Page 54 of The Beautiful Pretender

Avelina’s heart pounded. If only he would hurry and get it over with.

“I choose to be my wife the noblest and most worthy lady . . . Lady Dorothea of Plimmwald.”

The floor seemed to give way underneath her, and she wasdangling once again above a cavernous ravine. Her stomach plummeted even as her heart trembled in excitement. Could Lord Thornbeck have truly chosen her? Loveher? It was the most wonderful moment of her life, and the worst possible thing that could happen.

Her vision was so blurred, she could just make out Lord Thornbeck standing as if he was waiting for her to come forward and join him.

Magdalen hugged her from the side and giggled, an overjoyed smile on her face.

“No, no,” Avelina whispered to her friend. “This can’t happen.”

“What do you mean?” Magdalen whispered back. “He’s waiting for you. Go.” She gave Avelina a gentle push.

She started forward, putting one foot in front of the other. What would she say? Her heart squeezed inside her.O God in heaven, I don’t want to hurt him!She must simply wait until they were alone. She could not tell him in front of all these people. It would be too shameful, for both of them.

His face was blurrier than ever. People were murmuring all around her, a few of them saying,“Glückwünsche,”or some other congratulatory word, but she concentrated on walking straight ahead.

When she had nearly reached him, Odette embraced her, smiling, even whispering into her ear, “I knew you were the one for him.”

Avelina felt a stab. She would tell them—Lord Thornbeck, Magdalen, Odette, and Jorgen—as soon as this evening was over and everyone else had dispersed to their chambers.

She finally looked up at him.I’m so sorry.

Suddenly, Fronicka was speaking. “That woman is not who she says she is. She is not Lady Dorothea.”

The room quickly hushed. Avelina felt the blood drain from her face.

“Explain yourself.” Lord Thornbeck stood rigidly beside her.

The Duke of Geitbart said, “We have discovered that this woman is not the daughter of the Earl of Plimmwald. She has been deceiving everyone for the past two weeks. Not only is she not the Earl of Plimmwald’s daughter, she is only a servant, Lady Dorothea’s maidservant.”

“Prove it.” Lord Thornbeck’s voice was raspy and harsh.

“I don’t have to prove it.” Geitbart pointed at her. “Just ask her. Just ask . . . Avelina Klein.”

Avelina sensed rather than saw Lord Thornbeck turn and face her. “Is it true?”

She did her best to hold her head up and meet his eyes. “Please forgive me. I was going to tell you.”

No one spoke for the longest moment.Father God, do not let me faint.She could barely breathe and the air was so hot and suffocating. What would he do now?

He said quietly, “Take her to the library.”

Someone took hold of Avelina’s arm.

She lifted her head enough to find Magdalen in the crowd. She was crying.

“I—”

Jorgen led her away as Lord Thornbeck said to the crowd in an even voice, “It is time to go to the Great Hall.”

Avelina had to hurry to keep up with Jorgen as he held her by the elbow and propelled her forward. Soon they were turning into the dark library.

Jorgen let go of her to light some candles. “You may sit.” His words were curt and his expression hard.

The closest chair was at Lord Thornbeck’s desk, and she satdown and laid her head on it. Lord Thornbeck would be so angry. How would he punish her? Would he yell at her? Beat her? Throw her in the dungeon? But worse was the thought of his strained voice, and Magdalen crying among all the strangers.

Her own tears flowed.