.He does not require your assistance.”
“Trusted servants?”She shook her head.“Not yet.There were two attempts on his life already.He needs someone to watch out for him, to make sure he’s safe.”
“He’ll have guards for that.”The Graf motioned a servant forward.“Escort Lady Hannah back to my coach.”
“Forgive me, Graf von Reischor...”the maidservant curtsied “...but the queen has already ordered a bedchamber prepared for Lady Hannah.”
Hannah held back her sigh of relief.Her thoughts were so tangled, right now all she wanted was to rest in Michael’s arms, to feel the warmth of his body beside her.But he hadn’t spoken to her or even glanced in her direction when he’d left with the queen.She tried to ignore the disappointment settling in her stomach.
As she followed the maidservant to one of the guest rooms, she was startled to cross paths with some of the guests she’d met aboard the Orpheus.
“Why, Lord Brentford,” she greeted, surprised to see the viscount.“And Miss Nelson.This is a surprise.”
The viscount beamed, returning the greeting.“I was delighted that the König accepted my request for an audience,” he explained.“And, of course, we simply had to bring Ophelia to meet the royal family.My wife insisted on it.”
Miss Nelson glanced at her father, clearly uncomfortable.She twisted her hands, not offering a greeting or any remark to Hannah.
“Where is Lady Brentford?”Hannah asked, curious as to why the viscountess was not with them.
“She is out shopping.”The viscount winced.“She claims that Ophelia needs a more dramatic gown for tonight, and she’s having a gown altered.”
“Perhaps I’ll see all of you at dinner this evening,” Hannah offered.
“Perhaps,” Lord Brentford replied.“We are hoping Ophelia will be presented to the crown prince.After all, he has not yet chosen a bride.”
Hannah wasn’t certain how Lord Brentford had wormed his way into the Schloss, but it was clear he wanted an advantageous marriage for his daughter.
“Good afternoon to you both,” she bid them in parting.Lord Brentford’s broad smile never faded as he continued down the corridor.
The maidservant, Johanna, showed her to a room decorated in shades of green and cream.Though it was small, each piece of furniture was exquisite with warm shades of wood and shining brass handles.
Hannah gave instructions for her trunks to be delivered to the Schloss, along with her own maid Estelle.Johanna promised to make all the necessary arrangements.
An hour later, when Johanna returned with Estelle and the trunks, Hannah asked her maid, “Where is Mrs.Turner?”
“She remained at the Graf’s estate,” Estelle answered.“On his orders.”
Likely to keep her safe, Hannah mused.Still, she wished for the woman’s friendly presence.
Behind the two maidservants, a tall, elegant lady entered the room.Her gray hair was pulled into a neat coiffeur, and she wore a flounced maroon dress with draping sleeves.
“I am Lady Schmertach, head of the queen’s ladies-in-waiting,” the woman introduced herself.“There are certain rules that all guests must abide by, and I am here to see to it that you understand them.”
Were all guests greeted this way?Hannah wondered.She felt rather like a child in the schoolroom, preparing to receive instructions.
After Lady Schmertach seated herself upon the velvet sofa, she cleared her throat.“First and foremost, you are not to address the king or queen under any circumstances.Should they choose to speak with you, they will send an attendant to fetch you.”
Rather like a pet dog, Hannah thought.While she listened, Estelle and Johanna began helping her to dress.She noticed that they had selected a rose damask gown flecked with silver threads.It had not been one of her favorites, and she interjected, “I would prefer the violet tarlatan with the flowers embroidered on the overskirt.”
Lady Schmertach’s expression hardened.“I was not finished explaining matters to you, Lady Hannah.Please do not interrupt.Courtesy is another rule by which we abide here.”
Years of Hannah’s own training in courtesy prevented her from snapping out her own retort at the queen’s lady.She bit her lip.“You were saying?”
