Maria wanted to know how the ball went, but Joanna was strangely silent. Maria fixed Joanna’s hair as she sat straight and proper. The Duke’s castle was spacious and the guest rooms were large with beds and chairs and an adjoining room for her ladies-in-waiting to be close at hand. Spiral bedposts reached to the ceiling and a blue rug made the room cozy. Maria braided Joanna’s hair, which reminded her of their childhood.
Maria asked if Samuel danced with her and Joanna shook her head no.
“I don’t understand why he failed to ask you. He danced with every single woman who attended.”
“Yes, and he spent most of the night dancing, especially with the Princess of Segal.”
“That is bad.”
“What do you mean, why shouldn’t he dance with her? I mean, they were engaged once before.”
“That is not why it is bad; it is bad because she is intended for the Duke!”
“William?” Joanna was interested in what she had to say.
“Yes, his father desires him to marry her, and the Grand Duke is pressuring him to make an announcement. I heard it this morning from another lady-in-waiting.”
“The Duke of Seine?”
“What other William do you know? Of course! His father wants him to marry her because recently in her kingdom there was a major discovery of gold and the Grand Duke wants the alliance.”
“I thought that the Prince of Ott might be renewing a relationship, but is the attraction to her or the money? And if Prince Samuel marries her, what will become of my peace treaty?” Joanna wondered aloud.
“I do not know why they didn’t marry; I have heard Princess Ella described as being as dim as she is pretty. It is very difficult to hold a rational conversation with her. I hear that she will drive you to boredom. I have heard this declared by Duke William himself.”
“How did you hear that from him? I can’t believe he would say that in public.”
“Oh no, he would never say it in public; I overhead it said at my Papa’s house.
He was speaking to my older brother, and I was hiding behind the furniture and listening.”
Joanna’s eyes widened at her mischief and they both laughed.
“But why didn’t she marry Prince Samuel? I cannot imagine him marrying her if she is indeed so dim, but he danced with her all last night and he didn’t act bored.
In fact, he seemed charmed by her.” Joanna was bothered by this thought.
“I only know that he called off the engagement. Many people thought him a fool, for she was rich, and he is not a ruler.”
“Why wouldn’t Samuel tell me?”
“I do not know, my Queen.”
*
The carriage arrived early and carted them off to the ancient church. General Stuart had ordered his men to pack up the carriages very early that morning. The frost made him aware that the mountains they needed to cross might turn treacherous if snow fell. He called out to his soldiers to finish tying down the luggage. He ran an orderly crew and they were packed and ready to depart for home right after they finished the service. It was a long trip home, and leaving right away would mean they would break at the villa at a reasonable hour. Samuel and his men would ride back with them.
The dark stones of the steps, made musty by time, cast melancholy her way. Her party was shown to seats near the middle of the serene church. The stained glass windows depicted a royal Christ on a throne and the purples in the glass made her think of dyes and sewing. She almost heard David’s song played on his flute and felt his kiss on her lips. His kiss — how she missed it!
The sad moment followed with a feeling of calm as she prayed. It was as if her soul was measured and deemed necessary on earth while David’s deemed needed in heaven. Joanna felt at peace for the first time since she arrived at the Duchy of Seine.
In her heart she knew that she was right to refuse William’s offer of marriage. She learned about real love when David died saving her, and to marry someone that she did not fully love would be a mistake.
The rest of the Royals were seated as they arrived. Duke William arrived last with the Grand Duke and Duchess.
To Joanna’s great surprise, the Princess of Segal was seated with his party in the first pew. She paraded up the aisle trailed by four ladies-in-waiting and took her place next to William. Joanna felt jealous for a moment until the music began and Maria gave her a nod. The Prince of Ott was seated in the third pew; he had an excellent view of William seated next to Princess Ella.
They must be engaged she thought. How William could marry Princess Ella after he kissed her last night she did not understand. She thought marriage must have invaded his will as an army invaded a kingdom.
Joanna exited the main part of the church but lingered at the back gathering area as she waited to say her good-byes to the Grand Duke and Duchess. It was very crowded while the congregation walked past her and Maria and out the doors to their waiting carriages. Smoke from the candles lingered even at the back of the church.
Finally, she found the Grand Duke and Duchess and thanked them for their hospitality. She saw Princess Ella standing with them, but not William. Perhaps he slipped out a side door, she thought. Most of those who had attended last night’s ball were invited to a closing brunch, but she could not attend if she wanted to reach the villa before too late of an hour. She left the Cathedral as others were engaged in conversation with the Grand Duke and Duchess.
Joanna felt she should say good-bye to William. She wanted to assure herself they were on good terms. Her mind replayed his kiss and she tried to remember it with perspective.
She did not see Duke William in the front of the church; she decided to continue to look for him as he could not have gone too far. Maria went to the left to look for him, and she went to the right. She should have waited for Maria to return to be proper, of course.
Joanna went through the gate of an enclosed yard on the church grounds. The high stone wall made the courtyard private, like a curtain pulled around a bed. She found William standing alone under a lone oak tree that had already lost its leaves and looked well resigned to the winter snow.
William looked up at the sky at the geese flying overhead. He looked dashing in his morning clothes. Maria was right, he was a handsome man. He turned to her as he must have seen her coming to him.
“Queen Joanna! How good it is to see you again so soon.”
The familiar drowned the formal between them as she greeted him, “Duke William, I have found you at last.”
He kissed each of her cheeks in the regional way of greeting, and whispered into her ear, “I see you are alone. Do you want to continue what we began last night?” William was certainly unchanged.
“I am here to thank you for the hospitality you have shown to my staff and me these past six days,” she said, ignoring his remark. Her hands gently touched her dress as if last night’s dance continued.
“Yes, it was a splendid party! I think it may go down as one of the best,” he continued as he moved toward the tree, away from her.
“The host is one of the best as well.”
“A tender remark! From you, I take it as my greatest achievement.” William turned and stepped in close to her again. “Perhaps you have changed your mind regarding my offer? Alas, it has been withdrawn, as I am newly engaged this morning. My father is overjoyed,” William confided to her.
“Which lady has captured your heart, my dearest William?” She thought that she knew, but had to hear it from him.
“You, of course, but I am engaged to the Princess of Segal.” He glanced at Joanna.
She did not know what to say and looked down.
“Joanna, modesty suits you, and makes you all the better.”
Then she thought that she should wish him a happy marriage. “I hope that you will find happiness with the Princess of Segal.”
“That is doubtful, but there are many pleasant things and places to travel to take the mind away from home,” he said. “Do not worry about me, Joanna.”
“I still welcome you to my castle any time.”
“Oh yes,” he said with a half-laugh, “but I will not come. Nor would you expect me to visit. I think this might be a final good-bye.”
He put his arms around her and pulled her close to him as if he invited her to renew their dance. She grew uncomfortable and her face flashed her emotions.
“I see that I still have the same effect on you as I did last night on the terrace.”
“I thought that you were engaged to the Princess of Segal, and we would never speak of it.”
“It has been spoken of right now with your own lips.”
William boldly kissed her, and she did not stop him. Then he quickly walked away.
She turned to see him leave, and then she saw Samuel standing at the entrance gate. William passed Samuel quickly and Joanna saw Samuel staring at her before he turned and left.
*
The carriage ride was bumpy and Joanna hated to be tossed around so violently while they climbed the mountain. They descended the mountain and reached the valley. Maria fell asleep, but Joanna could not sleep even though she had not had much the night before. Her mind still raced. What did Samuel think of her? She imagined his condemnation and lost all hope that things would go back to the easy way between them. Samuel would distance himself from her further because he had witnessed her allowing William to kiss her after he was clearly engaged. She lost his high regard for her, she was certain. Would others hear about what had happened? She couldn’t bear to be gossiped about! She felt that if the gossip got out it would be from William and not Samuel. Was she so sure? Samuel had shown her a very different side of himself during this trip. The time that she did spend with him now only led to argument.
Then Joanna thought of William. How could she be attracted to him when she knew him to be unscrupulous? But he was honest too. Joanna would miss the attraction between them. Perhaps she should have married him. She was lonely. William was too self-absorbed to be a good husband, really, but maybe she was selfish as well. She knew he would make her miserable if they married. Perhaps she would make him the same. He would chase off after the next thrilling adventure once the home life became mundane.
Joanna wondered how William could live with a woman who he had called dimwitted. He would gain more wealth and power with his marriage and he had always desired both, she knew. She felt a sorrow that she could not explain over William. Joanna thought of Samuel. Maybe he was too high-minded to love any girl. He did like Princess Ella, it seemed. Why didn’t he marry her? It was too late, at any rate, as William was set to marry her. Joanna wondered if Samuel was sorry that he had lost the battle for Ella, and she wondered if William was sorry that he won. Dinner was ready when they arrived. Samuel would dine with her, but General Stuart declined her invitation. Joanna sat next to Prince Samuel and across from her ladies-in-waiting. Maria chatted about the ball with the other lady-in-waiting, but Joanna said very little. Samuel ate his dinner in silence. Joanna didn’t know how to break the silence for she wasn’t sure if Samuel wanted her to speak to him. She knew he was disappointed that she allowed William to kiss her in the courtyard. She wanted Samuel to say something so the uncomfortable silence would end, but he would not yield and it continued.
The next morning they were to leave early, except General Stuart woke Joanna up to tell her that Samuel became ill overnight.
Joanna instructed her General to return to the castle as planned. She thought it unwise to keep her commanding officer away from the castle for too many days. He left most of the soldiers with her and housed them in the guest houses near the main house. Joanna sent Maria and her other lady-in-waiting home because there were no balls or social events that would call for her hair to be fixed. She knew they were tired and it seemed unnecessary to keep them there.
Samuel was confined to bed. He seemed in good spirits despite his illness. The maid had sent for a doctor from town and he prescribed rest. Joanna heard the maids complain to one another that they hadn’t planned on working past the day.
She heard them whisper about their own children and homes where they were needed. Joanna told her maids they could leave and return in a few days.
The first night passed. Joanna slept in a chair in the hall outside Samuel’s door in order to care for him. He slept fitfully as a high fever took hold. She prayed for his recovery. He slept through the following day while she rested. By the third day, he was much improved.
The head cook stayed on to help the Queen, but Joanna prepared soup herself with Louis’ own recipe. Joanna recalled the cave and the shared responsibilities.
She carried soup on a tray to Samuel’s room and knocked on his door.
“You may enter,” Samuel called.
“You look better. I am relieved,” Joanna said when she saw him sitting up.
“Queen Joanna, why are you carrying a tray? Where is the maid?”
“I am fine. I told them to go home to their families. I don’t need a full staff to take care of one sick prince.” She carried the tray to his desk and set it down then placed her hands on her hips.
“Is it wise to send the staff away?” Samuel asked as he turned his head to view her.
“I feel it is prudent to have a happy staff rather than a resentful one, and besides, I am happy to look after you personally. The cook is in the kitchen; I have her help.
How are you feeling?”
“I feel much better. I am embarrassed that you saw me at my worst. I fear it is too much for you to take on the task of my care yourself.”
“We are traveling and workers are not always available. Sometimes we must do for ourselves. I don’t mind, Samuel. Are you hungry? I have brought you soup.”
“I am hungry.”
Joanna handed him a cup, which he sipped. She opened the curtains and sunlight floated in. There was an upholstered white chair in the corner next to the cherry desk. It had been her mother’s room years before and the mint green walls, white trim, and four paintings of pink carnations made it a cheerful place. The room held a special link.
“This room was my mother’s long ago.”
Samuel held the cup near his chest and said, “It is a restful place. I am honored to be here.”
“I think it proper you are staying here as you have helped me as any family member would.” She took the cup from him.
“Thank you. I think of you as family as well.” He coughed.
She gave Samuel juice to sip.
“Don’t drink it too fast, Samuel. Now that you have eaten, you should rest. I will wash the dishes and then I will come back to check on you.”
“You shouldn’t, Joanna!”
“Is it not fit for a queen to serve, Samuel? Then how will I have wisdom rather than folly?”
*
On Sunday she went to the town’s church for services with the soldiers and the commander. Joanna was concerned about leaving Samuel completely alone and the commander offered to stay with him. Samuel told them to go as he was better and no longer needed a nursemaid. When she returned, she found that he was out of bed and sitting in the drawing room.
“Prince Samuel, why are you out of bed?”
“I have been in bed for six days and I am tired of it. While I am not completely recovered, I want to see a different room.”
Joanna took a blanket out of the wooden chest and covered him.
“Thank you.”
“I will wash up and make you lunch.” She began to walk towards the hall.
“Queen Joanna, I implore you to call back your maids as you work too hard.”
She turned back to say, “Samuel, you are no trouble.”
“No trouble? You have waited on me hand and foot for six days. You must be tired.”
“I did more difficult things the year that I lived in the cave with my friends and I was much happier there than I am as a queen,” she said. “I will send for the maids today to please you.”
She walked quickly to the kitchen. The kitchen was large enough to cook for many guests. She glanced around. The red brick fireplace could comfortably roast many hens. The wooden benches were the proper height for quick food preparation and a few iron pots hung above them. A fire filled the room with smoke, but her cook hardly noticed. She was busy humming a happy song and did not see Joanna in the doorway.
“I am glad you have a happy tune in your head instead of an angry one as you knead the dough,” Joanna said.
The woman bowed. “Forgive me, Your Royal Highness, I didn’t see you.”
“It is quite all right, Mary, I am here to inform you our guest is better today and hungry.”
Joanna opened a drawer next to the workbench and took out paper. She wrote a note then rang a bell to summon a soldier to have him deliver it. The man bowed to her as she dismissed him. Her summons meant the maids who lived in the village nearby would return within the hour. They would work harder for the time off she believed. She heard the door open and she saw Samuel.
“Prince Samuel, I would have brought you your lunch on a tray. I have prepared some beef. I suppose that you are probably sick of soup and custards by now. My father always told me that after a sickness, everyone craves beef.”
“I am feeling better and was wondering if I may sit in the dining room. I am tired of eating from a tray.”
“If you wish.” She tilted her head and smiled at him.
“Will you join me?” he asked and returned her smile.
“I would like that very much. I have eaten alone all week.”
Joanna handed him a plate and Samuel carried it to the dining table and sat down while Joanna followed him.
“I am sorry to be so much trouble, Joanna.”
“You are no trouble at all! My friend, George, he was trouble. He was the most unpleasant fellow, but we all loved him.”
“I suppose he brightened with your presence.”
“Oh, no. He had an unfortunate set of circumstances, and I think that may explain him, but not as unfortunate as Frank who lost both his parents early in life.”
“A bit like yourself. I suppose they were your family for a time.”
“Yes, as queen, I do not always have the luxury of thinking of the person, but rather of the whole kingdom. I think knowing about their daily lives made me a more understanding ruler.”
“I believe your subjects are fortunate. You are a very good queen.”
“Thank you, Samuel.”
Samuel began to eat.
“Prince Samuel.”
“Yes, Queen Joanna?”
“We need to say grace before we eat.”
“Forgive me, Your Royal Highness.”
She reached for his hand, and they recited the prayer together. He was surprised by her taking his hand.
Joanna thought of the time long ago that she held David’s hand. It surprised her how similar Samuel’s and David’s hands felt to hold. The Prince of Ott had the hands of a soldier, not a prince.
Samuel spent the next day in the drawing room reading a book that Joanna retrieved from the villa’s library. The house was charming with many fireplaces and a curved stone staircase. There were many books on the shelves next to her mother’s desk. The drawing room boasted of four comfortable chairs. It was a chilly autumn day.
“This is so nice. I don’t think I have ever had a full day to read,” Samuel told her.
“It reminds me of the winter that I spent in the cave. I had plenty of work to do and I didn’t do any reading, rather, I sewed while David whittled flutes. In fact, David once tried to teach me to whittle wood to make a flute,” she said. She smiled at the thought.
“I am impressed Joanna. I can’t imagine you succeeding, but I am still impressed,” he replied. “I mean this with no disrespect of course.”
Joanna laughed and told him, “You are correct. I did not have any success. I never could carve anything, but it didn’t stop David from teaching me.”
“I didn’t mean to pry.”
“No, it is fine, I offered it. It is a happy memory. I am happy to share it.”
“Did he teach you to play the flute?” He rested his book on his lap.
“No, I never learned.”
“I will have to teach you to play something once I am recovered.”
“I would love it if you would. Thank you, Samuel.”
She was glad that the conversation between them was easy again.
The next morning, Joanna woke up early and took a walk in the villa’s fields. It was cold, but the fields were still beautiful. The trees were losing their leaves and the smell of fires and smoke pouring out of the village fireplaces made Joanna feel especially content. She loved the country. While she was a few yards away from the house she heard soft music. It was a flute playing, and the music was a sorrowful folk song that Joanna had sung as a little girl. The music expressed the player’s sorrow in a most intimate way.
Joanna stopped short of the house so the player would play on. She listened to the sweet short notes and haunting melody. Samuel was living a sorrow that Joanna could not understand.