He glanced over at me, giving me an affectionate look. “Not that I have much of a choice, of course. One look and you are enough to enchant even the hardest of hearts.”
“Thank you,” I mumbled, trying to hide my irritation under the guise of pleased modesty. “It is good your parents approve of Lord Maximillian, especially if His Grace is still supportive of you.”
Which was strange, when I thought about it. Empress Maria Anna was very concerned for Karl and Ferdy. Why would they help Lord Maximillian set up a household here, especially when he had been behind the fire at the castle?
Maybe they were watching him, I thought. That made sense.
“Max is grateful, too,” Karl said. “He has some extended family in the area, and he is eager to spend more time with them.”
“I see.” I was getting tired of trying to find ways to circle around to information I wanted, without seeming suspicious.
Before I could find a way to see if Lord Maximillian had been talking about Cecilia, there was a shuffle of movement behind us.
The curtain parted, and a footman stepped forward.
My heart clenched. I peered closely at the footman’s face, half-hoping, half-dreading that Ferdy was up to his old tricks. When I saw the footman’s young face, clearly several years younger than myself, I exhaled. I was still not sure if I was more disappointed or relieved.
“A note for you, m’lady,” the footman said, bowing to Lady Penelope. “From Lady Hohenwart. She is visiting Lord Taafte’s box and has requested you come and join them.”
“I see,” Lady Penelope replied. She glanced over at Karl. “I shall return shortly, Mr. Marcelin. Do take care of my darling granddaughter for me until then.”
“As you wish, Madame,” Karl replied with a grin.
“I am greatly honored you were able to come tonight,” Karl said, as I waved out into the crowd. I was hoping some of the many people who came to fawn over me at balls and parties would wave back. I got my wish and smiled, noticing Karl was suitably impressed.
“Things have been rather lonely since I have returned from London,” Karl said, surprising me. “Now that I am staying in the castle, I am, of course, very grateful, but I have not had much time with the people I love.”
“I imagine you have more friends abroad, considering you studied there.”
Karl nodded. “I am hoping some of them will come and visit.”
“Will you have time for them when they do?” I pressed. “I mean, you have your duties to the Diets, after all.”
“I am certain once our sessions resume, there will be more time for revelry.”
For the next several moments, I half-listened as Karl laid out his plans to introduce new bills for the Diets to consider.
“If you can see that Emperor Franz Joseph has no concern for us, even after the fire incident at the castle, then surely others do, too.”
I did not have to feign ennui anymore; I had to hide it. “I’m sure.”
“He should not be allowed to ignore us,” Karl said, his jaw hardening in anger. “He is supposed to take pride in his empire, and he has not even come to Bohemia for a formal coronation. Don’t you think that the nation feels his neglect? And we still suffer for it, too.”
“But it’s not so bad, is it?” I thought of what I had learned at the Cabal. “The Bohemian Diet remains in power, and the German Diet has allowed us to celebrate our roots to a much more liberal degree of late. The people are more free than ever, and we have hopes for more representation.”
“The German Confederacy has fallen in stature since the time of King Ferdinand,” Karl replied. The bitterness was creeping into his voice as he railed against the established governments. “And the Bohemians should be represented properly with a king, not one of these republics the Americans are celebrating. Look at what that brought them. Only civil war. Millions have died for a republic that will one day fall, too, and all because they could not trust in their leaders.”
“Plenty of kingdoms have experienced that,” I reminded him. “Even King Ferdinand was forced to abdicate because he was unable to lead his people. I do not think you would be able to convince the people that separating Bohemia from the empire would be good for us.”
“They only need a strong leader who is unafraid to stand up for his nation,” Karl said. He tightened his fingers around mine. “Not one like Franz Joseph.”
“What about the people?”
Karl frowned. “I know Empress Elisabeth has made democracy look attractive, but it only leads to mob leadership in the end. And if there is a stalemate, war comes without mercy, Ella.”
“Eleanora, please.”
“Why?”
I blinked. “Why what?”
“Why do you prefer I call you Eleanora?” He frowned, and for the first time, I saw the two little stress lines in the middle of his forehead, as he crinkled his face into an angry, thoughtful expression. “Ella is a perfectly lovely name.”
“I just do,” I said, trying not to grit my teeth. “A name is very important, after all. Ella sounds like a silly girl’s name. Eleanora is my proper name, and propriety is very important, as you well know, sir.”
When his frown only deepened, I tapped my fingers against his arm playfully. “It is no different for you and Bohemia, is it not? You wish to give it a leader and a vision with a good name, so it can have a prosperous future.”
Karl brightened at my comparison. “Yes, I do. I want to make Bohemia a great nation once more. Even if it means breaking free from Austria and Hungary.”
“That would be treason,” I said, exaggerating my shock.
“Treason against slavery,” Karl argued. “Surely you know of the freedom of which I speak.”
I thought of my own freedom from Cecilia. I had wanted that freedom, to determine my own life’s course.
“There is freedom,” I said, “and there are false freedoms, Karl. It is important to know the difference.”
He did not seem to realize I was looking past him, seeing if I could find a glimpse of Ferdy in his gaze.
Karl reached out and took a hold of my other hand. “Which is why I am very glad you are here with me. It is no small task to turn the tide of history, to fundamentally change a nation. A man who wishes to do just that needs a strong woman behind him.”
I did not know what to say to that. I did not think I was that strong, and I knew as a member of the Order, my missions were to be carried out in the shadows.
“Speaking of the country,” Karl said, “there is a special dedication ceremony this week most of the Diet members will be attending. It is at the Nàrodni muzuem.”
“I see. Does this mean the Diets are resuming their sessions?”
“Not quite. There is still a little more time before that. But I would love to have you accompany me to the ceremony.” Karl gave me a smile. “I want to show them a vision of a brighter future.”
“I will be happy to join you,” I said, “but I don’t see what your vision for Bohemia’s future has to do with me.”
“You’re the daughter of Adolf Svoboda, a man who saved King Ferdinand from certain death at a critical time,” Karl said. “You’re beautiful and charming, and everyone here loves you. Just look around at all the people who are watching us.”
I hated that Karl had a point. Society in Prague was small, and many had seemed to approve of me. Or at least, they approved of the picture I made. Between Lady Penelope’s dowry, and my own performance, several spyglasses settled on our theatre box throughout the evening.
“You are the embodiment of everything I could hope for,” Karl said, his voice softening. “A lady who was fashioned from adversity, one who is determined to make her way in the world while making it more blessed along the way. There is nothing that could make Bohemia greater than you.”
I blushed at Karl’s praise, even if it stung. The first time he had wanted me, it was for my money, and now, it was for my influence. He might have liked me enough to believe I wa
s perfect for him, but I almost wished he would just marry Lady Teresa Marie. Her father wanted power and the throne, and it seemed that they were so well-suited to each other in that goal that they would be reasonably happy together—but, I thought, only if they succeeded.
“Thank you, Karl,” I murmured, suddenly desperate to get away. “You must also thank my grandmother. She is my inspiration. She was married to the Duke of Wellington.”
“I know that,” Karl agreed, “but—”
“My goodness. I did not realize until this very moment how thirsty I am. Would you be kind enough to fetch me a glass of lemonade?”
Karl narrowed his eyes at me as he stood up. My attempt to distract him was not smooth, and even he knew I was uncomfortable. “I will alert a footman at once, my lady.”
He knew I was uncomfortable, and he did not like it. I let out a sigh as he walked away, feeling a reprieve for the moment, even as I knew Karl would make me pay for it later. If he wanted me to be his wife, and a perfectly enchanting one for all of Society to see, he would have to find a way to get me to agree with him.
Isn’t it bad enough that he got me to agree to a pending engagement?
The other side of the curtain fluttered, and I heard Karl’s voice rise briefly.
I frowned. What happened?
“Karl?” I called. The music from the stage made it difficult to know if my voice was loud enough for him to hear me. “Is something wrong?”
He had stepped outside the box, out of my sight. I sighed and went after him, hoping I could sneak away with an excuse. Maybe I could tell him that my grandmother had signaled to me from the Taafte’s box—anything that would allow me to escape that conversation.
All of my plans disappeared as I pulled back the curtain.
Karl was standing there, arguing in an angry, hushed voice. His back was turned to me, and I was just about to interrupt him when I saw who he was talking to.
It was Ferdy.
*12*
◊
I never considered myself to be the type of lady who was prone to fainting. After years of serving as Cecilia’s chimney sweep, I was used to more difficult and dangerous situations than the delicate ladies of the city’s social circles, and the idea of fainting at the least provocation was laughable. But at that moment, watching Ferdy as he stood there, I felt my knees wobble, and my heart stop. A lightheaded feeling took over me, and I could not tell if I was dizzy from pain or pleasure, or some heady mix of both.
Ferdy, by contrast, seemed undeniably pleased at the sight of me. He was dressed in his proper gentlemen’s attire, down to the ruffled shirt and the fitted coat, formal enough to make me feel underdressed, even in my elaborate gown. His hair was brushed back properly, and he wore a smug smile on his face. He stood at ease as Karl faced him, meeting his brother eye to eye, deliberately being as provocative as possible. His insufferable self-satisfaction and the resulting anger it stirred inside of me were the only reasons I did not swoon.
“Why do you insist on making things difficult?” Karl’s tone was harsh against the musical background. I might have even felt badly for Ferdy if I did not want to ask him the same thing.
Karl’s authoritarian tone did nothing to deter Ferdy. He heaved a large, dismissive sigh. “Why, brother dear, we only have so much time before I will be on my way back to Silesia. I thought it prudent to spend some time with you. When I found out you had gone to the theatre, I could hardly resist, now could I?”
“Do not call me ‘brother,’” Karl hissed back.
“Oh, would you prefer ‘cousin,’ then? I remember that is how all of your teachers described our relationship back at Oxford, especially as they lectured me on dishonoring my family’s heritage and denigrating its obvious potential.”
“It is not my fault you insisted on wasting your years of education causing nothing but trouble for your headmasters.”
“A man is not a true leader unless he can get others to follow him,” Ferdy replied. Then he glanced over at me, and it was then that I realized my mouth had dropped open in surprise and outrage. My heart raced with fear and a sudden desire for revenge. “Isn’t that right, Ella?”
Karl whirled around. I heard him inhale sharply as he caught sight of me.
I froze. Why is Ferdy jeopardizing himself, and me, too?
Did he hate me that much? Was this revenge for Ben’s attack?
“Eleanora,” Karl said. “I must beg your pardon. Please, do not concern yourself with ... this unfortunate interruption to our evening.”
Ferdy rolled his eyes at Karl’s attempt to dismiss him. My own anger flared again, but my curiosity compelled me to speak up. “What is going on?”
Karl scowled. “Nothing.”
I arched my brow at Karl, silently attempting to remind him he had promised not to lie to me.
While I could not tell if he was able to decipher my thoughts, Karl relented a moment later. “Fine. May I introduce you to my brother, Ferdinand? He has decided to grace us with his presence. Much to my dismay, of course.”
Ferdy stepped around Karl swiftly, knocking him out of my direct path. Ferdy reached for my hand and kissed it gallantly, letting his fingers slip into mine.
I was unable to stop the flush on my cheeks, remembering our more intimate kisses. An unstoppable wave of longing flooded through me.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Eleanora,” Ferdy said. “You must be the one that my brother calls ‘Ella,’ even though it is more of a name for a silly girl, don’t you think?”
All my embarrassment transmuted into rage.
So, he has been listening to us, waiting to make a move.
My fingers gripped his in warning. I knew Ferdy loved to play games and take risks, but I was in no mood to join in on his fun.
“A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Marcelin,” I said through gritted teeth. “Karl has told me much about you.”
“I can assure you all of it is true, even the worst of it. Karl would never lie to you, my lady. I doubt you would allow him, either. You are clearly as smart, charming, and beautiful as he says.” Ferdy’s voice dropped to a softer, more seductive tone. “Even without the introduction, I recognized you.”
At his tender, familiar words, I dropped my hand from his, breathless at the wound as much as I was with wanting.
“When exactly are you leaving to go back to Silesia, Ferdinand?” Karl asked. “I would hate for you to miss Eleanora and I announcing our engagement.”
I did not want to look at Ferdy in that moment; I forced myself to remain still. I tried to let him know it was part of the game, but I saw the pain flicker across his face.
“So good to know that Lord Maximillian has allowed you to step out of your previous arrangement with his daughter, brother dear,” Ferdy said, recovering quickly. “I assume he has made other plans, too?”
“Who told you about that?” Karl scowled before he stood tall. “And why would you even care? Are you looking for a bride yourself?”
“I’m sure it would be something to consider, even though you know I am a dedicated bachelor.” Ferdy’s smile went cold as he looked at me. “I would not want a wife to worry while I make my rounds about the city, looking for all sorts of lively entertainment. And I am sure Ella here would not want to be such a wife, either.”
“I’m sure your wife would search the streets just to make sure you were safe,” I retorted. “Not that you would ever know of her sacrifice.”
He arched his brow playfully. “It is almost worth kidnapping Karl, just to see if you would come after him.”
“From what I have heard of you, it is better that I not come if he was with you. I shudder to think of where he would end up with you at his side,” I snapped.
Karl cleared his throat. “I believe it is time to end this conversation. Ferdinand, please, you are causing Eleanora undue duress with your ... impropriety.”
Karl was right about that, even if his reasoning was wrong.
“Elea
nora, let us return to enjoying the concert, if you please,” Karl said.
As much as Ferdy was upsetting me, I felt everything inside of me call out to him as I was forced to retreat. The past weeks’ worth of missing him broke through me, and I could only look over my shoulder at him as Karl pushed the curtain aside.
Karl turned back to face Ferdy. “I trust you will find someone else to bother? Ella and I are presently occupied.”
“Eleanora,” I whispered.
Karl halted his departure to glare at me, and I flinched at his impatient frustration. “My apologies, my lady.”
Ferdy cleared his throat. When we looked back at him, I saw he had finally stopped smiling.
“I will be leaving for Silesia in the morning, Karl,” Ferdy said. “It appears you will be in better company until then.”
“Allow me to extend my heartfelt wishes for a safe journey.” Karl held out his hand, solemn but still disdainful. “The Diets resume their sessions this week, and I have other commitments. I regret I will be unlikely to meet with you before your departure.”
“Unwilling, or unlikely?” Ferdy stepped forward and shook Karl’s hand, though there was no evidence of brotherly affection or goodwill between them. “Never mind. Farewell, brother.”
At his taunting, Karl swung around, angry, and brushed past me. Ferdy gave me one last look, nodding down the hall; it was a signal of sorts, letting me know he wanted me to find a way to follow him before he disappeared into the crowds.
It took everything I had not to run after him at that moment—I could not honestly say if I wanted to kiss him or strangle him more—but I knew I had to see to Karl first.
I headed back over to my seat next to Karl.
“Well, you were obviously correct. It was a waste of time to meet your brother,” I said, forcing myself to say something. I knew he would like the reassurance I was not enchanted by Ferdy, and that I was on his side.
“I call him my cousin to help with the embarrassment,” Karl admitted. “I do not know how we are brothers at all.”
“Of course. You care about Bohemia’s future, and he only cares if he is having fun.”
Prince of Secrets and Shadows Page 15