The River Maid Read Online Free

the back. Christian held out his hands to allow the servant to pull on his gloves and do up the buttons.
    “Thank you,” Christian said, after his valet was finished.
    He met Gaspard in the hallway. The Frenchman was dressed exactly the same, except his waistcoat was a deep blue.
    “Be careful what you say tonight,” Gaspard said as they made their way down the stairs. “Do not forget the General is French. His loyalties lie with France.”
    “ I understand.”
    Gaspard never spoke of who he had been before the revolution, but from his knowledge of etiquette and intrigue Christian guessed he had been at Versailles before the demise of the French royal court, though in what role he did not know.
    A footman stepped forward to open the doors to the drawing room as they approached. His mother sat on the sofa, her hands neatly clasped in her lap, while General Ducasse stood before the fire.
    The General was in his early forties. Physically imposing, with broad shoulders, the general wore the dark blue jacket of his regiment complete with gold braid to signify his rank. His face was tanned and weathered from being outdoors and his blue eyes stood out in contrast to his dark skin. His black hair, which had likely been dyed, was slicked back with pomade.  
    “General, you remember my son and Monsieur Gaspard,” his mother said as they entered.
    “ Of course.” General Ducasse bowed. “Your Highness.”
    Christian and Gaspard bowed in reply. “General,” Christian said.
    At that moment, the gong sounded to signal dinner. His mother rose. “Shall we go in?”
    The General offered her his arm. She placed her hand on his and they led the way into the adjoining room. The table had already been laid out with silver cutlery and fine china. Behind each chair stood a footman. As they took their places, in unison the footmen stepped forward to push in their chairs.
    “I thought you would be with the army General,” Christian said as the first course was brought out.
    “I’m on my way to Paris. I have some business to settle there before I rejoin my regiment,” Ducasse replied.
    “Gentlemen, surely you’re not going to talk about the war?” his mother asked.
    “Of course not,” Ducasse said, inclining his head in deference to her.
    Christian would have liked to talk about it. He was following the war between France and the rest of Europe through the newspapers. He had maps spread out in the study with tokens to mark the position of the various armies. He and Gaspard would often discuss military tactics and strategy. It was the only lesson he looked forward to.
    “ I’m surprised you’re not bored here, Your Highness,” the General said as a footman filled their glasses with wine. “A young man of your age. War is raging across Europe, while you sit here safe in your castle. Everything is changing. All the men wear uniform now at court and military rank is more important than who your father was. Being a prince doesn’t count for much anymore.”
    “ Then its fortunate we’re not in France,” Christian said, picking up his glass.
    “ Other German princes have declared their support for Napoleon and have been rewarded. If you wait too long, the Emperor’s generosity might not extend as far.”
    “ From what I’ve read in the newspapers, little has changed in France,” Gaspard said, interrupting the General. “They have simply swapped one ruler for another. I’ve heard that the Emperor even has his own court now at the Tuileries.”
    “ I forgot that you’re French. Tell me, what was your family’s name? I don’t believe I caught it.” The General’s tone was friendly, but there was an edge of suspicion to his voice.
    “ I was no one of significance,” Gaspard said dismissively.
    “ I see.” The General regarded Gaspard for a moment, before turning his attention back to Christian. “It is different now,” he said. “Napoleon chooses his commanders based on merit. A man can work his way up