Charlotte bowed her head.
"You seem so familiar to me. Have we met?"
Before Charlotte could think of an answer, she heard the clock begin to strike. She glanced up at the tower and saw it was indeed midnight. She had to go. "Excuse me," she mumbled and hurried off. She looked back over her shoulder and saw Gudrun following her. Panicked, she almost ran through the ballroom, weaving in and out among the dancers, not caring how rude she seemed. The clock counted down. A determined Gudrun still followed. Charlotte looked for Wilhelmina. She saw her dancing with a very pretty young woman and felt a flash of jealousy.
Down the steps she flew, to the courtyard. She stumbled and lost a shoe. It tumbled away from her. She started to chase after it, but Gudrun was close on her heels with a grim, intent look on her face. Charlotte had no time. She ran to the coach and practically leapt inside. "Hurry!" she said to the coachman. He flicked the horses with his whip and off they went. She looked out the window to see Gudrun standing there, watching. In her hands she held Charlotte"s lost shoe, but then a footman came and took it from her.
It seemed to take forever until they arrived at the huntsman"s cottage. Elke and Anna were waiting for her.
"Elke," she said, "we must make haste back to the manor. I have to be there before Gudrun and the others get home. I think she might have recognized me. She could be on her way home even now."
The two women helped her out of the velvet gown and back into her servant"s garb. Charlotte apologized profusely for losing the shoe, but Anna a.s.sured her not to worry. She scooped up Charlotte"s scattered belongings, stuffing them into the rucksack.
Elke and Charlotte ran hand in hand through the dark woods, their lanterns flickering wildly. She hurriedly emptied her rucksack so there would be no chance of Gudrun discovering it ever having been packed. To her horror she found one of the slippers. Her cold little room held so few hiding places. Fighting panic, Charlotte had still not thought of a place where she could slip it out of sight when she heard the horses and coach clattering into the courtyard. Huddled in bed, she kept her eyes closed tight when she heard her door open and felt the light of a candle on her face. Her heart pounding, she clutched the shoe to her breast while she tried to keep her breathing slow and even. Charlotte was sure it was Gudrun who stood there. It was a long while until she heard the rustling of Gudrun"s taffeta skirt as she moved away.
Chapter 7.
It was with some trepidation that Charlotte brought breakfast to the dining room the next morning. She was surprised that her stepmother and stepsisters were awake already and that they"d decided against breakfast in their rooms.
"How was the ball?" she asked as she placed plates of food in front of them.
"It was divine," Lisette said with a dreamy look in her eyes. "The prince danced with me. He was so handsome."
Truda pouted. "He didn"t dance with me."
"He couldn"t very well dance with everyone," Gudrun said. "I do think he liked Lisette though. He smiled at her at the end of their dance."
"He could have danced with me if he hadn"t danced twice with that one in the rose-colored dress and the elaborate feathered mask," Truda said.
"He probably felt sorry for her. She wasn"t as pretty as Lisette." "If she wore a mask, how can you tell?" Charlotte asked. "A mother knows these things." Gudrun narrowed her eyes and looked at Charlotte. "And what did you do last night after we left, my dear?"
"I finished up my ch.o.r.es and went to bed." "The girl in the pink gown reminded me a lot of you." Charlotte almost dropped the milk pitcher. "Really?" "Mama, don"t be silly," Lisette and Truda both protested at once. Gudrun ignored them. "She had your build, your hair color. But of course, it is impossible that it was you." "Of course."
For the rest of breakfast, Charlotte couldn"t help but feel that Gudrun watched her like a hawk. Lisette and Truda seemed oblivious to the tension as they chattered on about who they"d seen and who had worn what. At long last, the three of them got up from the table. Charlotte finished her ch.o.r.es quickly and headed into the woods to her sanctuary. She was sure Wilhelmina would come today, and she had a lot to say to her. She couldn"t believe her lover had neglected to tell her about her and Sigmund"s scheme. And the most important secret of all-that she was the princess.
The church ruins were quiet. Even the animals she was caring for made no noises. She could hear only the faint sound of water. In the coolness of this green s.p.a.ce, she could feel her nerves begin to relax. She sat on her rock and from her rucksack took out a flask of wine and an oilcloth filled with cheese and bread. The slipper, she suddenly recalled. She had meant to give it to Mina before Gudrun found it. Tomorrow, then.
Remembering the exhilaration of the ball, she was saddened that her parents weren"t alive to share the experience with her. Her mother had so loved to dance, and it was at a ball very similar to this one that she had met Heinrich when she was Charlotte"s age. They were married soon after. It was a story her daughter had delighted in hearing over and over. Charlotte smiled. In fact, Heinrich had been the same age as Wilhelmina-nineteen. Fate seemed to be repeating itself.
She munched on thick slices of black bread and tangy cheese. What was she going to do about Sigmund"s proposal? She couldn"t very well go to the palace as she was and expect the king and queen to agree to his choice of bride. The fact that she"d run away probably put an end to that arrangement anyway. And would they even have agreed to a match with a mere baron"s daughter?
She turned her thoughts toward what to do about her life. She was still a baron"s daughter, and Elke was right-she shouldn"t be a servant in her own home. Perhaps she could appeal to the king? She could prove who she was through church records if they wouldn"t take her or Elke"s word. She was almost seventeen, the same age as when her mother had married. She didn"t want to marry, but there weren"t many options for a girl like her. She had no illusions anymore that she and Wilhelmina could live a life together, especially if Wilhelmina was a princess. Two women living as husband and wife? Could Mina become Willi permanently? It didn"t seem possible. A princess could not just disappear.
"You"ve created quite an uproar at the castle."
Charlotte dropped her bread. "You startled me!"
Wilhelmina sat beside her on the rock and took her into her arms. "Sorry, my love." She gave her a gentle kiss. "Mmmm, you taste like sweet wine."
Charlotte held up the bottle. "It"s the final batch from last year"s harvest."
Wilhelmina took a long swig. "It"s a lot tastier than the stuff my parents like to drink."
"What do you mean I"ve created an uproar at the castle?"
"Everyone"s talking about the mysterious lady in pink that Prince Sigmund was so smitten with. My parents are determined to find you."
"But you introduced me to them. And Sigmund knows my name as well, and that I am your lover. We need to talk about that, by the way."
Wilhelmina stretched out on the rock and put her hands behind her head. With a grin she said, "Do you think my parents could remember the name of every woman introduced to them? And Sigmund likes to play with them, give them a hard time. He"s pretending not to know your name either. It"s all a game. If he appears too eager to marry you, they"ll become suspicious. He"s balked at it for so long."
Charlotte sighed with exasperation. "I would think they would just be glad he"d picked someone. Which brings me to another issue. Why didn"t you discuss with me first the idea of marrying him?"
"I know what Sigmund told you, that he and I had plotted the whole thing. But in reality, he didn"t say anything to me. I think he came up with the idea when he danced with you. Perhaps he and Josef came up with the plan?" She sat up and looked at Charlotte, her brown eyes earnest. "You have to admit it"s a good plan. Then none of us would have to worry about being forced to marry someone horrible. I can see Gudrun selling you off to some doddering old fool just so she can buy her next bauble."
Charlotte shivered at the thought. "That would be just like Gudrun." She paused, then made up her mind. "Tell Sigmund I"ll do it. I"ll marry him."
Mina took Charlotte into her arms and kissed her neck. Charlotte shivered with delight this time. "Let him have his fun. With an entourage of footmen, he"s visiting all the homes in the area, n.o.ble and peasant, and asking any unmarried females to try on your shoe. He"ll marry the one it fits."
Charlotte pulled herself from Mina"s grasp. "What if it fits someone else?"
"Simple. He"ll ask her to produce the second shoe. Anna told me you have it."
"But-"
"Come, my love, no more talk. Let me show you how much I desire you."
Mina took her into her arms again and kissed her sensitive neck.
Charlotte felt the familiar stirrings in her loins, but this time she protested. "You"ve shown me many times. I want to be the one to give you pleasure."
Mina shook her head. "Shush, my love. I have been in torment since last night. Let me have you today. We haven"t much time." She ran her hands over Charlotte"s body, enjoying the swell of her b.r.e.a.s.t.s and hips, running her palms over the hardening nipples, tasting the sweet salt of sweat on her neck, nibbling down to her decolletage.
"Mina, oh Mina," Charlotte moaned, "but I want you-"
"And have me you shall. On the night of our weddings." She undid the ties on Charlotte"s blouse and tugged on the chemise underneath. "Women wear too many clothes," she complained as she pulled the chemise up, exposing Charlotte"s skin to the gentle summer breezes. She worshipped Charlotte"s b.r.e.a.s.t.s, laving them with her tongue, teasing the nipples with her teeth.
Each time they were together, Mina became a little more bold, taking Charlotte to new heights. And each time they were together, it seemed she came to know Charlotte"s body just a bit more-how she would react to each touch, tease, and lick. As if she knew exactly what each stroke did for Charlotte, and what she liked.
Charlotte moaned and squirmed under Mina"s gentle ministrations, loving the tenderness, but needing and wanting more. She was no longer some naive young girl who didn"t know what she liked. She was a woman now, a woman who wanted hardness with tenderness.
Mina"s hands were like fire on her skin, running over her stomach, up her inner thighs, over her hips... Charlotte pulled Mina"s shirt from her breeches, needing to feel her skin. She ran her fingernails over the smoothness of her back. Mina shivered under her touch.
Charlotte closed her eyes and surrendered to the feelings. Letting Mina surround her, touch her anywhere and everywhere. And it did indeed feel as if Mina was everywhere all at once-her tongue and teeth on her b.r.e.a.s.t.s, then her inner thighs, working up to her heat. Mina"s shoulders were spreading Charlotte"s legs apart, her hands were clasping Charlotte"s wrists, while her tongue was licking Charlotte"s warm, wet centre. Her chin pushed against Charlotte, creating some of the pressure Charlotte so desperately wanted.
Charlotte struggled against Wilhelmina"s hands. "Please, I need to feel you inside-" she groaned.
Mina laughed lightly and let go of Charlotte"s wrists. She played with her, teasing with her fingers and tongue, occasionally thrusting her tongue just deep enough to send fiery sparks through Charlotte, making her gasp and moan.
And then Mina"s fingers were fluttering inside her while her tongue worked its magic. Charlotte pushed against her, wanting more, but not knowing what. She opened her eyes and saw the blue sky. She felt the boulder hard against her back, even as she felt Mina"s tongue flicking and her fingers gently thrusting. She called out Wilhelmina"s name again and again as her world exploded into lights and sounds and pleasure.
All in a flurry, Truda and Lisette came into the formal dining room where Gudrun was examining the silver Charlotte had finished polishing. These last few days, Gudrun had been especially demanding. And Charlotte did not like the way her stepmother would watch her, with malice and hatred in her eyes.
"Mama! The prince is on his way here now!" Truda said.
Calmly, Gudrun began putting the silver into its velvet-lined case. "There is no need to get all aflutter. We"ve known that he"d be coming eventually."
"Oh Mama, it would be so wonderful if that shoe fit one of us."
"I believe it might fit you just fine," Gudrun told Lisette. She glanced from Lisette"s foot to Charlotte"s.
"Why not me?" Truda wailed.
"There"s always that chance," Gudrun soothed. She turned to her stepdaughter, her eyes hard. "Charlotte, I want you to go into the orchard. We need apples for the streusel."
"But stepmother, the prince is trying the shoe on all women."
"Certainly not you. Why even you have said it is not possible you could have been at the ball."
"Still-"
"Go now! I don"t want to see you until the prince has gone." She picked up a knife and ran her finger along its sharp edge. "Do I make myself clear?"
The look in her stepmother"s eyes made Charlotte"s blood run cold. And if she"d had any doubts that Gudrun knew it was Charlotte who"d been at the ball, she had none now. She hurried away as she was bid, but she did not go to the orchard as ordered. Instead, she and Elke made as if to go for the other servants" benefit, and then hid in the grand receiving room. They did not have to wait long. The heavy oak doors opened. Charlotte peeped out from her hiding place behind the heavy brocade curtains. Gudrun walked in, followed by her two daughters, Prince Sigmund, and several liveried footmen. She couldn"t help but gasp when she saw Wilhelmina as Willi come in last. As Gudrun glanced about the room, Charlotte shrank back into the deep folds of brocade, hoping she wouldn"t sneeze.
"You are kind to invite us into your home, Baroness," Sigmund said.
"My pleasure, Your Highness."
Charlotte peeked out again. She glimpsed Elke peeking out from behind her own curtains. The two sisters sat side by side upon the ornate couch, while their mother hovered nearby. As always in this room, Charlotte couldn"t help but remember that fateful day two years ago when her father brought them home for the first time. The prince stood to one side with Willi while a footman brought over the beautiful silver shoe Charlotte had lost the night of the ball. He knelt in front of Truda. Charlotte had to stifle a laugh. The whole ritual seemed so absurd, but one glimpse of Willi and Sigmund"s faces and she knew they were having a grand time with the joke.
Truda giggled and held out her oversized foot. Did Charlotte see the footman wrinkle his nose? He placed the shoe on Truda"s foot.
She squealed in pain as she forced her heel down into it and then stood triumphantly. The footman shook his head.
"Truda, my dear, the shoe is much too small for you. Let Lisette try now."
Truda looked at her mother, and then with a huff, sat and pulled the shoe off. Sigmund and Willi looked at each other, grinning. Though she and Truda were about the same height, Lisette"s feet were smaller than her sister"s. She placed her foot in the shoe. It seemed to slide on easily. Charlotte was in shock. Gudrun had been right. With a crow of delight, Lisette stood to show that the shoe fit her almost perfectly. She lifted her skirts just enough.
"It seems a little too large," the footman said to the prince.
"Yes, the shoemaker did not do his normal perfect work this time," Lisette said. "It quite gave me blisters the night of the ball."
Frowning, the prince came over and looked at the silver slipper. Willi stepped up quickly. "You do have the second shoe?"
"Of course," Lisette said. "I just don"t know where it is at this moment." She t.i.ttered and batted her eyelashes at the prince. "I didn"t expect to find its match."
"You are the baron"s second wife, is that correct?" Willi asked.
Gudrun nodded.
"And these are your two daughters from a previous marriage?"
She nodded again.
"I seem to recall," said Willi, "that the late baron also had a daughter from his first marriage. Is that girl here?"
"She"s not at the house now, but I can a.s.sure you that she was not at the ball that night. She has not been the same since her father died. Her mind . . . Well, she prefers to behave as one of the servants." Gudrun laughed. It was a harsh sound. "She owns no clothes in which to attend such a ball."
"Still, the prince wants every girl to try on the shoe. It is too big for Lisette. Perhaps it is perfect for Charlotte?"
Gudrun narrowed her eyes. "How do you know her name?"
Willi smiled. "I know everything."
"I want this Charlotte brought to me now," Sigmund said.
Charlotte came from behind the curtain. "I am here, Prince Sigmund." She curtsied low, well aware of her drab grey dress and disheveled hair. She could see the disbelief in the prince"s eyes. At least Lisette and Truda were dressed like a baron"s daughters. Charlotte sat upon the settee. The footman took the shoe from Lisette and slipped it onto Charlotte"s foot. It was indeed a perfect fit.
"That proves nothing!" Gudrun said, her fury barely contained. "This girl could not have been at the ball."
"But she was," Elke said as she came out of her hiding place.
Truda let out a little shriek of fright. Gudrun took a step forward, clenching her gown furiously. It was obvious she was on the verge of losing her temper, but did not dare do so in front of the prince. Sigmund himself looked a little confused. Charlotte pulled the companion shoe out of her ap.r.o.n pocket.
"Would this help?"
Lisette stood. "She stole that from me!"
"All right," Willi said. "I think it"s time to end the game. Prince Sigmund has known all along to whom the shoe belonged- Charlotte, daughter of the late Baron Heinrich von Hessen." She took the time to look at each woman. "We"re sorry if we have offended anyone."
"But how-?"
"With the help of some friends, who gave her a beautiful pink velvet gown and the means to travel to the castle."
The prince turned to Gudrun. "I would like to point out to you, madam, that the way you have treated your own stepdaughter is deplorable. As the widow of the late baron, you are his rightful heir, but as the prince I can take the t.i.tle and all the lands from you and give them to Charlotte, his natural daughter."
For a brief moment, Charlotte felt pleasure when she saw the blood drain from her stepmother"s face. It would serve her right to be thrown out onto the streets, along with her horrible daughters. Then Charlotte was ashamed at her thoughts. Her beloved parents had not raised her to be mean-spirited, wishing ill upon other people even if they harbored ill will toward her. Her father, in his own way, must have loved Gudrun to marry her, and she would not take his legacy away from her.
"Please," she said, placing her hand on Sigmund"s arm, "let them be. I have no wish to take away their home."
He leaned down and kissed her cheek. "That is because your new home will be with me, as my princess and then my queen."