“And I told Henrik he must speak with you first.The three of us can come to an understanding on the best course of action, all things considered.”Friedrich’s voice was pleasant, but there was steel beneath it.
Henrik didn’t pause until he was by her side.As they hugged, she wanted to weep and tell him how she’d failed to help Jonathan.Unsure what would happen next, she asked, “How can you possibly be here?Does Captain Albrecht know?”
Henrik released her.“Indeed, he does.Actually, he sent me to help our friend, but then I learned of your ...visit.”
Friedrich made a sound of disbelief.“It seems all the von Ostenfelds would risk life and limb for this Englishman.I look forward to meeting him some day.Perhaps he will gain his freedom in time for our marriage ceremony.Doubtful though, given his current predicament and our impending nuptials within mere days.”
“I beg your pardon?”Henrik said.
“The situation in which your sister and I find ourselves has evolved beyond what was originally planned.”Friedrich glanced at Lise, and she saw the warning in his eyes.“We’ve spent two nights under the same roof.Without a proper chaperone.”
“She has her maid,” Henrik began.
“A maid is insufficient.”Friedrich’s tone was regretful, sympathetic even.“I’m sure you understand, as a military man, the importance of honor.Your sister’s reputation is at stake.The sooner she becomes my lawful wife, the better.”
Henrik stiffened.“My parents will not like a hurried wedding.”
Lise was surprised that Henrik was fighting Friedrich’s plan, given her brother had always been one for propriety and honor.
“I’ll take her home immediately,” Henrik continued, “and we’ll say nothing of this to anyone.”
“It’s too late for that, I’m afraid.”Friedrich moved closer to Lise, and she had to force herself not to recoil.“Lise and I have consummated our love.”
She gasped at the bold lie, wondering what would happen if she gainsaid him.Could he really hurt her family?Daring a glance at her brother, she saw the color had drained from Henrik’s face.
“It’s true,” Friedrich continued smoothly.“I take full responsibility, of course.My feelings for your sister overcame my better judgment once she willingly placed herself under my roof.But the matter is settled now.We’ll marry as soon as I hear back from the pastor.I sent an urgent message to him just before you arrived.”
“Lise?”Henrik’s voice was strangled, disbelieving.
She looked at her brother’s shocked face and felt her world crumbling.If she denied it, what would Friedrich do?He’d already threatened her family, implied he could and would tell the French of their connection to Jonathan.And now Henrik was here, vulnerable, within Friedrich’s reach, with the soldiers somewhere close by.
In a moment’s desperate decision, she decided to play along.
“It’s true,” she heard herself say, the lie tasting like ash.“I ...We ...,” Lise trailed off as the heat rose up her cheeks.It didn’t matter that it wasn’t the truth.Having her brother believe she had weakly succumbed to a passionate interlude embarrassed her all the same.
Yet for the life of her, Lise couldn’t fathom why every stolen kiss with Jonathan, and the outrageous way she’d let him touch her, didn’t leave her feeling nearly so wicked as pretending to let Friedrich have relations with her.
At a later date, she would sit for a long while in contemplation of her weak and frail morality.
Meanwhile, Henrik’s expression shattered into something between betrayal and grief.“Lise, how could you?”
She didn’t want to discuss the lie any more.There was something far more important to consider.
“Please, Henrik, don’t be too disappointed in me.”How could she make him realize this wasn’t real?Her thoughts went swiftly to their shared childhood.“Remember all the times I went with my friends to the Great Oak, climbed its branches, and wished for my bridegroom?”
All things she never did.“The fanciful old myth was real, and my wishes were granted.I shall marry Friedrich and be a good wife.Put this from your mind.Tell me instead of your plan to help Lord Bowen.You said that’s why you came, did you not?”
When her brother’s eyes widened at the use of Jonathan’s title, his gaze darting toward Friedrich, she shrugged.“I told Friedrich of his lordship’s true identity, hoping it would encourage him to assist in his release, if at all possible.”
Henrik’s eyes narrowed at their long-time friend.“And did it?”
“As I told your sister, I will see what I can do.I would do anything to make my future bride happy,” Friedrich added, as if he were the patron saint of generosity.
Henrik took a step toward him.“I should demand satisfaction on my sister’s behalf.Give me one good reason not to call you out.”
“Henrik!”Lise exclaimed, not having anticipated this development.“Please, what are you saying?”But he didn’t divert his attention, not even to spare her a glance.
Friedrich bristled.“You cannot come into my home and threaten me.Your sister came to me of her own volition.And everything we did was entirely mutual, with the understanding that we would soon be husband and wife.I will honor her the rest of my days, even though, given her severe lapse in chastity, albeit with me, I could refuse to marry her or give her my good name.”
