"Your Ladyship." The footman who stood before her said, holding out an envelope in an open silverware. "This just arrived."
Antoinette took a long sip of her wine glass before setting it down gently."
Can it not wait till after lunch?" Antoinette said flatly, using the napkin beside her to dab the sides of her mouth.
The footman cleared his throat. "It has the royal seal, your ladyship."
Antoinette's eyes widened. They were as large as saucers.
Annalise froze, and her gaze moved from George to Antoinette as she set down her fork absentmindedly.
"Well, why did you not say so." Antoinette beckoned, almost snatching the envelope when it was within arm's length. Once it was in her grasp, the marchioness let out a breath she did not know she was holding as she opened the envelope with trembling fingers.
"What does it say?" Annalise urged as she was very intrigued.
Antoinette sat straighter as she read out its content. "By order of The Crown." Her voice sounded somewhat shaky.
"You are hereby invited to the royal palace for an elegant soiree tonight, where a few selected distinguished guests will be in attendance. Signed, Her Majesty, the Queen. Time, 9 pm sharp." She carefully folded the invitation as she ended.
"Splendid." said George ", We shall attend." Annalise's shoulder slumped, fully aware of the implication. "This will give Annalise the chance to converse and mingle. Hopefully, she will see if any gentleman catches her eye."
Annalise looked down as she picked up her fork and went on with her meal.
"Or vice versa." Her mother added. "You know there have been some rumours that the prince is back in town."
"Mama, you need not pay heed to such rumours." She said, not looking up.
"Of course, but there is no smoke without a fire ma chérie, so every rumour has an element of truth. Who knows, he might just be in attendance tonight. Now hurry, finish your meal, then let us look at some of the new dresses Madam Rousseau made for you and decide which is the most suitable to wear tonight."
Annalise sighed, "Oui mama."
The three of them were set a couple of hours later, and their four stallion-driven coaches were prepared to go to the palace. Annalise got word that her extended family were also invited. Well, there was no surprise there. She became excited, mostly because she had only been inside the royal court. However, this time would be different. She would love to explore every inch of the palace. Who knew the secrets those magnificent limestone walls contained?
After a while, their coach slowed down before pulling to a halt. There was a long queue of carriages leading up to the palace. Their carriage slowly moved past the open gates. Annalise looked out the window as they gradually approached the magnificent structure with numerous guards. It was nothing like she had ever seen, absolutely breathtaking.
Finally, they stopped at the main entrance and alighted. The marquees helped the marchioness down before moving to Annalise. As if in a queue, the next carriage produced her cousin, Emmett.
"Emmett!" Annalise exclaimed. "How lovely to see you." She kissed him on both cheeks.
"Hello, Annalise." He smiled, then bowed in greeting. "Hello, Uncle, Aunt Antoinette."
"Emmett, my boy." George patted his shoulder then he looked around. "Where is the rest of your family?"
"I am afraid they would not be coming, Uncle George. Josie and Sophie suddenly fell ill, so mother decided to stay with them, and father wanted to keep an eye on Henry and baby Tim."
"Oh, dear." Antoinette's eyes fell in worry. "I do hope they recover soon. We will visit them later tonight if it is not too late."
"That would be very much appreciated."
"Well, Emmett, my boy, have a lovely evening and keep an eye on your cousin, will you." He patted him again.
"Yes, sir." He replied as Annalise clung to him.
George led an unwilling Antoinette towards the main hall. She looked back, preferring her daughter to be by her side.
"I am so happy you are here," Annalise said once her parents were inside.
"I think I am acquainted with the feeling." He chuckled. "She just wants the best for you. We all do."
Annalise grimaced. "Not you too," She whined. "Let us take you, for instance. "You are seven and twenty, and no one is pressuring you to settle down."
"Who said no one is?" Emmett laughed and led them inside.
"Well, if they are, it is clearly not working."