First at Last (Updated Version)

Chapter Twelve

"Yes, I did. I want you to dance with Monsieur Dupont to show Erika how to do it. Or, rather, how to do it correctly," said Mother, smiling fondly at her eldest daughter.

"Of course, Mother," Alice said and strode over to Monsieur Dupont.

The musicians started up again and Alice danced a waltz with Monsieur Dupont. They were excellent—graceful and poised, gliding across the floor as though they were floating.

He spun her and she flowed with it, her dress swirling around her ankles. Neither of them smiled, nor looked anywhere but at each other. This was strictly a professional thing. They were not having fun or doing it for entertainment. Why would one dance, even if they were quite good, but were not enjoying it?

Finally, the music stopped and Alice and Monsieur Dupont pulled away. After bowing and curtsying to each other, Alice walked over to where Mother and I stood, her eyes cold. "Is that all?"

I looked at Mother, who was not quite smiling, but whose eyes glowed with pride. "That is how one dances, Erika. Do not ask me how you've done until you can dance like her."

Alice curtsied derisively, a mocking smile finding its way to her lips. "I'm sure you will get there eventually, Sister," she said softly.

My lip quivered slightly, but I forced a smile anyway. "Perhaps, one day, Alice. Thank you for showing me how it is done."

Her smile faded, replaced by a faint scowl. She really looked like Mother when she made that face. I was almost unnerved by it. Clearly, she was not expecting my reaction and was rather displeased by it. I could not help but be happy about that.

"Of course, I am always happy to be of service." But the tone of her voice said otherwise. And, with that, she curtsied once more to Monsieur Dupont and then Mother, before striding out of the room.

I turned to Mother who was still staring after Alice, looking pensive. "Keep dancing," she snapped without even glancing in my direction and then following Alice out of the room. To my great displeasure, I was left alone with Monsieur Dupont.

#

I decided I would go see William later that night. I locked the door to my bedroom and tiptoed down to the front door, watching for creaky floorboards or furniture I might bump into. I found our footman waiting by the door.

"What are you doing out here at this hour, Howard?" I asked, as it was long after he should have been off duty.

"Good evening, Miss Lovet. And where might you be off to?" He asked pleasantly, ignoring my own question.

The realization struck me. He was standing there at this hour to make sure I would not be leaving the house. "I just thought I would go for a walk," I said warily. I pulled out three gold coins and handed them to Howard. "Just because I know you've been working so hard lately."

He smiled faintly, his eyes glinting at the coins now in his hand. "As far as I've seen, you have not left your room all evening, Miss."

Howard opened the door and I stepped out into the cold and the door shut firmly behind me. I wondered briefly about whether I should be concerned that our staff could be bought so easily, but the thought soon left my mind as I made my way toward the palace.

When I arrived at the palace, I was saddened that William was not waiting for me under the willow tree, as he always did. But, of course, I hadn't expected him to, because he did not know I was coming.

William's friend, Commander Gabriel, stood before the palace gates, his stance rigid, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword.

"Commander," I said softly, and immediately, swords were drawn and aimed at me.