Chapter One
Ella was pacing the library, repeating a vocabulary list of Bergian street slang Sir Markan had left her to memorize, when Fershim appeared in the doorway. “Excuse me Miss Ella, but a boy just arrived bearing the message “Prepare a room for guests”. I thought perhaps you might like to be informed”. Ella bowed her head slightly in acknowledgement, hiding the sudden increase in her pulse well. You never knew who was watching, and although she had only three years of travel with her father to compare to Fershim’s twenty, she had learned early how to keep a air of calm under the most trying circumstances. Sir Markan was bringing someone important back, probably someone he needed to hide. Ella suddenly wondered if her assigned street slang was more than just a casual review. She looked over the list again, and was only half through when the door opened and Sir Markan himself entered, followed by a boy about her own age with dark black hair and eyes, an older gentleman, and Fershim. “Cinder, get ready and be back here in five minutes” Sir Markan said curtly. Ella nodded, and sped up the stairs to her room. Father calling her “Cinder” could only mean one thing. She would be climbing the chimney again. When Ella had begun travelling with her father, he had instantly come up with the idea of using her as a chimney sweep. It was a clever way of hiding objects, or people, that he didn’t want found. Ella didn’t love the job, but she would do anything to avoid being sent back to the boarding school she had stayed in briefly after her mother’s death. Although it wasn’t always pleasant, the excitement and camaraderie she felt travelling with Father and Fershim made up for the occasional soot bath or hurried flight in the middle of the night. Completing the change from her elegant dress to a raggedy pair of pants and a soot covered shirt, she swept her pale blond hair carefully up into a similarly sooty cap. Lastly, she removed a small bag from her dresser, smeared any visible skin liberally with soot, then returned hastily to the study.
Sir Markan and Fershim had been busy while she was changing. Gone were the elegant coats and neck clothes of the two strangers and the older gentleman was nearly unrecognizable as he stood hunched over a chimney brush with a gentle dusting of soot over him. “You know what to do Cinder?” Father said, smiling a little at her disheveled appearance. “Yes Father” She replied. “Good, this gentleman here is to be your master. The young gentleman will proceed you up the chimney. You must be sure that no one finds him up there.” Ella nodded. “Ever climbed a chimney?” she asked the young man. “No.” he responded, a hint of tenseness in his voice. “Well, best take your shoes off, it’s better to go barefoot” she said. He removed them. “You’re lucky, this chimney is a large one with rungs part way. Just keep climbing until it juts to the right, then stay there” Ella advised as they stepped into the fireplace and began climbing.
They hadn’t got far when Ella heard muffled voices and then the sound of several people entering the room. “See, I told you, there’s no one here but the sweeps!” Father said loudly. “And why, after being forced out of my study for these dirty sweeps I must now be further inconvenienced by a raid from the emperor’s guards I have no idea! Your captain will hear about this!” Father shouted in perfect Bergian. “My most sincere apologies.” a new voice said nervously but resolutely. “But we have orders to search all houses in this area.” “Well, clearly there is no stopping you, so just hurry it up please” Father said angrily. There was a pause while the guards searched about the room. “Now then” the guard said, very muffled now “I’ll have to inspect the chimney as well” “What! Can’t you see they are busy there? I won’t have you slowing the down! Am I never to have peace?” Sir Markan protested. “We won’t be long. Call the sweep down.” “Very well. Call your brat down you fool!” Father barked at the older gentleman posing as the head sweep. Suddenly the older gentleman’s face appeared beneath Ella. “Boy!” He said in a loud, hoarse voice. Ella noted with relief that the young man had safely disappeared onto the ledge as another face appeared, clearly that of the guard. “I ain’t finish yet!” Ella hollered down in her street Bergian. “Don’t matter, get down!” shouted the old man, jabbing the brush up at her and sending soot swirling in into the guard’s face. “Hi there, watch it!” the guard complained, and removed his head just in time to avoid another pile of soot dislodged by Ella’s descent.
As Ella emerged from the chimney, the guard inspected her narrowly. Luckily Ella was small for her twelve years, and even more so in comparison to the young man’s larger build. Still, the guard seemed hesitant, so Ella broke into speech. “Now what you have to call me down for? You ever climb chimney? It no palace ball like you’s used to I’m sure. Hows you go climbing, and tell if you’d like do same chimney twice! The gall of somes!” Ella had plenty more along this line but the guard, who had initially startled at her volubility, now broke in. “All right, all right. You sure there’s no one else up there?” “Why don’t you take look yourself!” Ella retorted “You be right at home there!” The guard snarled at this, and stepped forward angrily, but Ella darted back into the fireplace and up the chimney. “Come, why don’t you!” she hurled down at him, scampering up the flue. The guard said something in Bergian Ella didn’t understand. Apparently Sir Markan had left curses out of her vocabulary. How he determined that those were inappropriate but having her climb a chimney in boys clothes was perfectly acceptable, Ella would never understand. It was all of a piece with involving her in his wild schemes but never really explaining them, since he apparently believed she would be safer in ignorance. Ella shook her head. Father was a genius, but his mind did not work like most.
But as usual, his plan was succeeding. Ella could hear the guard apologizing as he prepared to leave. Ella and the young man stayed silently in place for several moments after the guard left, but after a while Ella got bored and after climbing a little closer to the young man, struck up a conversation with him. They managed to share their views on Bergia’s climate, what points they favored in a good horse, and their favorite novel, before Sir Markan finally returned. “All right Cinder, you can come down now” he said. Ella checked that the young man was not stuck, and then they both descended back to the study. “Well done everyone, I think that threw them for the moment anyway. Cinder, you may get cleaned up now.” Father said, dismissing her. Ella nodded and turned to go. “How can we ever thank you! It was the greatest luck that you were there!” the older man said. “Luck? My dear sir, you discredit me. Although at this moment it only applies indirectly, it is well known that ‘The Markans are always at their King’s side.’” Father said. Ella, still within earshot, smiled wearily at once again hearing the family motto that drove her father from place to place and had sent her up more “chimneys”, whether literal or figurative, than she cared to remember.
Chapter Two
Ella was finishing a late breakfast in her godmother Lady Aurelia’s elegant breakfast parlor when Fershim appeared through the south doorway. No longer a young man, Fershim had elected to leave Sir Markan’s employ and instead follow Ella as she spent several months travelling as companion to Lady Aurelia. Lady Aurelia’s husband was an ambassador and was frequently sent to the neighboring countries on diplomatic business. As they had no children of their own, they had a great fondness for Ella and so had begged for her to come keep Lady Aurelia company on their next tour of foreign climes. Sir Markan had thought the experience in high political circles would be good for her, considering it the last piece missing in a training program that included everything from marksmanship to how to properly prepare tea. Ella wasn’t sure whether Lady Aurelia had been happier to see her or Fershim when they had arrived, but Ella was glad he had chosen to follow her. He felt more like family than a servant, although he always maintained the proprieties despite having practically raised her. “Good morning Fershim” Ella said, smiling at him. “Good morning Miss Ella, if you will excuse me, it appears that a certain lady has called here several times in your absence, saying it is of great urgency that she speak to you. She returned again this morning, accompanied by two young ladies of about your own age and a much younger lady, and though I told her that you returned late last night and were not yet receiving visitors, she insisted I ask you. If you wish I will have them sent away directly” “Did she give her name?” Ella asked, scanning her brain to think of who could need to see her so urgently in Duren. She hadn’t been home to the capitol in nearly two years now, between being abroad with Sir Markan and then the last six months with Lady Aurelia . “Well, miss, she said that it was Lady Markan…” Fershim trailed off. Ella glanced up quickly, meeting Fershim’s gaze for just a moment before he transferred his to an impersonal study of the ceiling. “Lady Markan…” Ella repeated, then trailed off as well. Her mother had been dead nearly eleven years now, so if this truly was Lady Markan, it could only mean--Ella broke off her thoughts hastily and said “Tell her I will be down to see her in a moment”.
Ella entered the drawing room where Fershim had left her visitors to wait. At her appearance a small, well dressed woman, middle aged but still possessing an unusual degree of beauty, stood up. Oh dear, she is exactly Sir Markan’s type! Ella thought, smiling at her. “Good morning, I am so sorry to have kept you waiting. Fershim tells me you are Lady Markan?” Ella said, as she observed the other three women in the room. The two older girls were dark, where Lady Markan was fair, but other than that they had inherited all of her beauty. Twins, Ella thought, taking in their elegant figures nicely dressed in the current fashions. The younger girl was fair like her mother, and also promised to be a lovely girl. “I, I”, the lady fluttered, gazing anxiously at Ella. Something about Ella seemed to set her at ease, and she continued “Yes. That is, Sir Markan and I were married three months ago, in Panize. And these are my two eldest daughters, Ana and Sana, and my youngest, Lena.” she explained, her faint Panize accent lending credence to this somewhat wild story. Father was going to Panize when Ella had left him to travel with Lady Aurelia, but that was common knowledge as he was on a purely diplomatic mission, no undercover work. Ella considered the situation carefully as she curtsied graciously to the four women. Plausible it might be, but almost all deceptions were. She needed more proof.
“I am sure it must be hard to believe, it happened so quickly” the woman continued, seeming to read her mind. “But we were so happy! And Sir Markan promised me he would bring me to his home and introduce us to you properly as soon as his work in Panize was complete!” “I am sure he did” Ella said, sympathetically. The poor woman looked so distraught, she felt she needed to comfort her. “Where, if you don’t mind my asking, is my father now?” The woman’s eyes opened even wider, “You don’t know? Oh, oh dear. What will we do now?” tears sprang into her eyes. Ana or Sana (Ella wasn’t quite sure which was which) had been standing slightly behind her mother through all this, and now stepped forward and took her hand comfortingly, while the others looked hopelessly at Ella. “Well, considering he didn’t bother to let me know of his marriage, that shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. I realize your courtship was brief, but it should be obvious that Sir Markan only communicates what he feels absolutely necessary. Please won’t you all be seated, then perhaps we may get to the bottom of this. Am I to understand that Sir Markan left you while you were still in Panize?” “Yes” said the woman, controlling herself with an effort “I awoke one morning and he was gone, with no word of explanation at all, just this note.” she pulled out a folded paper and held it out to Ella. Ella took it, and read the following in her father’s characteristic hand:
Sorry to leave you dear. Take this note to Ella, she is with Lady Aurelia in Duren. She will get you set up at Markan Manor. Cinder will know where to find me if necessary.
Markan
Under his name Sir Markan had stamped the curious seal he wore as a signet ring. Featuring an intricate engraving of the family crest and the words “At the King’s side” carved along the outer rim, it was his way of ensuring that his signature was not forged. There was no doubt then. Father had remarried at last, but how did he expect her to establish them at Markan Manor? The place had been closed up since the summer Ella’s mother died. It would take weeks of work to get it livable. As usual, father appeared to have left the mundane details for other minds. Ella sighed faintly. “Well, that seems pretty clear, then doesn’t it? I am sorry I was not here when you arrived from Panize, but I shall do my best to get Markan Manor prepared for you.” “Oh, thank you!” Lady Markan smiled gratefully. “You see, Sir Markan gave me leave to draw whatever I needed from an account at his bank, but, you see, I have no head for these type of things, and there seems to be some sort of confusion at the bank. A kind gentleman there tried to explain, but I am afraid none of us quite understood. Perhaps you could speak with him? All my attempts to reach Sir Markan have failed and I’m afraid I don’t understand that last bit about Cinder... ” She said, gazing trustfully up at Ella. Ella forced herself to smile, feeling a sense of boredom creeping over her already. Despite bringing his own daughter up much like he would have raised a son, Father’s personal taste in women had always been for the frail clingy type, and Ella had never met any of his many flirts with out almost immediately growing bored. Well, at least she did not seem to be a hoax, and once established at Markan it was unlikely Ella would be required to spend much time in her company. “I will go visit the bank immediately. Where are you staying? If it is convenient for you I will come visit you as soon as I have arranged things and we can make our plans for retiring to Markan.” “Oh, thank you so much. You have no idea what a relief it is to have found you at last” Lady Markan said, giving Ella their address. All then curtsied again, and the four women left.
Chapter Three
Ella stared across the desk in front of her at the head banker, a slight frown crossing her brows. “Then there is no way to access the money in the main account without my father’s ring or him personally coming to the bank?” “I am afraid not. Those are the terms he set for transferring funds to the household account that you have access to.” The banker said apologetically. “The only other way of course would be to either prove his death, or have him fail to appear or contact us for seven years, at which point we could consider him legally dead.” “Seven years” Ella said, standing up. “I hope it doesn’t come to that. Thank you very much for your time.” “Of course” he murmured, standing as well and escorting her to the door.
Ella thought hard as she was driven back to Lady Aurelia’s. Of all the ridiculous mix ups. The worst of it was that Father seemed to think she would easily be able to find him in if she ever got in a fix like this. That must be why he had not checked the account levels, although it wasn’t something he was likely to think about either way. Ella had always managed the household money as soon as she was old enough to do so, and had merely requested additional funds when needed. Sir Markan had handled the actual transfers, which was why Ella had not known about the need for his seal. Ella had left the account balance low while she traveled with Lady Aurelia, and since Lady Markan had drawn on it to cover their travel expenses apparently the money was gone. What were they to do? Lady Aurelia was already packing for her next trip and Ella could not bother her with this trouble, let alone thrust a whole family of helpless females on her charity. She could borrow some money on Sir Markan’s name… No, father would never forgive her. “The debtor is a slave” was almost as much a family motto as “By the king’s side”. And what if her father really was dead? She would have no way of paying off the debt unless certain proof of his death was given. That was highly unlikely in the type of work he engaged in. No one even knew where he was, so how would they know he was dead? No, they would have to find some other way to get by until Ella could find her father and get his seal. She had a few jewels she could sell, perhaps that would be enough.
Ella was still pondering this state of affairs when her carriage pulled up outside Lady Aurelia’s home, which was bustling with preparations for the approaching trip. Although they had only returned the previous day, they had already received a request for her husband Sir Egbert’s speedy departure to another embassy, and so the house was in uproar. Ella walked in to find a hassled Lady Aurelia saying goodbye to a plump but fabulously dressed woman that Ella did not recognize. “Who was that?” Ella asked as the door closed behind the guest. “Oh dear, it was Lady Erlet, my sister in law. She heard we were in town and came to pay a call. They are about to retire to the country for the summer and she is searching for a new governess. I tried to hint that I have no time to think of governesses right now, but she would rattle on. Dear, dear, I am so behind. I wish I didn’t have to leave you so suddenly, but of course you will be busy getting your new mother settled in and such. I shall miss you sorely, but you must come back to me when we return, if Lady Markan doesn’t need you”. Lady Aurelia said, as she sped about overseeing the packing. “Yes”, Ella said absently, an idea coming suddenly to her mind.
Some time later, Ella left Lady Aurelia’s yet again, dressed in a conservative, plain dress not in keeping with her normal fashion. After finding a closed carriage she directed it to an address two blocks away from the home Lady Aurelia’s sister in law. On the way she quickly drew up her hair in a tight bun and donned a pair of thick glass spectacles. Using a small mirror, she carefully applied a large false mole to the right side of her chin just as the carriage pulled to a halt. Satisfied with her appearance, she dismounted and walked the remaining distance and up a few short steps to the house in question. A few minutes later she descended the steps, a slight smile on her lips. She had informed Lady Erlet that she was a school friend of Lady Aurelia’s goddaughter Ella Markan. Having heard through Ella of their need for a governess, she had come to apply. Seeing as she was a master of several languages, history, and the piano forte, and with a reference of Ella Markan, she was instantly hired with the expectation that she would start as soon as possible.
With a plan now in place Ella was able to meet her new stepmother and stepsisters with something approaching cheerfulness. They were at first dismayed to hear that Ella was unable to access her father’s money, but they cheered up when they heard she had found a means of support. Lady Markan was also greatly opposed to borrowing funds to support themselves, as her first husband had left behind enormous debts at his death, and nothing could have been more unpleasant than dealing with his creditors. It was only thanks to Sir Markan that she had survived at all. From this conversation Ella learned that although they had been used to living quite elegantly, they had no resources of their own to draw from. They also appeared to have no useful skills for their current situation either, for though they professed their willingness to do anything necessary, neither the mother or the daughters were qualified for any position worth considering. Returning to Lady Aurelia’s, Ella informed her and Fershim that she was taking Lady Markan into the country for a few days and would contact them when they returned from their journey. Fershim was not happy about this, but Ella could see no way of bringing him, not to mention the fact that Lady Aurelia was now completely dependent on him to care for her household.
And so the following day Ella set out with the Erlets, who she would be living with. Lady Markan and her daughters followed close behind, and it was not long before they were settled in a small cottage Ella found for them near the Erlet’s manor. Helpless though they might be, Lady Markan and her daughters were eager learners, and Ella found herself liking them despite their silliness. Ana and Sana were as sweet as they were beautiful, and Lena had almost instantly adopted Ella as her hero. Ella found her admiration a little embarrassing, but her high spirits and sense of humor were a refreshing change from the often insipid conversation of the older women. Ella actually began looking forward to her occasional days off, even though she spent them working herself to exhaustion in an attempt to help them as they tried to cope with keeping their own house. “It is a pity money is so scarce” Ella said to Lady Markan one day as she attempted to clean out a scorched stew pot. “For if we could just introduce Ana and Sana to the right circles I am sure they would have numberless wealthy suitors, and we could have you all much more comfortably settled.” “Yes, indeed, I had great hopes for them, and of course you must command the admiration of any man, although I admit that they might find the mole a bit daunting…” She broke off. Ella laughed at this and said “Yes but I must not be recognized you know. It is unlikely, since we were abroad so much I only know a few people here in Duren but still, it can’t get about that Sir Markan’s daughter is working as a governess.” “Well, hopefully it will not be for much longer. We must not give up on your dear father returning.” Lady Markan said wistfully. Ella remained silent. She had tried every means she could think of to discover where her father could have disappeared to, but with no success. She had even gone through all of Lady Markan’s possessions in the hopes that her father had given her the ring in some secretive fashion. But if it was there he had hidden it a little too well. Ella resigned herself to waiting for some sort of news of him.
Indeed life as a governess was not all bad. Ella liked her charges, three energetic young children ranging from twelve years to five, and her mistress was quite kind. But after years of near constant adventure and the best society, Ella found life in the nursery a bit dull, and admitted to herself that she did not think she could long be happy in her current position. It was on a particularly hot day when the children were nearly bored to distraction that Ella hit on the idea of taking them to explore the ruins of an old castle located near the manor. Lady Erlet granted her permission, and it was not long before three excited children set forth with Ella in one of the family’s open carriages. Arriving at the ruins they discovered them to be no more than an old foundation of crumbling stones, and Ella thought they would soon be bored again. However, the coachman had beguiled the drive there by telling the children rumors of tunnels from the old castle to the village, long lost in the passage of time. The result of this being that the children were certain that they could find them, and set off on the search with enthusiasm. Ella helped for a few moments before finding a comfortable stone to sit on and observe as they ran about tapping stones and digging for hidden entrances.They were still happily employed in this venture when two riders approached the ruins. The first was a dark haired gentleman, the other was a girl about fourteen years old. They paused when they reached Ella’s group, and the young man spoke. “Good afternoon! I think we must be neighbors. I am Charles and this is my sister Jenny.” “Good afternoon!” Ella responded. She had stood up when they approached, and made a small curtsy. “These are Lord Erlet’s children, Fanny, Tomas, and Sally, and I am their governess, Miss Sinder” she said. “Pleasure to meet you.” he replied. “We are leasing Lakewood Manor for a fortnight while its owners are gone.” “We are searching for secret tunnels!” Thomas broke in excitedly before Ella had a chance to respond. Jenny’s eyes lit up at this, and she glanced briefly at her brother, who nodded. They both dismounted, and soon Jenny was as involved in the search as the other children. Charles, after watching their antics for a moment, sat down on a rock by Ella. They soon fell into conversation, and Ella learned that Charles was employed as a sort of man of all work at the palace, but that he was on a brief holiday. Ella, admiring his mount, asked him a few questions about it, and soon they were embarked in a discussion ranging from horses to political relations with foreign nations, and a good deal in between. Their discussion was interrupted at last by Sally, who having tripped and skinned her knee quite badly, required a good deal of consoling. This brought Ella to a realization of the time, and the two groups parted ways with a promise of meeting again the following day to continue the search.
Chapter Four
Over a week passed in this way, with the Erlets and Ella meeting with Charles and Jenny nearly every day. Ella found herself looking forward to her conversations with Charles. At first she thought it was just a nice change of pace from the children, but she had to admit after several days that there was more to it than that. She had never met anyone she could talk to so easily, and on such a variety of topics. She also could not get over the feeling that she had seen him before. She sent her mind roving through the numberless people she had met in her travels with her father, but she couldn’t quite place him. She didn’t want to mention it since it was unlikely he would claim a governess in his acquaintance, but she could not stop pondering it. So it surprised her one day when Charles mentioned it himself. “Are you sure we have not met before?” he asked suddenly as they were silently observing a rollicking game of tag that had taken over the now half-hearted search for tunnels. “I could have sworn I have met you somewhere. Were you ever in the capital?” Ella said she had only been there briefly, which was mostly true. “Hmm, it’s very odd. Oh well, it will come to me eventually I’m sure. I’m afraid my sister and I must return home tomorrow, so this will have to be our last time participating in “The Search” as Jenny calls it. I have enjoyed our conversations, I hope some day you will come to the capital, your mind is wasted out here in this position. You would make a fine addition to the king’s court!” Ella laughed, but found herself unaccountably blushing. “Oh, I don’t mean to stay here forever. Perhaps some day I shall marry the prince, and use my vast knowledge to rule the country.” she said jokingly, to hide her embarrassment. He startled slightly, then laughed. “You have heard of the prince’s ball then? Perhaps I will see you there!” he said, looking hopeful. Ella laughed, “Have I heard of it? Nothing else is talked of these days! But you cannot think a mere governess is invited. I will be required to stay with the children while Lord and Lady Erlet attend.” “Oh” he said, his face falling. “I had forgotten that. You are not like most governesses you know.” There was a pause, which he finally broke, saying “Well, I am afraid we must be going. Thank you for many enjoyable conversations. I trust we shall meet again when you are queen.” Ella smiled at this and returned his thanks, and they parted.
The next day Ella noticed a distinct feeling of sadness to think she would not be enjoying a visit with Charles, but she pushed these emotions aside. She had other things to worry about. Her father had still not made an appearance. Ella tried not to be too concerned, although it was unlike him to vanish for so long without any word at all. Instead she spent her energy thinking of alternative methods for improving their circumstances, for although they weren’t starving, things were far from comfortable. Her pay was generous, but when stretched to support her and four others, it was barely enough to cover the essentials, let alone such comforts as a maid and a cook. Her stepmother and sisters were coping the best they could, but without Ella’s occasional visits to help them with cleaning and cooking she didn’t think they would have survived. Things only got worse when Lena became suddenly ill, and there were several days where it was touch and go whether she would live, being taken by a severe fever. She did make a partial recovery, but the doctor said she was unlikely to get her full strength back unless she was well nursed and fed expensive, nourishing foods that were far outside what they could currently afford. Ella had not realized how fond she had become of her step family until Lena’s illness, and now she could think of nothing but how to extricate them from their circumstances. Lady Aurelia was still away, or Ella would probably have broken down and applied to her, for Lena’s sake. But that was not an option, and Lady Erlet had made it clear that although she pitied the family, she was not about to take them under her wing.
And so Ella had decided that the best way out of it was to have her sisters attend the much anticipated ball. It was tradition for a ball to be held at the palace for the prince’s twenty sixth birthday, as that was also the age he was required to marry and take the crown. Current gossip held that he would choose his bride that night at the ball, and that he had insisted on making the ball a masquerade, presumably to help him meet the guests without bias towards rank or wealth. So although the twins would not be the most eligible girls there, they still had a chance, and Ella had no doubt they would meet many other eligible suitors as well. Ella’s stepsisters could talk of nothing else, and even Lady Erlet, with no eligible daughters to present there, was in raptures over it. It was the ideal opportunity, the only challenge was finding the money for new dresses and the cost of staying in the capitol. Lady Markan had a gown of her own, but as the girls had not come out yet when they arrived in Duren, they had nothing appropriate. Ella quickly resolved this issue, as she just chanced to have two ball gowns recently purchased on her travels with Lady Aurelia, who had incredible taste. Ella was generally considered a slender, medium build, but her tiny step sisters made her look large in comparison, so they would have to take the dresses in to fit them. When she presented this idea they at first refused it, saying they could not bear to tear up her beautiful gowns, but Ella insisted, and soon discovered that all three were quite skilled needlewomen. In a short amount of time they had the dresses ready, and Ella could not but admire their work. There would be nothing to be ashamed of in the girls appearance at least. The problem of paying for their trip she resolved by selling a small bracelet still left over from her jewels.
And so at length the week of the ball arrived. Ella worked furiously leading up to it, helping both Lady Erlet and the Markans prepare and set out. When at last everyone was on their way, Ella fell exhausted into bed. However, despite her best attempts she was unable to sleep. Her disappointment at not attending the ball herself, which she had kept suppressed to spare her sisters any more guilt than they already felt, would be restrained no longer. She told herself she was just missing the life she had had before the sudden change in their fortunes, but in her heart she knew it wasn’t that, at least not completely. It was the thought that she might have seen Charles there. No matter how hard she had tried, she had not been able to rid her mind of him. There was no doubt he would be at the ball the following day... Would he look for her, despite her assurance of not being invited? Ella’s mind leapt from there to the oft considered problem of where she had seen him before. Nowhere recently or she would have thought of it by now... it must have been some time earlier. Ella reflected on her travels, mind jumping from one crazy escapade to another. Suddenly she paused, a memory rising to her mind. Bergstad. That large chimney with the rungs and the dark haired boy! Of course! She had only had a brief glimpse of him before he had been covered in soot, but suddenly Ella was sure. His voice and mannerisms were too similar to be coincidence. Ella replayed the scene in her mind, up until her she left the room as her father said “The Markans may always be found at the king’s side”. At that she sat up suddenly, comprehension flooding her mind. “At the king’s side!” Her father would always be by the king, at least any time that mattered! That meant he would be at the ball! He would have to be. Probably in disguise, tracking some spy or traitor or possibly just keeping an overly zealous ambassador under control, but he would be there. Ella had to get to the ball. If she could find him and get the ring from him, or even just his seal on a transfer of funds, all their troubles would be at an end.
Hurriedly climbing out of bed, Ella dressed in a pair of riding breeches and coat that she kept hidden in her closet. Years travelling with her father had taught her that you never knew when these things would come in handy. Stuffing her hair up under a hat, she scribbled a note to the children’s nurse and one for Lady Erlet, explaining that she had to leave hurriedly on a family emergency. Slipping down to the stables she quietly harnessed up Pumpkin, the old horse she had been allowed to ride occasionally when the need had arisen, and hoping that the Erlets would forgive her and thanking providence for the full moon out, she set out for the capitol.
Chapter Five
Ella arrived in the city just as the sun was finally rising over the mountains to the East. Slowly guiding her horse over the cobbled streets, she made her way to Lady Aurelia’s house, hoping against hope that they had returned in time for the ball. If not, Ella was not sure how she was going to pull off her plans. Knocking on the door, she was admitted after some time by a sleepy looking Fershim. “May I assist you?” He asked coldly, glancing at her disheveled appearance with some disdain. “Fershim, it’s me, Ella.” She said. She had left the glasses she had worn for so many weeks behind, but she had forgotten about her mole, which she now pulled off gently before loosing her hair from its cap. Fershim had startled at her announcement, then said “I must be getting old Miss, to have not recognized you. What ever are you doing in those clothes? I thought--!” Fershim broke off suddenly, recollecting his position. “It’s a long story Fershim, as always. Is Lady Aurelia back in town?” “Yes Miss, she returned two days ago.” “Good, I must speak with her. I know it is early but time is of the essence” “I will see what I can do miss. In the meantime, perhaps you would like to retire to the blue room, you may freshen up there while you wait.” “Thank you Fershim, that would be wonderful”. Ella said gratefully.
A short while later Ella was seated in Lady Aurelia’s dressing room, nibbling some toast that Fershim had thoughtfully had sent up to her and pouring into her godmother’s ears the story of the last few hours. “So it is imperative that I be at the ball. But, dearest godmother, and this is where I depend wholly on your abilities, I have nothing to wear! I used the few dresses I had with me for those poor girls!” Lady Aurelia, still grumpy from being roused from her sleep, burst in at this. “And what exactly you expect me to do I have no notion! I’m not your fairy godmother you know! Most girls have been working on their dresses for weeks! And you want me to produce one for you in a day?! Why did you not tell me what a fix you were in? You just disappeared and I had no idea what had happened to you. I could have helped you--” Ella interrupted “You think I would really thrust myself and four helpless women on you, right as you were setting off for Goar? Sir Markan raised me better than that.” “That man!” Lady Aurelia said disgustedly. “I told your mother she was a fool to marry him. But I know you won’t hear anything against him, and I still don’t know how you expect me to provide you with full ball regalia by tonight!” Ella laughed. “Now, now, you can’t fool me. You probably have a gown already in mind. You’ve never once passed up a chance to dress me up for some fancy occasion or another.” Lady Aurelia laughed “You know me too well my dear. There is one dress that I found in Lellse that I thought would be perfect for you. It looks passable on me, but your coloring would be unbelievable with it. Good thing we are much the same size. I will send the footman to summon my seamstress immediately. We may be able to work some magic for you after all my dear. You’ll need a mask, it’s a masquerade you know, and your hair, we must have something for that. What do I have that would suit you…” She trailed off, wandering abstractedly to her closets while muttering about hairpieces and hoydenish goddaughters.
Ella spent the next few hours interspersing naps with fittings, as her godmother and several maids and seamstresses worked frantically to prepare her dress. It was a beautiful creation of pale blue satin and tulle. When paired with Ella’s fair hair and sky blue eyes it was stunning. “You know, you may be a fairy after all.” Ella said as she stood admiring the nearly completed gown late in the afternoon. “Fiddle” said Lady Aurelia. “I cannot believe we were able to pull this off. But my dear, what will we do about your shoes? You know you cannot wear my size. I tried to find a cobbler but everyone is closed today for the ball, and you cannot expect to go in those horrid boots you wore here!” Ella pondered for a moment, then said “With the length of this skirt and the layers, you cannot see my feet anyway. I shall go barefoot. I prefer it anyway you know.” “Barefoot!” Lady Aurelia exclaimed in horrified accents. “You couldn’t!” “Why not? I don’t intend to dance. I am going to find father, not meet the prince. Besides, no one will ever know, and even if they did find out I don’t intend to reveal my identity, so my disgrace will quickly be forgotten in anonymity.” Lady Aurelia continued to protest, until finally Ella agreed to force her feet into a pair of old slippers that had always been too large for Lady Aurelia. They were too small for Ella, but they went on, and they stopped her godmother’s protests.
When the hour of the ball arrived everything was ready. Ella set out alone in a carriage Lady Aurelia had ordered for her, since Ella had refused to travel together on the grounds that it would destroy her anonymity. She felt somewhat foolish taking a carriage at all, since Lady Aurelia’s lived within a short walk of the palace, but no one walked to a ball, and so the carriage it was.
Arriving at the palace, Ella put on her mask and hesitated just a moment before quickly slipping off the shoes her aunt had lent her. Her feet were already aching, there was no way that she would survive a ball in them. She then stepped carefully out of the carriage. The palace was beautiful; brightly lit and swirling with gorgeously dressed men and women. Ella faltered a little on seeing the crowds, realizing the chances of finding her father here in this swarm of masked people were slim. But she had to try. Circling through the various rooms, Ella soon spotted her step sisters and mother. Watching them for a moment, she was happy to see they were never without partners for the dances. At the midnight unmasking they would be sure to receive numerous invitations for future parties. At least that part was working out. And they were not the only ones kept busy dancing. Ella found herself having to turn down more invitations to dance then she could count. Her godmother had dressed her a little too well apparently, as she was attracting more attention than she would have liked. She did dance briefly with a few older gentleman, hoping to possibly find her father that way, but soon gave it up as a waste of precious time. Yet despite her careful searching, hours went by and there was no sign of her father. At first she had thought to find the king and prince, as surely her father would be close by. But he was not part of the crowd surrounding the king, and the prince was no where to be found. Rumor was that he had put on a mask as well, and was mixing with the crowds in secret.
Eventually, overheated and exhausted, she slipped out through some large doors to a small garden terrace that looked out at the palace gates and the city. Sitting down on a bench she decided to take a moment to rest while she pondered what to try next. No sooner had she placed her aching feet in the cool dewy grass next to her bench than another door in a far wall of the terrace opened slightly and a young man stepped out. Seeing her seated on the bench, he bowed and moved towards her. “I did not realize anyone else would be out here. Do you mind if I join you for a moment?” he asked politely. Ella nodded in consent saying “I am not sure I should be out here, it was just so hot in there I felt I must escape for a moment.” “I understand the feeling.” he said “I just arrived, having been slightly delayed, but already I felt I needed a moment of peace. But are you not afraid you will miss your chance of dancing with the prince out here?” The gentleman was close enough now for Ella to confirm what she had guessed the moment he spoke. Despite the mask there was no doubt in her mind. It was Charles. She would recognize his voice anywhere. What were the chances of meeting him out here? Had he recognized her? She’d have to trust not. “I’m not worried” she said, “They say he is in disguise, so perhaps I already did dance with him, or perhaps you are the prince” She said laughingly. At that her mind connected the last piece of the puzzle she had been too rushed to complete. Charles, her father, the chimney hiding place. Charles was the prince. What other boy would her father have gone to all that trouble to hide? And the family motto, he had said it that day, no doubt referencing the fact that Charles would eventually be king. She could be wrong of course, but she doubted it. As her thoughts whirled with this realization she became aware of an overwhelming desire to tell him everything. He was the prince, surely he could help! He might even know where her father was. Even if he did not feel the way she did, he must at least consider her a friend...It was as she thought this that Charles spoke. “Poor man. I must admit I find it a little shocking the way all these women are throwing themselves at him. They can’t even pretend to love him, they hardly know him! Its just love of everything that goes with him--money, fame, power--I cannot imagine wishing to marry someone for such reasons.” Ella startled, her thoughts of asking him for help withering. She hardly knew him either, really. No doubt he would consider her just another money hungry aspirant for his hand. “I believe many people marry for convenience, especially royalty, do they not?” she said, struggling to keep her voice neutral. “Yes, and it is a terrible tradition. But I am not a very cheerful companion, am I? Let us talk of something else.”
“You were delayed?” Ella asked, recalling something he had said earlier, and suddenly very curious. “Yes, just a small accident, but an old friend came to my rescue, and I made it safely. But speaking of old friends, you remind me of a friend I met earlier this summer, but she swore she would not be here tonight. You don’t by chance have a sister with your same hair color do you?” Ella laughed. The lack of the mole on her chin must be confusing him. “No, but I’m sure I’m not who you think I am.” she said, quite truthfully. “Well, it’s nearly midnight, the unmasking hour, so I guess I’ll know for sure then. Your voice is exactly like hers, it is strange.” he replied. “This old friend,” Ella interrupted excitedly “is he still here?” “My friend? No he had to leave. In fact, that might be him leaving now.” he said, pointing towards the palace gates. “Why do you ask?” Ella didn’t answer. Gazing down toward the gates, she saw two men walking towards a waiting carriage. One was a heavy set man, the other a tall man with a cane. There was no mistaking that walk, even with the cane. It was her father. Ella stood up abruptly. Charles had helped her after all. “I’m sorry, I have to go now.” she said “Wait, it is almost time for the unmasking, and I must know--” he was interrupted mid sentence by a man appearing through the doorway. “George Eliot Charles! Where have you been! I have had the entire palace staff searching everywhere for you! Well you’ll have to explain later. You are needed to lead the unmasking” His last words were nearly drowned out by the clock began chiming twelve. Ella, recognizing the king the instant he walked through the door, had seized the moment while Charles was distracted by his father and run for the palace gates. Charles, on realizing she had fled, ignored the impatiently waiting king and took a few steps after her. Then he paused, examining some large paving stones that led down to the gates. There, already partly faded and decorated with a few loose blades of grass, were the prints of bare feet marking the path Ella had taken. Charles smiled suddenly, an idea flashing into his mind. “Very well, I’m coming.” He said to his father.
Chapter Six
Ella, arriving quickly at the gates, paused only to ask the gate guards where the carriage that had just left was bound for. “The port” was the curious reply. That was all she needed to know. She ran as best she could back to Lady Aurelia’s, cursing her dress and her bare feet that hindered her progress. Once back she ignored the anxious enquiries of Fershim and her borrowed maid, and quickly changed back into her riding outfit of the night before. Having ordered her horse bridled and saddled, she made a brief detour to the gun room, snatching a pair of pistols Lady Aurelia’s husband had shown her once for her opinion on them. Confirming that they were loaded, she made for the front door, where she found Fershim standing, clearly dressed for riding. “I don’t know what you are up to Miss Cinder” Fershim said, in an unusual relapse to her old nickname,. “But if you need a gun then I was right. I am coming with you.” Ella hesitated, wanting to argue him out of coming but not wanting to waste any more time. She looked at his set features and gave in. “Very well Fershim, but you really shouldn’t. I’ll be just fine you know.” “No I don’t know, and that is why I am coming.” he said firmly. Ella grimaced. “Well, here, you’ll want this.” she said handing him a pistol. “We are going to hold up Sir Markan’s carriage. I’ll explain more while we ride.” Fershim looked grimmer than ever “If your poor mother were alive to see this day” he uttered dolefully, but Ella didn’t give him time to continue “She would probably have joined us” she said. “Anyway there is no point in worrying about recriminations from the dead when when Lady Aurelia is still very much alive. She definitely is not going to like this!” Fershim smiled grimly in response, and they headed for their waiting horses.
Between the search for pistols and Fershim’s insistence on coming, Ella had taken longer than she had hoped to get back on the road, so it was some time before they caught up with the carriage they were seeking. It was seeing the second man enter the carriage with her father that had made her decide on a highway robbery. Her father had taught her from the first to never betray their identity when on a mission, so Ella had to come up with a way of getting the ring without revealing his true identity, or hers. Once the coach was in sight Ella and Fershim trailed it carefully until they entered a lonely area where there were no houses or other travelers. It was the perfect location for a hold up. Ella pulled a scarf up around her face, and observing that Fershim had done the same, she removed her pistol and urged Pumpkin into a gallop. As soon as they overtook the coach, she pulled Pumpkin to a halt and fired a warning shot into the air, yelling in a deep voice “Halt! Or I’ll aim to hit next time!” The driver was taken completely by surprise, and as he struggled to pull his startled horses to a halt, Ella shouted to have the passengers come out immediately. Leaving Fershim to keep the driver covered, she approached the carriage as the two passengers emerged. “How dare you!” shouted the stout man as he descended. “Robbing respectable people on a public road like this? It’s an outrage! You’ll be caught and punished for this you scoundrel!” Ella ignored him, keeping her eyes on her father. The only real danger in this plan was that he would do something before she could make him understand what was going on. As soon as they were out she broke in on the other man’s shouting, saying “Haven’t you heard of the feared highwaymen Black Cinder and Butler Fershim? We are the law on this road!” Ella saw her father startle glance up quickly at this, and she continued hurriedly “Abandoned by my father with no way to support myself, I took to the roads, with my trusty Butler here at my side. No doubt you carry something that will relieve my struggles” she said, still watching her father. He was now subjecting her to a hard, searching stare. “What a nice ring you wear, sir” she continued, addressing him directly. “Perhaps you will be so good as to hand it over. No doubt that will do the trick and solve all my difficulties.” “I am sure we carry items that would be of much more value to you.” he said, clearly wanting to be sure. “No, I am decided, only your ring will give me what I need” she replied. “But I am not a greedy man, and if you will just toss me the ring, I will let you be on your way.” Ella saw the larger man, who had been trying to carefully conceal his own opulent rings behind his large form, relax visibly. “Oh, just give the man the ring before he does something foolish with that gun!” He said angrily. Sir Markan slowly pulled the ring off his finger. “I will get this back you know” he said. “No doubt you will, no doubt you will” Ella replied in the manner of one humoring a foolish man. He smiled, tossing the ring gently to her. She caught it and smiled back. “Thank you good sirs, we will trouble you no longer. Come Butler!” She cried, and they rode off at a gallop.
Chapter Seven
When they finally returned to Lady Aurelia’s it was nearly morning. Ella was too exhausted by the events of the past few days to answer her godmother’s demands for an explanation. Pleading near collapse, she left that unenviable job to Fershim and retired to her room, where she slept until after noon. Her first task on awaking was to visit the bank before closing, so promising Lady Aurelia a full explanation as soon as she returned, she made her way there. With her father’s seal it was not long before adequate funds were transferred into her account, and steps were being taken for her and her step family to remove to Markan Manor. Returning from these errands, Ella had one of Lady Aurelia’s servants sent to take Pumpkin back to the Erlets with a letter explaining why she would not be returning. She also sent a letter to the lodgings where Lady Markan and her daughters were staying, informing them that there was money enough in the account now to meet all their needs. She thought about asking them to come to Markan, but she decided that after their recent entrance into society at the ball it was better to leave them in town for a while. She then spent considerable time explaining what had happened to Lady Aurelia, since Fershim seemed to have escaped this duty, and then listened patiently to Lady Aurelia’s long lament about her utter lack of respectability, despite all Lady Aurelia’s efforts. Ella comforted her with the thought that she would not have to waste her effort much longer, as she was leaving the next day for Markan Manor. “Tomorrow! But my dear I just got you back!” Ella laughed. “I must go, I have no idea when father will be back for his ring, and I imagine I shall need it for all sorts of things to get Markan Manor ready for Lady Markan. It hasn’t been lived in for years!”
With the ensuing bustle of setting out for Markan Manor, it wasn’t too hard for Ella to avoid hearing who the prince had chosen as his bride. She refused to admit to herself how much the idea of him marrying someone else bothered her. She had not really known him that long anyway, so as he himself had said, she couldn’t have fallen in love. And so Ella managed to leave for Markan without hearing the news that was quickly setting the rest of the capitol in uproar. The prince was supposed to have announced his future bride at the unmasking ceremony of the ball, and all had eagerly awaited the decision. When he announced that although he did not know her name, he had indeed fallen in love with the most beautiful woman at the ball, and would recognize his bride by what she wore on her feet that night, the ensuing uproar spread quickly through the city. Rumor was that the king and queen were furious, and saw this as a ploy to postpone his marriage, while all the eligible ladies near and far spent the night mending and cleaning their dancing slippers. The next day crowds of women lined up at the palace to show the prince their shoes, in hope that they were the lucky one. But not a single shoe seemed to please the prince, and after nearly a week at last the line of women petered out, and everyone, including the prince, seemed to lose hope of ever finding his bride.
And so when Ella arrived back in town several weeks later to escort her stepmother to Markan Manor at last, the talk of the ball had nearly died away completely. Ella’s stepmother had a dinner party to celebrate her arrival, and it was during the dinner that she fell into conversation with Lord Bangury, a young man of decided wealth and fashion who was clearly there in pursuit of her lovely step sisters. He was shocked that she had not heard the news of the ball, and quickly explained all that had occurred. “Poor man, having to spend a week looking at all those shoes, for nothing!” Ella said, laughing a little. “It is odd, that none of them seemed to match what he was looking for.” Lord Bangury said. “Well,” Ella said softly, almost to herself “Perhaps she wasn’t wearing shoes, and so that was why none matched.” “Not wearing shoes at the prince’s ball? No one would dare!” Lord Bangury replied, laughing at her suggestion. “Everyone knows the prince didn’t want to pick a bride that night, so the story is this is his way of thwarting the attempt to force his hand.” he said. “Probably true” Ella said, forcing herself to smile, and turning the conversation in another direction. But he was right, Charles was not the type to lose his heart in an evening, or even a few summer afternoon visits. In fact he was probably rejoicing over his clever escape. Ella tried a bit hopelessly to shake him from her thoughts and enjoy the rest of the evening.
The Markans set out the following day for Markan Manor, and they had no sooner calmed from the bustle of getting unpacked and adjusted to their new home then they were surprised by the sudden and unannounced arrival of Sir Markan himself. “Ah, I see you recovered my ring from the scoundrel Black Cinder!” Sir Markan said when Ella finally had a moment alone with him in which she could return the ring. “Yes. you know up to that night I was really beginning to think you had died!” Ella said reprovingly. “It was not like you to leave all of us in the dark like that” “No my dear, but there were serious plots afoot and I had no time to explain. Besides, you should have known, Cinder, a Markan can always be found--” “--By the king’s side” Ella completed resignedly. “Speaking of which, that explains partly why I am here now.” he said, smiling mysteriously. “Why, because the king is coming here?” “Yes indeed, I believe I passed his entourage just a few hours back. Well, the future king that is.” Ella startled, her eyes raising to her fathers for a brief moment. “You aren’t serious, Father.” “I am indeed. I would hate to not be at home to welcome my future king, you know. Especially since I believe I may soon hope to call him my son.” Ella flushed, despite herself, and her father smiled. “I taught you well my dear, I have always contrived through much toil to be by his side, but you have outdone me this time. As his queen you will have no trouble remaining there.” Ella shook her head. “How did you know? And anyway he doesn’t even know who I am, and it is well known he has no wish to marry right now. Even if it was me he meant at the ball, I won’t marry him just to help him escape from his parent’s nagging.” Ella said hotly. “Well, I doubt he realizes the work he has cut out for him!” Her father said laughingly, and turned as Lady Markan entered the room to call them to tea.
Both were wrong. Charles did know who Ella was, and he had an idea of the work cut out for him. After the ball he had gone to the Erlets to visit Miss Sinder, since despite the lack of a mole he still believed that the girl at the ball was she. On arriving there, all he could get from her former employers was that Miss Sinder had run away, no doubt to the ball, on a pumpkin, or in a pumpkin? The lady was a little incoherent between her awe at hosting the prince and her anger at her governess’ disappearance. When he asked if she had any way of contacting Miss Sinder she said she had received a letter of apology, but it didn’t contain any return address. Baffled, but even more convinced that Miss Sinder and the girl at the ball were the same, the prince returned to the palace. A few days later, he was attending a palace social when he happened to fall into conversation with Lord Bangery. After some time discussing the ball and the missing girl, Lord Bangery said “I’ll tell you what, I heard the oddest theory the other day. You’ll laugh! I was at a dinner party hosted by the new Lady Markan--twin daughters, the most stunning creatures you’ve ever seen! Anyway, I was visiting with Miss Ella Markan, her step daughter you know, quite pretty also, don’t know why I haven’t seen her about more. Anyway, she said perhaps the reason none of the shoes matched was because the girl was barefoot!” Charles, who had been only partly attending up to this point, turned sharply to face Lord Bangery and said “What?” “Well, I was shocked too you know. Can you imagine anyone attending that ball barefoot? Anyway, I thought you’d find it--Are you ok dear boy?” Charles had frozen, a look of concentration on his face. “Markan, Ella Markan. Of course. It all makes sense now. I should have known. It was all a disguise. I should have recognized her though! I thought she was familiar…” He trailed off, then turned sharply to a nearby servant. “Have my horse ordered at once.” He turned back to Lord Bangury “Sorry dear fellow, I must be off. Thank you ever so much for your story, you’ll never know how amusing I found it!” With that he turned and disappeared through an ornate doorway.
And so it was that less than an hour after Ella’s conversation with her father, the prince’s entourage pulled up outside Markan Manor. Charles had not managed to escape the palace alone on his horse as he had hoped. He had been accompanied by several of his guards, his chief advisor, and Lord Bangery as well. On hearing that he was departing immediately for Markan Manor, they had all insisted on coming, although Lord Bangery’s interests in the expedition were the least involved with Charles safety, making him the most welcome of the party. But although slowed by his entourage, they had arrived at last. After a civil but hurried greeting for Sir Markan and his wife and stepdaughters, Charles enquired whether Ella was at home. “I believe she went out for a ride, no doubt toward the Western fields. Perhaps you would like to follow her there?” Sir Markan said with just the ghost of a smile. “Thank you, I will do so” Charles said, returning the smile. His chief advisor, who having finally dismounted, was still panting from the journey, blanched at this. It was clear that thought of accompanying his Prince had crossed his mind and been instantly dismissed. “You will take your guards” he suggested instead, but broke off at a look from Charles. “Lord Bangery--” He tried again. “Just see if you can make him” Charles replied laughingly as he remounted his horse. The counselor looked over at Bangery, who was already renewing his acquaintanceship with the lovely twins, and sighed. “Although the prince might disagree with me, I don’t believe there is anything to worry about in the West Fields, they are generally considered quite safe, you know.” Sir Markan said comfortingly as he escorted the councilor in for a cooling drink.
When Charles managed to track Ella down several minutes later, he found her sitting on a large boulder that looked down on the stream that divided the West Fields. She had tethered her horse and was sitting on the boulder throwing bits of the tall grass that grew beside it into the creek. She looked up when she heard his approach, and he thought from the stormy look on her face that he was lucky she hadn’t climbed on her horse and ridden off. “Miss Sinder! Ella, I mean. Or I suppose it should be Miss Markan, or maybe Cinder?” He said, feighning confusion. Ella laughed despite herself. “I suppose all of them are correct.” she said, turning back to the stream. “Well, Miss Cinder Ella, would you permit me to join you on your perch?” “Of course” she said, still looking at the stream. He climbed up and tossed an expiremental blade or two of his own in before speaking again. “You know, you’ve led me on quite a wild ride trying to track you down. Why did you not come to the palace? You must have known I was trying to find you with that silly slipper scheme.” Ella turned to look at him at this. “I didn’t think you could be. I had no idea that you would… would feel like that, after all we hardly know each other.” She broke off, turning away again. “Well, crazy as it may sound to you, I have ‘felt that way’ ever since that day we spent in the chimney together!” Ella turned at this, searching his face. He was looking at the stream now, and continued “I had never met a girl who would calmly enquire if I had ever climbed a chimney and then instruct me on the proper technique. Let alone a girl who could switch from fobbing off an imperial Bergian guard to calmly discussing whether I had read Lost Island and the various necessary points in a good mount. It was quite an eye opener to realize such a girl existed, and I confess it spoiled me for anyone else. I thought I should have to give up the idea of marrying for love, thus that cursed ball was organized. But then I met Miss Sinder. I should have put two and two together, but that mole was quite misleading you know!” Ella laughed at this, and he continued “I enjoyed our conversation so much half the time it was me begging Jenny to go on “The Search” those two weeks. I thought if you weren’t at the ball I would come find you after. Then when I talked to you on the terrace I knew I recognized you as Miss Sinder, but my mind couldn’t get beyond the mole, or lack thereof. But at least you left me a way to identify you. Not many women wore grass slippers to the ball you know! In fact I can state with certainty that none of them did, since I have now seen every pair of women’s shoes worn that night, plus a few extra. But you didn’t come to the palace, and when I visited the Erlets, Miss Sinder was gone too. It had me quite in despair, you know. If it hadn’t been for Lord Bangery I might never have found you!” There was a silence, and Charles broke it at last, saying “Perhaps you would rather I had not. I had thought for a few moments on those afternoons that you returned my regard, if not my love. But if you would prefer I will leave today and you may disappear again. I won’t order you to marry me you know!” Ella turned at this and spoke at last. “You wouldn’t have to” she said, blushing again. Charles looked up, hopefully. “I also enjoyed our visits greatly. But I didn’t believe that you could have fallen in love with a bespectacled governess, and everyone said you had no desire to marry yet, that the slippers were your way of escaping.” She shook her head, laughing a little “The Markan family motto is ‘Always at their king’s side’, so if you truly feel that way--” Here she broke off, as Charles seemed to have taken the motto quite literally, and was now seated at her side, confirming his true feelings with a kiss.
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