Cinderella Spell - Laurie Lee Page 0,59
arranging the skirt of her robe so her pink slippers peaked out. “What did you think of last night’s dinner party?”
Marissa shrugged then placed a thin porcelain teacup in front of her mother.
Lady DeGanne patted her arm. “You did well, Child. I must say, I also thought Cinderella handled herself with aplomb.” She took a sip, closing her eyes. She frowned, returning the cup to the table. “That’s odd. Cook forgot to add something for flavor.”
“No flavor? I thought I caught a hint of orange.” Marissa took a sip. Though still hot, she could detect orange. “It is.”
“Can’t taste much of anything through this fog I’m feeling. I hope everyone else is fine. I would hate for Cinderella to feel poorly her first day in the palace.”
“You liked her?”
She nodded. “More than I expected. Robert has made a wise choice.”
The change in her mother frightened Marissa. Ten years of badgering her daughter to marry a prince could not have reversed overnight. Should not. What’s happening? “I’m glad she feels at ease with us,” Marissa said, then sipped her tea. “The story of her family is disturbing.”
Lady DeGanne pressed a hand against her chest. “I cannot imagine the distress the poor girl has had to endure all this time. You know what it is to lose a beloved father. I did what I could to protect you. Poor Cinderella had none to see to her needs. She couldn’t have been much older than you at the time.”
Marissa took a deep breath before speaking, and then, her words were running over each other. “I want to find her family. Cinderella’s father’s family that is. It was wrong of her stepmother to separate her from those who would care. I think I shall find them and bring them to the palace in time for the wedding.”
“But she has us now, why would she need…”
“If Father had relatives,” Marissa interrupted, “I would want to know them, to have them in my life. It wouldn’t change how I feel about you, or the king.”
“But you would have to leave, go out there.” She waved in the direction of the long window beside them.
Marissa laughed. “You mean go into the world, not just read about it? I would take Mrs. Boyde. We can travel to the Belton province.”
“Perhaps it would be good for you.” Her mother’s slim chest rose and fell with a heavy breath. “Yes, go if you must. I am sure Cinderella will want you to go.”
Marissa stared at her mother then gulped her tea to cover the sick feeling beating in her chest. Mother never acquiesces to my plans. She should be listing reasons why my plan’s foolhardy and dangerous. She forced herself to finish the tea and stood. “I should find Robert and King William. See what they have to say. Robert, at least, should know enough of her to get a family name.”
Lady DeGanne smiled, but it looked more like a wan grimace. “You have a good mind, my dear. No doubt you will be successful. Less than two months to bring them here. Speak with Robert, he will explain how to use the birds to communicate with us.” She picked up her cup of tea and stared out the window without taking a drink.
Marissa felt dismissed. She stood. Lady DeGanne didn’t acknowledge her departure. Tears burned her eyes as she left the apartment. What must I do to quell this madness? There were no answers for her silent question.
Cinderella heard the quiet knock on her door as Mrs. Belling finished hemming the second gown. The russet-colored undergarment complimented her pale skin and blonde hair. The overdress was patterned with browns and cream as well as the russet. She swished back and forth, admiring the way the fabric moved against her skin. “Would you get that?” She asked with a kind smile.
Mrs. Belling stood, pressing pins into a cushion attached to her wrist. “Of course.” It took a moment, and Abigail trailed the dressmaker into the dressing room.
Abigail curtsied. “I have news.”
Cinderella glanced as Mrs. Belling. “This will do for now. I will see you later?”
“Yes, miss. Lady DeGanne has ordered a full wardrobe for you.”
“Of course, she has.” She walked to Abigail. “You heard something?”
She nodded. “I heard the mistress and her daughter this morning. The daughter seeks approval to search for your father’s family. She wants to bring them to the palace in time for your wedding.”
“Does she?” Excitement swirled. Cinderella crossed to the table with the morning tray