Princess of Athelia: An Unfinished Fairy Tales Novella Read Online Free Page A

say firmly. “Don’t let me catch you saying ‘miss’ again. You aren’t my servant anymore.”
    Elle lets loose a pretty, tinkling laugh like wind chimes. She takes off her bonnet and hangs it on the rack. She must have been here before, judging by the familiarity with which she moves about the house.
    “Mary, get us a fresh pot of tea and bring two more teacups.” Poppy leans forward, her eyes bright and inquisitive. “Did the case go well? Do tell us that the judge listened to you!”
    Elle nods. She settles on a chair and clasps her hands together. “The judge has ruled that I am indeed the daughter of Earl Bradshaw, and that Madam—Lady Bradshaw—should yield the earl’s manor in the country and two-thirds of his fortune to me.”
    I give an unladylike whoop of joy. Luckily, everyone is too excited about the news to be concerned about my behavior. Poppy claps her hands like a child, while Mr. Davenport grins like he’s the one who inherited a fortune.
    “I’m so glad for you, Elle. Now you won’t have to worry about your mother and Billy, and Lady Petunia won’t have further reason to object your, um, association with Henry.”
    She doesn’t look as overjoyed as we are. “I’m afraid his mother still needs convincing.”
    “But it’s proven that you are the daughter of an earl,” I say. “What more does she have against you?”
    Elle shakes her head. “I am no longer a servant, but that doesn’t mean she thinks I am good enough for Henry. There are plenty of better choices than me.”
    “But it’s you he wants,” I say.
    Poppy nods fiercely. “You deserve each other.”
    The maid brings us a steaming teapot. Elle pours herself a cup and takes a sip before speaking.
    “I want to wait a while. I want to make sure that what Henry feels for me isn’t simply an infatuation.”
    Somehow I am reminded of Mr. Bingley (Henry) and Jane Bennet (Elle). Only in this case, Darcy (Edward) isn’t scheming to separate them, and Henry’s mother resembles Lady Catherine de Burgh.
    “Besides, everything happened so fast.” Elle pinches her bottom lip and looks downward. For a moment she looks lost, vulnerable, afraid. I feel like giving Henry a good shake for making her feel this insecure. “It’s only a few months ago that I left the Bradshaws’ and started working at the palace. Then I learn that I’m the daughter of an earl, and suddenly I’m an heiress?” She shakes her head and releases a deep breath. “All I want now is to take some time and think it over. There are some things I know I need to do—I want to send Billy to school and have Mamsie quit working. Or at least buy her a sewing machine; we’ve never been able to afford one.”
    “If you need further assistance with legal matters, I will be happy to provide it,” Mr. Davenport says. “I can also refer you to an accountant if you need one. Anything I can do for a friend and cousin.”
    Elle smiles at him gratefully. “You have done so much for me already. All of you.”
    “Well, I’d say if the duchess remains adamant, there’s always Ruby Red.” Poppy smirks, her eyes twinkling.
    Elle looks scandalized, but Mr. Davenport laughs. I laugh as well, but I can’t help feeling a bit sympathetic for her. I had assumed that once Elle regained her title, she would no longer be considered inferior to Henry, but after encountering Lady Petunia, it’s unlikely that Cinderella’s fairytale ending is going to arrive soon.

 
     
     
    5
     
    I sit on the balcony, half-concealed behind a polished oak pillar. I’m swathed in a dark silk dress, which makes me look at least five years older. Black elbow-length gloves, a black lace veil, and a black fan complete my outfit. The whole ensemble gives me an eerie sense of being like some Gothic romance heroine. It’s actually kind of fun, if you ignore the fact that the reason for the costume is that a woman isn’t supposed to be here. I’m in the Chamber, where the members of the parliament