Cinderella Spell - Laurie Lee Page 0,52

to feel cold—the bitter shivery cold of a north wind at twilight. She rushed out of the room, rubbing her hands on her arms.

28

The splendor of the dining hall caused Marissa to pause at the entrance. A string quartet played from the balcony. Towering candlesticks of wrought iron placed around the long table caused the room to glow.

“Your mother must have had servants digging through the cellars for a week.” Robert teased as he leaned against the door jam. “Are you coming in or will you stand here gaping like a commoner?”

“I’m surprised your future bride is not at your side.” Marissa accepted his arm and glided into the dining room. His touch dislodged the remaining chill. “I stopped at her room, but it was empty.”

“So long I have waited, I could not bear to be separated longer.” Robert motioned to where Cinderella listened with rapt attention to King William. “Father has her. I’ve heard that story more times than I care to recount. As have you, I am sure.”

Marissa laughed, nodding. A glance at the table made her sigh. Five settings of complicated design in silver and porcelain arranged at each place kept the grand space from feeling empty. “I will have to thank Mrs. Boyde for her lessons on table manners.”

Robert pressed her hand. “Will you help Cinderella? I cannot bear the thought of her being embarrassed her first night at the palace.”

Marissa felt her heart pause at Robert’s earnest gaze. Though her head agreed, her heart yearned for something different. A servant brought a tray of crystal and pewter goblets. Marissa took one, giving the red liquid a quick sniff. She wrinkled her nose. Robert lifted two glasses and crossed the room, offering one to Cinderella.

Marissa joined her mother. “The table is resplendent this evening. Unusual for a family gathering. Would that be your doing, Mother?”

Lady DeGanne barely smiled, but her eyes glittered with humor. “A fine display of royalty, do you not think?”

“More than I may find useful. What if I am the one who fails to use the proper fork?”

“You will be fine.” She patted Marissa’s hand.

King William stood, and the room silenced. Marissa and Lady DeGanne gave him their attention.

He raised his arm. The goblet in his hand glittered in the candlelight as he offered a toast. “To Cinderella. May your engagement bring you all the joy my son desires for you both. When the two months have passed, you will become his wife and our future queen. God save the future queen.”

Shouts followed the declaration, and then the small group lifted their glasses at the King’s request. Marissa sipped the wine, trying to appreciate the pretty blonde whose cheeks were red with embarrassment.

Cinderella noticed her watching and moved across the room. “I have never been so nervous before in my life,” she whispered to Marissa.

Marissa grinned, bending to reply. “Your manners are above and beyond my own. I think you’ve had practice.”

Cinderella’s countenance turned pensive. “I was born a gentleman’s daughter. Father was a good man.” She shook her head and would say no more.

“What did you do to upset my bride?” Robert surprised them, wrapping his arm around Cinderella. The young lady rested her head upon his shoulder for a moment before straightening.

Marissa held up her hand. “I did not intend to harm. I think I said something that reminded her of her past.”

“It is not her fault,” Cinderella agreed. “My father, we were close when I was young. It was him and myself. Mother died before I could remember her. But then he remarried.” Her nose twitched. “My stepmother was a cruel woman with no affection. When Father died, I was left to her mercies. Which were few.”

“Cruel?” Lady DeGanne repeated as she and King William joined the trio.

Cinderella’s eyes widened, drawing them in. “I never understood her reasons. She worked me as a servant. After the ball, she traded me in hopes my godmother would never be able to find me.” She faced Robert, adoration shining in her eyes. “I know not what she would have done if she had known of you. But you found me anyway, just as you promised.”

He wrapped his hands around hers. “I will always be here for you. You have nothing to fear.”

“But what of your father’s family? Did they care naught for your plight?” Marissa interjected. The sight of their joined hands unsettled her.

Cinderella’s gaze turned to Marissa. “I don’t believe there was anyone else. Father never mentioned brothers or sisters.”

“We are your