Lord Rakehell by Virginia Henley

Author:Virginia Henley [Henley, Virginia]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Penguin Group, USA
Published: 2013-11-05T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

“T he queen has sent some of her ladies to serve you,” Anne explained to the group waiting to board the yacht. She sent up a silent prayer of thanks that Emily was not among them.

“I wish she had not,” Alix murmured.

“Well, you need a couple of lady’s maids and someone to do your hair. The queen must have dispatched them on an earlier train. When you return to London, you will be able to choose your own servingwomen.”

On the voyage across the Solent, Anne did not have time to ruminate on her own problems. The Princess of Wales was not a good sailor and suffered from a bout of mal de mer. Anne stayed with her in her cabin and tended to her needs. When they arrived on the Isle of Wight, carriages awaited the royal party. As a new bride, the princess shared the prince’s carriage for the short ride to Osborne House.

Teddy made small talk. “This is East Cowes. I hope you enjoy it here. The seaside palace is lovely. The estate encompasses over three hundred acres, and the hunting is exceptional.”

“I’m sure I shall enjoy it, Edward. It looks as if spring has arrived before us.”

At Osborne House the carriages drew up before the pavilion of private apartments.

Anne left the carriage she’d shared with the other ladies, and since the prince did not step forward to carry his bride across the threshold of Osborne House, Anne accompanied the Princess of Wales inside.

The chamberlain met them. He bowed to the Princess of Wales. “Your Highness, my name is Mathews. If you will kindly follow me, I will take you to the royal apartments, up on the first floor.”

“Thank you.” Alix and Anne glanced about the ground floor, where the dining room, drawing room, and billiard room were located, before they ascended the stairs.

“This is the master bedchamber, Your Highness. I’ll have your luggage brought up.”

Anne saw the pinched look on Alix’s face. “My name is Anne, the princess’s lady-in-waiting. In addition to this chamber, Her Highness would appreciate a separate bedchamber, with a dressing room.” She was rewarded by a grateful look from the bride.

The chamberlain took them to an adjoining wing and opened double doors to reveal a lady’s boudoir complete with dressing room.

“This is lovely. Kindly have Princess Alexandra’s luggage brought here.”

“There is a small chamber two doors down the hall that will accommodate you nicely, Lady Anne. Dinner is served at eight here at Osborne House.”

“Thank you, Mathews, you have been very helpful.” When he left, Anne said, “This will give you a little breathing space. When the queen’s ladies arrive, I’ll tell them that I will unpack for you.”

“Thank you, Anne. I don’t feel ill, I just feel . . .”

Anne suggested the word she was reaching for. “You feel a little apprehensive.”

Alix nodded. “I hope Edward isn’t expecting me in the master bedchamber.”

“It will be a hive of activity in there for hours. His Highness has a mountain of luggage. He has brought two valets with him, as well as his gentlemen attendants.

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