Prisoners in the Palace by Michaela MacColl

Author:Michaela MacColl [MacColl, Michaela]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: General Fiction
ISBN: 9780811873000
Publisher: Chronicle
Published: 2010-01-01T05:00:00+00:00

16

In Which Liza Meets a Royal Personage

Liza was due to escort the Princess to her piano lesson. As she peered into her tiny mirror to pin up her hair, she heard a scratching at her door. The hall was empty, but a broadsheet, rolled up tight, lay on the floor.

Thank you, Inside Boy.

She secreted the paper in the top of her stocking, then ran to fetch the Princess. On their way to the music room, Liza and Victoria were startled by a screech, followed by a crash of breaking glass. Sir John threw open the door to the Duchess’s sitting room, throwing angry remarks inside.

“You’re right, Madam. We have wasted the past sixteen years. But you would’ve had to raise the brat anyway!”

He stopped short when he saw Victoria. Swearing roundly, he shouldered past Liza. Before Sir John’s angry steps had faded away, Victoria’s voice was inside the room complaining to her mother.

“He called me a brat! Mama, he has gone too far.”

The Duchess was pacing by the windows looking out at the gardens. She twisted a handkerchief in her hands.

Liza wrinkled her nose; the smell of liquor was thick in the air. Rivulets of fine brandy, kept for the exclusive use of Sir John, still ran down the wall and shards of glass littered the floor.

“Victoria, we’ve heard terrible news,” the Duchess said peevishly.

“Enlighten me, Mother. After all, I am seventeen now, practically old enough to rule the country.” Victoria welcomed every opportunity to emphasize her age.

“Sir John and I have done everything to safeguard your throne, but now all our work is for naught.”

“What’s happened, Mama?” Victoria could not conceal her anticipation as she settled herself primly on the couch.

“Queen Adelaide is…expecting a child.” The Duchess could barely form the words.

Shooting Liza a triumphant glance, Victoria said, “But Mama, how lovely! Queen Adelaide’s been so sad to disappoint Uncle King.” Liza wondered the Duchess didn’t hear the malice in Victoria’s voice.

The Duchess whirled around and stared at her daughter. “You stupid girl! Our plans are in ruins. You won’t be Queen of anything. I won’t be regent. Sir John won’t get the peerage he deserves. After all this time!”

The Princess could hardly contain her delight. “Oh Mama, don’t take on so. Perhaps it is not true?”

Liza’s stomach was roiling.

The Duchess ran her hands through her elaborate hairdressing. “It’s in the newspaper.”

“Mama, sometimes the papers print lies. You know that.”

You minx!

The Duchess opened her mouth to protest, but then snapped her lips together. “Victoria, you are right. Something might be done. I must talk to Sir John.” The Duchess rushed out of the room, calling his name.

The Princess glanced at Liza and smiled in triumph. “It worked! Did you see Sir John’s face?”

“I did.” Liza hesitated, then pulled out the broadsheet. “Do you want to see your handiwork?”

“You have it?” The Princess ran her eyes down the text. “Oh excellent, Liza! Your friend printed every word.”

“He’s not my friend. He’s just a business acquaintance,” Liza protested.

“He’s been a friend

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