Twice Upon A Time (Unfinished Fairy Tales Book 2)

by Aya Ling

  “Thanks, Mabel. You did a great job.”

  When I emerge from my bedroom, Edward rises from the sofa in the sitting room. “Ready?”

  “You’re coming as well?” He’s supposed to attend a meeting with the king. I know that, because at breakfast the king had mentioned he wanted to talk to Edward about renovating some areas in the capital.

  “I already informed George to re-schedule.”

  “Edward, I know how busy your schedule is.”

  “Meetings occur daily, but a birth does not. Poppy is your close friend, and I’ve also become acquainted with her husband. An honest, decent man with whom I’m pleased to be friends.” He lays a hand on my shoulder. “When you married me, you had to deal with my many relatives. I would also take part in your circle of friends.”

  I don’t know what comes over me, but I rise on tiptoe and peck his cheek. He freezes, as though I were Elsa in Frozen.

  “Did you just . . .”

  “Is that Bertram over there?” I point at the hulk-like figure in the courtyard. “He already has the horses saddled. Come on, let’s not keep him waiting.”

  “Kat.”

  Ignoring his request that I ‘repeat the action I did to him,’ I find our carriage and clamber inside. I shouldn’t have kissed him. Yet, deep down inside, I know that sooner or later, I won’t be able to stop myself from reciprocating his affection. The question is how long I can wait until Krev appears.

  * * *

  Poppy lives in a brownstone townhouse that wouldn’t look out of place in a colonial-style residential area in Virginia. It’s quaint and cozy, a far cry from the overwhelming splendor of the palace. If Edward and I ever get a holiday, I would like to stay at a place like this.

  A housemaid opens the door and does a double-take when she sees us. Then she tries to do a deep curtsy, but without constant practice, she wobbles so badly that I reach out and steady her. “Is Poppy upstairs? Can we go and see her now?”

  “Certainly, Your Highness. They’re all upstairs—the master, Lady Elle, and the parents.”

  Edward and I mount the narrow staircase. Following where the voices are located, we enter a room specially set up for childbirth. It looks crowded, what with several people surrounding the bed and two cribs against the wall.

  Elle is the first to see us. A huge smile lights up her face, and she waves us over. There, Poppy is lying against two pillows, Mr. Davenport stroking her damp hair, and two bundles are placed on her abdomen.

  “Hello, new mommy.” I hasten to her side, while nodding to the others saying Your Highness to me.

  Poppy smiles up at me. She looks weary, but she looks just as I remember—straw-colored hair, freckles, and a round face. “I’m so happy you’re able to come, Kat. It means a lot to me.” She pats the flannel towels wrapped around her babies. “Aren’t they the cutest things ever?”

  I squeal and coo over the tiny babies, marveling at how perfect they look and how minuscule their hands and feet are. “Oh dear, I can’t tell them apart.”

  “The one on the left is Sebastian Jonathan Montgomery, after his grandfather and father.” Elle offers. “And the right one is Katriona Olivia Montgomery. After you and her grandmother.”

  Seeing my look of surprise, Poppy adds, “It was my idea. Without you, Kat, we couldn’t have gotten married.”

  “Oh.” A voice whispers that this isn’t my real name, but it isn’t the time to protest. “I’m honored. It’s the first time that I’ve had a baby named after me.”

  “We are the ones who are honored,” Sir Montgomery says. He coughs when I glance in his direction, seeming embarrassed. I recall his look of disbelief when Bertram announced I was Edward’s future bride in Ruby Red.

  “It’s mostly Bertram’s doings,” I say. “Actually, Edward should take the credit, because he sent Bertram to accompany us.”

  Poppy glances at Edward, and her smile widens.

  “Thank you, Your Highness.” A playful look appears on her face. “When is your turn, Kat?”

  I feel my lip twitch, but all I do is shrug and smile. “Someday.”

  One of the babies—Sebastian or Olivia—sneezes, and Poppy instinctively adjusts the flannel towel, covering the baby’s tiny head like a hood.

  “You are going to be a very busy mother.”

  She smiles. “They are going to be worth it, I know.”

  Mr. Davenport places a hand on her forearm. “If you cannot handle the babies, I will hire additional help. I want my children to grow up healthy and happy.”

  “That’s why we came to the capital,” a man says. Judging from the resemblance, he must be Mr. Davenport’s father. “If you have any trouble, all you need to do is to send us word. We should know, after raising eight children.”

  “We’ll come over every day,” Sir Montgomery says briskly, as if it’s some kind of competition. “We’ll see that our grandchildren will not want for anything.”

  At that moment, Sebastian starts making a queer noise and stretches his tiny legs into the air.

  “He’s hungry,” a dumpy woman says. Judging from her plain clothes and rough accent, she is probably the midwife. “Best that the mother starts breastfeeding. It’s a good thing to give the babies something to warm up their tummies.”

  That’s the cue for us to leave. Before I go, I clasp Poppy’s hand. “I’ll come by some other time. I need to get acquainted with my godchildren.”

  Poppy brightens and squeezes my fingers. “Promise me it’ll be soon, Kat.”

  We smile at each other. It’s then that I realize how I miss having a female friend in Athelia. Amelie and Mabel are my age, and we often laugh and joke with each other, but there’s still a subtle difference when they are paid to serve me. Edward is the closest thing to a best friend, but his affection is too mixed up with sexual desire. As much as I enjoy his companionship, I do need other friends like Poppy and Elle.

  We chat for a while until the housekeeper comes and asks if we’d like to partake of some tea and refreshments. Sir Montgomery is quick to accept, for he only arrived this morning. Seeing that both Poppy and Mr. Davenport are looking exhausted as well, we wish them good luck and head out of the room.

  As the housekeeper offers us tea, I notice Elle sitting in a corner, looking a bit lonely. No wonder—this room is filled with couples—me and Edward, Sir Montgomery and his wife, and Mr. Davenport’s parents. When Sir Montgomery approaches us, I whisper to Edward that I need to talk to Elle, and let go of his hand.

  “Elle.” I hurry over to her. “I haven’t seen you for a while. How are you doing?”

  “Very well, Kat. Life is busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Aren’t those babies adorable? I look forward to seeing your own.” She attempts a mischievous smile, but there is a sadness in her eyes.

  “And how is your family doing?”

  Mrs. Thatcher is well and even joined a crochet society. Billy is going to school. After all, Elle can afford his education now. She sent him to one of the best elementary schools in the capital, though he still goes to Mr. Wellesley’s on the weekends.

  “Billy is doing better than we expected. Maybe it’s Mr. Wellesley’s influence,” Elle says, smiling at the mention of her little brother. “He’s fascinated with insects and bugs and small animals, in particular. Mamsie is forever telling him to stop bringing pet mice and lizards into the house, especially after that day . . .” She looks down, seeming to be embarrassed.

  “That day?” I say, sensing there’s something more to her words.

  Elle sips some tea before speaking. “Oh, it shouldn’t have happened, but I suppose even if it didn’t, her ladyship would still disapprove of me.”

  My mind goes blank for a moment, then I realize who she must be talking about. “Henry’s mother?”

  She nods. “When Henry broached the possibility of us marrying, her ladyship paid us a visit. I wasn’t at home. Mamsie made sure to clean the flat, but she missed Billy’s pet frog that was hiding under a chair.
”

  Oh, dear. I have a suspicion what the disaster is.

  Elle meets my gaze and sighs. “When her ladyship prepared to leave, the frog jumped on her new dress. Naturally, it gave her a huge fright, and she tried to get out her parasol to whack the frog, but Billy caught the gold top of the end of the parasol. She called him an impertinent monkey, and she said Mamsie and Billy weren’t fit to associate with Henry.”

  “Oh dear.” I really should feel bad for Elle’s sake, but the frog incident sounds so comical that I have to suppress a smile. “Did she tell Henry? What did he say?”

  “He tried reasoning with her ladyship, but she wouldn’t be pacified. Either I disown my family, or I cannot marry Henry. Of course, I can’t abandon Mamsie and Billy. Henry suggested that we wait until her ladyship calms down.” Elle looks down on her lap. “I’m already fortunate that I’ve been able to provide for Mamsie and Billy, which is all I ever wanted. More happiness would be a blessing.” Elle finishes her tea and exhales. “I should be going. Mr. Galen kindly agreed to lend us a dozen pots of ferns for the girls’ musical this week, and I have to oversee the delivery of the plants. Will you be attending the musical? Your niece will be participating. It will also do good if other parents see you present.”

  I make sure that the date doesn’t coincide with my next dancing lesson. “Sure, Elle. I’ll be there.”

  24

  Edward has become even busier these days—he barely visits me in the mornings at tea time. The king had asked him to assist with the urban planning of the capital, ever since the mayor wanted to plan more public parks and gardens. Along with his usual duties of drafting memorandums and agreements, working with Henry and other parliament members on various acts, as well as the dancing lessons, I’m glad that I made the decision to cancel our nightly talks and set up a space in his office. If Edward goes on like this, I’ll be submitting a royal Eight-Hour-Act on his behalf.

  Every day after breakfast, I return to our suite—to my study with the window seat, to be exact—and sift through the never-ending pile of letters. Then I read the papers. I requested a subscription to three publishers, so that I could learn about the same event from different perspectives. I review drafts of Edward’s work and make suggestions or corrections. Then, in the afternoon, I’d head to his office on the other side of the palace.

  Today I have to leave the palace, but I want to see my husband before I engage the carriage. Before I enter through the doorway, I hear voices coming from within.

  “A woman in this place is a dangerous influence, Your Highness.” The lord chamberlain sounds genuinely concerned. “How will you be able to concentrate on your work while she’s in here?”

  “My wife is not to be labeled dangerous, Dubois,” Edward says stiffly.

  The lord chamberlain sniffs in disapproval. “I’ve heard stories of how you’re becoming less inhibited ever since she moved in the palace. Do try to remember your father had you carefully brought up. Unbridled passion is a sin, and you know well how some of your ancestors were perceived when they took mistresses and…”

  “I have no intentions of taking a mistress.” Edward sounds exasperated. “If I were lax in my responsibilities, my father, or the prime minister, would be the first to lecture me. Dubois, I suggest you return to your duties of managing the royal household. I have work to finish.”

  “But Your Highness, there are people talking, and you must be well aware of how His Majesty is concerned of your image.”

  I really don’t feel like interrupting their conversation, but I have to go soon if I don’t want to be late to Rosie’s musical.

  I rap on the door smartly and sail into the room as though I’ve just arrived and didn’t hear a word of their conversation.

  “Master Dubois.” I nod at him and smile, before turning to Edward. “Sorry; I didn’t mean to barge in like this, but I had to drop by and let you know I’m not joining you today.”

  Edward nods. “Where are you going?”

  “To Princess College. Rosie is taking part in a musical, and she’ll appreciate it if her Aunt Kat is there. Because of this, I made certain to finish editing the draft on the tea trade agreement this morning.” I lay a sheaf of papers on Edward’s desk. “I’ve flagged several consistency errors, made suggestions to some awkward phrasing, and corrected every grammatical and spelling mistake I could find. If you’ve any questions, we can go over with them when I come back for dinner.”

  Edward flashes me a dazzling smile. In my opinion, he is more likely to be a distraction than I. “Thank you, Kat. You’ve saved me hours of work.”

  I sweep him a curtsy and grin. “You’re most welcome, Your Highness. See you later.”

  When I walk past the lord chamberlain, who looks as if he’s turned into stone, I stop. “I almost forgot—I also compiled a style sheet for you.”

  “A style sheet? Explain, please.”

  I raise an eyebrow. Edward knows perfectly well what a style sheet is—he’s only asking because the lord chamberlain is listening.

  “A list of word usages and punctuation, so you’ll be able to keep track of your writing and maintain consistency.”

  “It sounds like a useful tool,” Edward grins. “Do you not agree, Dubois?”

  This time the lord chamberlain slinks away in silence. Edward and I exchange a smile, and I realize for the first time that I am actually enjoying my role as princess.

  * * *

  As the carriage rattles along on my way to Princess College, I wonder when Krev is going to come back. Although Edward and I have made up, the ghost of our first quarrel hangs over my head. Until I can assure Edward that Krev is not going to take me back to the modern world, he will always be reluctant to let me out of his sight. The only solution is to have Krev appear, but that is something beyond my control.

  There are several more carriages than usual lining the street where Princess College is located. I guess they belong to the other parents who have come to see the musical. Elle and I certainly selected a good location for the school. It’s off one of the main streets, so the traffic won’t cause too much noise, but it’s also close enough that transportation wouldn’t be difficult.

  As I go down the corridor, I almost run into a person who has just emerged from a classroom.

  “Sorry, I was walking too fast . . .” The words die away on my lips when I notice the person I nearly ran into.

  “Lady Gregory?” Last time she seemed familiar, but by now, my memories have recovered so much that this time, her name springs into my mind without any doubt.

  The old lady smiles at me. “Miss Katriona . . . forgive me, it should be Princess Katriona. Congratulations on your marriage to the prince.”

  “Just call me Kat,” I say, feeling uncomfortable about an old lady bowing to me in deference. “We’re at school, not the palace. There’s no need for so many formalities. By the way, how come you are one of the teachers here?”

  “The girls have formed a crochet club, and I was invited to be the teacher, since many of my projects have won prizes.”

  I remember Lady Gregory’s room, so cozy and delightful with all those homemade crocheted objects hanging over the place. “That’s great. How are the girls getting along?”

  “Most of them are doing fine. It’s refreshing for me as well, to be able to teach so many young and eager children.”

  The bell rings. I’m reminded of my purpose—to see the musical.

  “Lady Gregory, would you like to come and see the girls’ performance with me?”

  Her face lights up. “So, it is today? How forgetful of me. I am sure I wrote it down on my notebook, but I never seem to remember.”

  Elle had told me that she would save me a seat, but it really is unnecessary. While there are a few parents present, we still have plenty of empty chairs. I guess either most other parents are too busy working, or they don’t care enough for their children. I’ve heard noble ladies at court remarking that that children doing a musical is som
ething trivial or frivolous.

  Rosie looks adorable in her elf suit. Their voices are like little angels, and I can tell that most of the girls take genuine pleasure in performing. Once the musical is over, I hand out roses to the girls, who are surprised but excited to receive the flowers.

  “From His Highness’s garden,” I say, and someone squeals. As I expected, Edward is extremely popular among girls.

  When I finish handing out the flowers, Elle touches my arm. “Kat, the headmistress would like to have a word with you.”

  “Are there any problems with the funds?” I asked.

  Elle shakes her head. “I don’t think so. She merely wants to give you a report.”

  I say goodbye to Lady Gregory, who smiles just as affably as she usually does.

  As we make way to the headmistress’s office, there is the sound of a man shouting in one of the classrooms. Elle and I look at each other. There are a few male teachers in the school, and there are men on the school board, but the sound of this man belongs to someone who has never had an education. His pronunciation is rough and uncultured.

  The next second, a man in patched, dirty clothes, with a scar running over his right cheek, drags a little girl out of the room. The girl is Molly.

  “Excuse me?” I address the man, who looks like he could use a good shaving. “May I ask what you are doing?”

  The man bristles at me. “I’m taking my girl home. She has no business coming to a place like this when her family is starving.”

  “Mr. Ripley,” Elle says in a soothing tone. “Surely, there is no need to come to the school and interrupt the lessons. In fact, we are on our way to see the headmistress. If you would be so kind as to come with us and sit down and have a discussion, maybe we can come to a better solution—”

  “To hell with your solution,” Mr. Ripley growls. “You can afford to say that with your expensive dresses and jewelry, but my girl ain’t cut out for a place like this. She’s got to come home with me and make herself useful.”