I swallow hard, not entirely sure how to answer that when itisat least partly about Nate.
"You can have your dalliances wherever you want, Evelyn.The gods know that your siblings do.But he is not the marriageable type.You will entertain those that I put forward for that, and you will do it with a smile on your face."She taps the pile in front of me."If not one of these guests, then perhaps someone else.I've heard that Prince Francesco of Sovranetti is considering trying to find a wife.Perhaps I should invite him."
My eyes sting, but I blink away the tears that are threatening to fall."I don't want to marry Prince Francesco.I don't know him."
"I've heard that he has an interest in food, you might be able to find common ground with him.Let's send an invitation to Sovranetti," Mama says, gesturing for her private secretary."And make sure to mention that it's for Princess Evelyn's twenty-fifth birthday, and that she's yet unwed."
"May I be excused?"I ask, not really knowing what else to say.
"No, you may not," Mama responds."We are going to discuss the rest of the arrangements, and you are going to tell me which of the suitors you're most interested in so that we can invite them early so you can get to know them."
"Why does it matter what I say?"I respond without thinking."It's not like you're going to take my opinion into account anyway."
"That is not true, Evelyn.I am taking your opinion into account."
"But only if I agree to marry one of these people."I put my hand on top of the stack of portraits.Anger is swirling around within me, but it's closely intertwined with the need to cry, and I don't want to let that out while I'm with Mama.I doubt she's going to understand.
"Then you should tell me who you want to invite to the ball," she says.
I don't even know how to respond to that.It's clear that my input isn't truly necessary here, and I don't really know what to do with that.I wish Veronica were here to give me some ideas and maybe to take some of the attention away from me.
Mama starts talking about her plans for the ball, but I can't focus.Thankfully, there's the strangely reassuring, and yet grating, scrape of Marion's pen as she makes notes about the conversation.Maybe she'll be able to fill me in on things I need to know later, because the only thing I can focus on is that Mama wants me to get married.
Chapter7
The crackle of the parlour fire is welcoming, though the noise from the various guests is not, especially when I'm still dealing with the revelation from my mother about what the ball is going to be.
Artie and Solana are sitting by the fire, though they're being quiet as Solana works on her embroidery and Artie reads a book.Not so quiet are Veronica and the Duchesse de Mountnoir, who are playing a game of cards along with the Comte d'Orrivier and one of our other guests.
I could go join them, but I'm no good at cards and would probably just be in the way.I'm truly superfluous in this after-dinner engagement, and I really don't see the need for me to stay.
I get to my feet and head over to where Mama is talking with one of her ladies, and dip into a curtsy."May I retire for the evening, Your Majesty?"
Mama gives me a disapproving look that there's no misinterpreting."Our guests are still here.Your Highness will remain."
I nod and turn around to head back to my seat, dropping down into it and trying not to let my emotions show on my face.I let out a sigh and pull my book to me.At least I can read about baking, even if I'd rather be down in the kitchens with Nate making something.
A sound catches my attention, and I look up to see Kathryn beside me."Is the other seat taken?"she asks.
I shake my head."How are you feeling?"
"I'd rather be in bed," she admits as she sits down and lets out a sigh."But the doctors have proclaimed me well enough to walk about, so I'm here.Thank you for my quiche, I really appreciated it."
"Nate said that you requested more."
"I did."She gives me a small smile."Did you make that one too?"
"No.Just the first one.Nate made the second one, he just told me about it."
"Of course he did."
I frown."What does that mean?"
"Nothing, Evie," my older sister assures me."I know you're close with Chef Matthews, so I assumed he told you, that's all."
"Do you think it's a problem?"I blurt out.
"That he talks to you about his work?I'd consider it stranger if he didn't, considering that you're friends."She gestures for one of the servants to bring her a drink, and they set down a glass of water in front of her.
