Chapter 12 #3
Amy brought her gaze forward again, and her heart stopped at the sudden appearance of James at some distance to her left.
It was one of the rare times she saw him in the afternoon, and he was walking with Miss Prexley.
It was natural he should do so, but she could not help but feel pain at the sight.
It was as well that they would leave Spa before his marriage took place.
James caught her regard and acknowledged her with a slight nod as Miss Prexley chatted away at his side. Amy swallowed and nodded in return just as Miss Prexley turned her head. Amy’s nod was more discreet than a curtsy, but it seemed from Miss Prexley’s look that she had missed nothing.
“That is the princess approaching, whom we must address as Madame Michalkoff in public,” Rebecca said in a low voice, pulling Amy’s attention back to the sight of the Princess Orlova walking in their direction.
“And with her is Mademoiselle Kerensky, who traveled in her entourage although they stay in different hotels. My mother has gained an introduction and is trying to cultivate the friendship.”
“You don’t seem pleased by the prospect,” Amy said, glancing at her.
“It is nothing against the princess, I assure you.”
The Princess Orlova would soon cross their path, and their steps slowed. They pulled to the side and waited until the princess drew near before dropping into deep curtsies.
The skirt of the princess’s dark green gown peeped out from under her hooded cloak. It was not cut of a recent fashion but was less remarkable than the peasant outfit she chose to wear for drinking the waters in the early mornings.
“Miss Bainesworth, I wish you will present me to your friend.”
Even though the princess had acknowledged Amy, it surprised her that she should request a formal introduction.
“This is Miss Amy Bridwell, ma’am.” Rebecca stepped back to allow the princess to address her if she wished.
Amy dropped her gaze, fearing to act with impertinence. Their governess had been rather vague on the protocol one should adopt in these circumstances, as their chances of mixing with royalty had never been all that high.
“Miss Bridwell,” the princess said.
“Madame.” Amy dropped into another deep curtsy. It seemed like the right thing to do, and she wondered why in the world the princess would pay attention to her. She was no one of consequence.
“I invite you and Miss Bainesworth for tea in my rooms,” she said, her accent heavy. “Tuesday, two o’clock in the afternoon, if you are free.”
“I am free, ma’am.” Amy’s nerves made her voice barely audible. “I would be honored to come.”
The princess nodded and, after receiving Rebecca’s acceptance, continued on with her friend.
Hannah and Marianne must have witnessed the distinction, for they hurried to her side.
Amy, still amazed by the attention, looked to see if her father had noticed, but he was now engaging Mr. Lambert in conversation.
“What did she say to you?” Hannah asked.
“She invited Rebecca and me to have tea with her on Tuesday.” Amy turned suddenly to Rebecca. “You will indeed go and not make your excuses at the last minute? You will not leave me?”
“I would not dare refuse,” Rebecca replied with a small laugh.
“Such an honor.” Marianne looked truly happy for her, but the wistful look was back on Hannah’s face.
“I do envy you. I hear she knows Monsieur Voltaire personally. How I would like to hear her stories.”
“It is not for nothing that Spa is called the Café de l’Europe. My mother is one of her admirers, which is how we were introduced.” Rebecca smiled at Hannah. “As for me, I would rather be spared the honor. I think I might faint from nerves.”
“I might faint as well,” Amy said in heartfelt accents.
She allowed herself to turn slightly and follow James’s progress as they drew level at a distance.
Miss Prexley said something in his ear, and they both glanced back at her in a way that made her think they had seen the princess honor Amy with her attention.
Mr. Lambert had bid their father farewell, and Mr. Bridwell joined them, his brow furrowed with discomfort.
She was momentarily distracted by the look on his face and the fact that he was not improving despite the cure.
If he did not find relief in Spa, how would he manage the rest of the tour—or even his life in England?
He was too young to be so troubled by rheumatism.
“Amy and Miss Bainesworth are having tea with the Princess Orlova on Tuesday,” Marianne announced, pulling Amy’s thoughts to the more immediate matter.
“Is that so?” Mr. Bridwell was momentarily diverted. “Perhaps she will wish to invite me, as well, for I certainly have many interesting things to tell her. My treatise on the life-dependent nature of moss is near completion, for instance.”
Amy exchanged a look of alarm with her sisters, and Marianne’s eyes crinkled with amusement.
“It would not be proper, Papa,” Hannah explained patiently. “The invitation is for ladies only.”
“Ah, very true,” he said, giving up the plan, much to Amy’s relief.
She little knew what she would say to the princess when the moment came, but she would not easily forget having been singled out by this mark of favor. She might one day end up being nothing more than the beloved spinster aunt of her sisters’ children, but she would have taken tea with a princess.