Gauging by the light from the one window, the time was well past two o’clock. I sighed, bored by my own company and anxious for Cate’s return. The room did little to hold my attention, but at least it was toasty warm and the sofa a very comfortable pace to wait. So much, in fact, that the effects of last night’s escapade soon began to catch up to me. My eyes grew heavy and I leaned my head back, vowing to rest just for a moment...
Darkness shrouded the room when I woke, the only light coming from the fire in the hearth. Disoriented, I felt myself begin to panic, then remembered resting my head against the sofa in Mr. Faber’s private chamber. No longer sitting up, my head now rested on a pillow, a blanket tucked in around my shoulders. I stared into the fire, unmoving as I slowly reoriented to my surroundings. A chair scraped against the wood floor behind me. A man and woman spoke, their voices low and familiar.
“I searched everywhere, but there was no sign of her,” Cate said. “It’s like she’s purposefully trying to bait me into a game of cat and mouse.”
“What are you going to do?” Mr. Faber asked.
Cate paused for a moment. “I don’t know, Tom,” she said tiredly. “I honestly don’t know.”
I shrugged off the blanket and sat up, embarrassed to be found in such a state. They turned to look at me from where they were sitting at the table, a candle and two wine cups between them. “When did you get back?” I asked.
“Not too long ago,” Cate said. “Thirty minutes at most.”
“You should have woken me sooner. What time is it?”
Mr. Faber pulled out a pocket watch. “Half past seven.”
Good Heavens! I had slept for five hours. “We should be going.” I stood and smoothed the wrinkles from my skirts.
Cate got up from the chair. “I couldn’t agree more. After this day, all I want is a warm supper and a hot bath. Good night, Mr. Faber.”
The carriage ride home passed in near silence. Once the footman closed the door, Cate apologized for leaving me at the smithy so long, then closed her eyes and withdrew into her thoughts. I watched her, my mind whirling with a thousand questions from this afternoon, all of them left unspoken and unanswered.
Sophie met us at the front door, a letter in hand for Cate. “Did anything arrive for me?” I asked. A note from Henry perhaps, begging for my forgiveness.
“No letters, miss,” she said. “But Lord Stroud called this afternoon. When you weren’t at home, he asked if you would be going to Kensington later tonight.”
I gave her a confused look. “Why would he think to expect me at the palace?”
Cate handed me the letter. “Because we’ve been invited to attend Princess Amelia tonight for cards and entertainment.” She sighed. “Go get changed, it appears our night has just begun.”
Chapter Nine
The Greater Fool
We arrived at Kensington Palace well past ten o’clock, freshly powdered and bound beyond reason into fresh silk gowns. Cate moved with enviable ease despite the tight lacings, making it appear that breathing was truly optional. I tried to emulate her example as we followed a footman to Amelia’s private apartments, located in the princess’s quarters of the palace. There we found the festivities in full bloom, the sound of laughter and music spilling into the courtyard from the balconies and open windows.
Cate drew closer, speaking in a low tone before we entered the main drawing room. “Everyone here tonight has learned of your invitation and is anxious to see how the princess reacts to your arrival. Do not be offended when no one addresses you at first. They will not make a move until after Amelia has shown her intentions.”
“I thought she only wanted to meet me?”
“As would I if her behavior hadn’t been so peculiar of late. All I can think is that her feelings for Henry may run deeper than I ever imagined. My advice is to expect the best, but be prepared for the worst.”
I swallowed hard. “Do you mean public humiliation?”
“At this point anything is possible,” Cate said. “And remember, Amelia is not called the prickly princess for nothing. She has a wicked sharp tongue and enjoys saying just as many shocking things to people’s faces as behind their backs.” With these words ringing in my ears, we passed through the open door into Amelia’s quarters.
At least two score people came to view in the large, ornately decorated room. About half of the guests were seated around a string quartet playing in the far corner. The rest were socializing in small groups. Such was the noise that only those nearest to us turned when our names were announced.
“There she is,” Cate said. “Standing by the balcony with Henry.”
I glanced toward them, my breath catching when I caught Henry’s eye. Our gaze remained locked for several long seconds before I forced my attention to the lady beside him. Even with a room between us, Amelia’s beauty was easy to discern, her fair hair and fine features all that I imagined in a princess.