"Thank you," I respond."Though I don't really understand why all of this is necessary.If I tell Mama that I don't want to be married, shouldn't that be enough?"
"Do you really not want to be married?"Kathryn asks.
"It's too early to think about that."
"Too early in what?"It almost seems like there's a curious note in her voice.
I clear my throat."Nothing."
"Your baker?"She takes a sip of her water.
"He's not my baker, he's the castle's pastry chef."
"You know what I mean," Kathryn responds.
I frown as I try to work out if that's true."He doesn't belong to me.He's his own person."
"I know that."
A loud shout comes from the card table where it seems like Veronica is winning.
Kathryn leans over the table."When someone says he'syourbaker, they mean emotionally."
"Oh.I mean, I suppose I do know that, but I don't really understand how it makes him mine.He's still his own person."
"It's just what people say, Evie.I think it's a way of trying to show how important someone is to you.So when I sayyour baker, I mean that he's special to you," she says.
"That's true."When she says it like that, it makes a certain amount of sense, and I can see why Veronica keeps insisting on calling him that.
"So, if he's special, is he the reason you don't want to entertain suitors?"Kathryn asks.
"No."I frown."Yes?I don't know."
She laughs."That was a clear answer."
"I don't think I know what the answer is," I respond."I know how I feel, and I know how he feels.But even if I didn't, I wouldn't want to entertain suitors, it seems like a terrible way to find someone to marry."
"Why?They're all just people.If your heart wasn't already taken, you might find someone that you like."
"You haven't."
"No, but that doesn't mean I've stopped hoping to meet the right person," she says."I take it you're not ready to tell Mama about Chef Matthews?"
I shake my head."Please don't tell her?"
"Of course I won't, but you might consider doing it sooner rather than later.She's going to find out from the servants gossiping at some point.And you know she'd rather hear it from you."
I grimace even as I think about it.I know she's right, I just hate that.
"But in the meantime, you just need to smile, make small talk, and occasionally dance with the suitors Mama picks.If you can work out who her favourites are, that's even better."
"Prince Francesco is her favourite," I say.
Kathryn seems to flinch, but I can't for a moment understand why.
"And Lady Elizabeth Warson," I add.
Kathryn nods."All right.So spend some time with them when they arrive at the castle and get to know them.That will keep Mama happy."
