Chapter 2

Maristella sat on the balcony, safely concealed in the dark niche, wearing a hood over her head just in case, and waited for the Shelbertons’ arrival. Yes, she was allowed to watch. From up here.

Count your blessings, she told herself, trying to chase away heavy thoughts. Look at this beautiful day, the sun, the sky, the leaves starting to change…

But the thoughts wouldn’t leave. She couldn’t help it; what happened in the last several days made her feel like… like she had never felt before. She loved her family dearly and always knew she was loved as well. But now?

She tried again. Stop it. Of course they still love you. It’s just… this whole situation. Look at the bright side — you get to sit here and observe without having to interact with the guests, think of what to say and worry about meeting Father’s and Mother’s high standards of proper manners. You even get to go to the festival! Incognito, yes, but once again — you will have more freedom that way!

This was true. Mother had summoned her on the next day after the fateful dinner and said that she and Father had discussed matters further, in hopes to grant Maristella’s wish, and agreed on two options. One: Maristella could openly attend the Fall Festival if they made her “vow” official — by announcing that she was about to become a nun. This way, she would no longer be considered as a potential bride. Option two: Maristella would disguise herself as a servant girl and go to the festival with other servants, sworn to secrecy. The choice was hers.

Maristella was so stunned by the first option that she had barely heard the second.

“But… If we say that I am going to take monastic vows… then I will have to take them? And soon?” she had asked.

“Yes,” Mother nodded. “No one lies about such things.”

Maristella just looked at her for a few moments. “You… wish to send me away to a monastery, Mother?”

“Not against your will. But if the thought has crossed your mind, and if it’s something you would be open to, perhaps it is time to consider it. Like I said, the choice is yours. You have a few days, think about it.”

Maristella did think. She kept thinking about it still, even though she had already made and announced her decision: she chose the disguise.

What Mother had suggested made perfect sense, if considered cool-headedly. Maristella had a deformity that made marriage impossible. No man deserved to be tricked into taking a wife like that. A monastery could be a good solution: getting away from temptations and heartbreak. It made sense. But still… Still. How could Mother say it? Does she know me so little?

All Maristella’s dreams, all her hopes were attached to her family — her sisters and brothers marrying, having children. With motherhood denied her, she couldn’t wait to become an aunt, and intended to be the best one. She would help raise her nephews and nieces, play with them, teach them, take them to fairs, theaters, shows. She spoke of it often, mostly to Cassilda, but others knew as well. Brothers even teased her about it, declaring that they’d have ten children each to make sure she would be occupied to the fullest capacity — to which she always responded with happy readiness. Did it all mean so little to Mother?

A carriage showed up on the road, finally chasing away those unwanted thoughts. It was a beautiful equipage, white like one of the clouds above, with large, slightly arched windows and elegant golden embellishments that shimmered in the sunlight. It rolled effortlessly, pulled by four magnificent horses, also white and richly adorned.

A carriage fit for a lord if I ever saw one, Maristella thought. She smiled. And I can look at it all I want, without being reprimanded for staring.

Three men followed on horseback — no doubts, the Shelberton brothers, judging by their fine clothes. I can look at them all I want, too. Let’s see whether I can figure out which one is the elusive Kalvistan.

She watched closely. All three were about the same height and size, riding with confidence and grace. Maristella could not make out the faces yet, but she saw that two of them had dark shoulder-length hair; they rode gorgeous Palomino stallions, one cream, the other one golden yellow, with stunning white manes and tails.

The third horseman suddenly leaned forward and sent his black steed into gallop, overtaking the carriage, going faster and faster and soon leaving everyone far behind. He had his curly brown hair cropped short and wore a burgundy brocade coat with a high collar and a crisp white shirt underneath, perfectly tailored tan breeches and well polished riding boots. It had to be him, Maristella decided. If what her brothers had said was true, Kalvistan seemed to be a bit of a show off, and now she could see it for herself. Well… he was a very good rider, she’d give him that.

Maristella kept looking on as the other two brothers exchanged a few words, one of them shaking his head. She wondered whether they would accept Kalvistan’s obvious challenge to race — they did not, wisely preferring to arrive without flair but with the obvious advantage of not getting sweaty and messy. Kalvistan was the oldest, how did he not think of that? A little too self-confident, perhaps?…

She saw her family come out to greet the guests, everyone dressed in their finest. Maristella smiled as she remembered the preceding dress picking drama… A drama she was spared — yet another thing to be grateful for.

Her sisters looked beautiful, especially Cassie in her silk lavender dress intricately embroidered with purple flowers around the neckline and on the sleeves. So lovely in its elegant simplicity, the dress was a much better choice, in Maristella’s opinion, than Elmira’s bold, emerald green gown with a fitted bodice and a cascading skirt. But there was no way of convincing Elmira to wear something less showy; she was determined to stun the Shelbertons on the spot.

The carriage rolled to a stop. A servant opened the door, and Lord Shelberton emerged, tall, silver-haired, with unmistakable military bearing. He used to serve in the army, Maristella was told, many years ago, and yes, you could still tell. His tailored navy blue coat did not have unnecessary embellishments, yet the man looked regal and poised, commanding instant respect.

Lord Shelberton nodded to the hosts, turned and offered his hand to assist his wife. Lady Elizabeth came out, leaning gracefully on her husband’s hand, and greeted everyone with a warm smile. She appeared younger than him, with no trace of gray in her auburn hair. She wore a light white cloak that completely concealed her gown — a disappointment, as Maristella was very curious to see it. Oh well. She’d have to wait for her sisters’ descriptions.

The three riders dismounted, servants led away their horses. Maristella took one last look at the beautiful Palominos, she loved that color. Perhaps she could sneak into the stables later and see them up close?… No, that would be too risky.

Lord Shelberton introduced his sons. Much to Maristella’s surprise, he did not start with the one she thought was Kalvistan — the galloping racer still trying to tame his wind-blown curls. No, Lord Shelberton motioned at the dark-haired young man in a royal blue doublet, who then stepped forward and made a respectful bow to Maristella’s family. So this was Kalvistan??

Maristella could not hear what was being said, but him getting introduced first could only mean one thing: he was the oldest. Her assumption was wrong. The more she looked at the brothers, now that they were so much closer, the clearer she saw it. Kalvistan was said to be a head-turner anywhere he went, and out of the three, this would be him. They were all finely dressed, tall and broad-shouldered; but Kalvistan, with his perfect, classical features, thick wavy hair and piercing green eyes, stood out like a colorful painting amidst black-and-white pencil drawings.

Maristella watched her sisters curtsy. Elmira forgot to bow her head, her eyes glued to Kalvistan’s face… She was going to hear about it from Mother, no doubt.

Lord Shelberton proceeded to introduce his second son, then the third. The racer actually turned out to be the youngest. Like Elmira, Maristella thought. And just like her, he tries to get noticed…

At that moment, Kalvistan glanced up — at the balcony, practically at the very spot where Maristella was. She held her breath. It took all her willpower not to shrink back; she sat in a dark niche, more than likely he didn’t see her, but a sudden movement would have certainly caught his eye. The second seemed to last forever… then he looked away. They all followed Father’s invitation and went into the house.

Whew. She brought a hand to her forehead. Enough observations for today, she better stay in her room.

***

Maristella finished her meal and placed the silverware on the empty plate. She ate alone in her room; it was announced to the guests that she had been “indisposed.” The maid who had brought her dinner had also delivered their warmest wishes of a complete and speedy recovery, as well as hopes to see her at the festival.

Well. That was not going to happen. She would see them, that is, but they were not going to see her.

Maristella picked up her book. She was not used to being confined to her room, especially on a nice sunny day like this; she would much prefer to read in the garden. She was, however, good at making the best of almost any situation, so that’s what she did. She opened the window and sat across from it, enjoying the breeze.

Reading always made her lose track of time. Before she knew it, three hours passed.

A maid knocked. “Miss Maristella? The guests are leaving, would you like to watch again from the balcony?”

She declined. She had seen what she wanted. The maid picked up the tray with empty dishes and left.

It didn’t take long for Maristella’s sisters to come running, eager to share their impressions. Cassilda burst in first, cheeks aglow, eyes bright with excitement. Elmira was right behind her. Cassie opened her mouth to speak, but this time Elmira was faster.

“Engaged!” she exclaimed, dramatically throwing up her hands. “He is engaged, can you believe it?!”

Maristella closed the book. “Who?”

“Kalvistan, of course!”

This was unexpected, but not nearly so shocking as Elmira presented it.

“Given his looks and accomplishments, yes, I can,” Maristella replied. “To whom?”

“Some Isolda Turlock!”

The name was unfamiliar.

“I haven’t heard of her, or the Turlocks,” Maristella said.

“No one has, it appears. They must be poor. Lord Shelberton’s distant relatives, or childhood friends, or something like that.”

Maristella didn’t care for the “poor” remark; neither did Cassilda, judging by the look she gave to their youngest sister. What did that have to do with anything?

“They live far away, too,” Elmira went on, “somewhere in Hasselby… Oh, why did he even come if he’s not available?!”

“Well, Father couldn’t exactly put that condition in his invitation,” Maristella said, suppressing a smile.

Cassie giggled.

“What condition?” Elmira asked.

“That his sons are only welcome to come if they are eligible bachelors.”

Cassilda burst out laughing.

“Oh, would you stop?” Elmira marched to the couch and plopped down. “I’ve practically had my heart broken, and you’re saying ridiculous things!”

Maristella made a serious face. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize it was love at first sight.”

“Well, maybe it was! Must you tease?”

“But you said you don’t care for him anymore,” Cassilda pointed out.

“Of course not! What’s the point if he is engaged?”

“None whatsoever,” Maristella agreed. “I am glad to hear that you’ve gotten over the disappointment so quickly.”

“She has her eye on Richard now,” Cassilda said. “The youngest.”

“I was supposed to tell her that!” Elmira protested. “For that, I’ll tell all about you. Ready?”

Cassie shrugged. “There is nothing to tell.”

“Oh yes, there is! First,” Elmira began, turning to Maristella, “she liked Richard. Did you see him gallop?”

“Of course,” Maristella nodded. “It was hard to miss.”

“That’s right! He was positively dashing, and Cassilda was smitten.”

“I only said that he is an excellent rider,” Cassie said.

“Don’t try to deny it, I saw!” Elmira insisted. “I even had to tell her, hey, he’s mine!”

“Wait a minute, I thought you fell for Kalvistan?” Maristella asked, raising an eyebrow.

Elmira rolled her eyes. “That was before I saw him! Don’t you understand? Richard arrived first, and with such a flair — well, of course I was impressed! Then, when they all came and I saw Kalvistan… What are you both laughing at?”

“Oh, Elmira…” Maristella shook her head. “This reminds me of Little Chester, remember we had a book about him when we were children? His mother offered him to choose a candy, he saw a lemon lollipop and grabbed it. But then he saw a strawberry lollipop and wanted that instead because it was much better. And then he saw a cherry one.”

“Yes, I remember!” Cassilda said, laughing even harder. “And then he saw chocolate!”

Elmira looked at them, frowning. “What are you two even talking about?”

“Men are not lollipops, that’s what,” Cassie said.

A little too blunt, perhaps, but Maristella had to agree. She hoped Elmira would grow out of it… If not, she pitied her future husband.

“Who said they were?” Elmira asked, raising her hands in frustration. “Would you stop being silly and let me speak?”

“I hoped you were done, so I can have a turn,” Cassilda said.

“Far from it! I haven’t yet told Maristella all about you!”

Cassilda lowered herself into an armchair and leaned back in resignation. “By all means, let’s be done with it.”

“Thank you. So!” Elmira’s face was a picture of happy mischief. “First she was smitten with Richard, but then you should have seen her blush when Kalvistan spoke to her! Yes, twice during the dinner! And then, when we went to the garden, Cassie spent most of the time talking with Ailon! You tell me who is treating men like candy.”

Elmira finished her speech and sat there, triumphant, waiting for Maristella’s reaction. Maristella glanced at Cassilda. Cassie looked more annoyed than embarrassed.

“It turned out that Ailon likes to paint,” she said. “That’s what we talked about. Are you done now, Elmira?”

“I’m done telling about you, but I haven’t yet told her how it all went with Richard! Which I’ll do after I hear what Maristella has to say about your behavior.”

Cassilda gave an eye roll but remained silent. I give up, her expression said.

“I don’t see anything incriminating in Cassie’s behavior,” Maristella replied. “She is the painter in the family, so of course she was interested in talking with someone who also paints.”

“And what about Richard and Kalvistan?”

“I suspect you strongly exaggerate, and even —”

“I do not!”

“…and even if not, blushing isn’t a crime.”

“All right. Well then, let me tell you about Richard.”

Elmira proceeded to share how Richard first entertained them both, telling all sorts of stories, then focused on her. Elmira and him walked side by side in the park, and he did nothing but look at her and try to make her laugh.

“His jokes are funny, he’s smart. And he said he rides every day, that’s why he is so good. I wish his name wasn’t so dull though.”

Maristella and Cassilda exchanged looks at that last statement.

“Dull?”

“Well, yes, can’t you see? Kalvistan, Ailon — and then Richard. Did they run out of interesting names?”

“I suppose you could ask Lord Shelberton,” Cassilda quipped.

“Maybe I will!”

Maristella figured she’d better say something before her sister embarrassed the whole family by actually doing it. “I hope you have enough sense not to. ‘Richard’ is a noble old name, and I think it suits him.”

“Well, it doesn’t quite suit me!”

The older sisters exchanged looks again. Maristella sighed. “Elmira, you’re one of a kind.”

She took it as a compliment. “That I am! Now, Cassie, we still have to pick shawls or cloaks for the festival tomorrow, in case it gets colder in the evening. Let’s go!”

“I still haven’t had a chance to speak to Maristella.”

“Fine, then I’ll leave you to it. Don’t complain later that I picked something you wanted.”

Elmira fluttered away.

“I wouldn’t have a reason to complain if you didn’t think all my things were up for grabs,” Cassie muttered, looking after her.

“She still does that, doesn’t she?” Maristella asked.

“Of course. Took my blue hat the other day, didn’t even ask.”

“I’ll talk to Mother. It’s inconsiderate, and it needs to stop. So, now that we can speak in peace…” Maristella smiled. “I’m all ears.”

“Well… Besides what Elmira has already blabbered about — and I hope you didn’t take her word for everything!”

“I know better than that.”

“Thank you. Besides all that, I enjoyed meeting the Shelbertons. They are a fine family. Lady Elizabeth is very kind, and her sons — I am safe to say it now that Elmira is gone — they are very pleasant, all three.”

“Did you find Kalvistan a bit proud? I got that impression hearing our brothers speak of him.”

“Not at all, he was very agreeable. He seemed genuinely concerned when Father had said that you could not join us. Others quickly forgot, but Kalvistan asked me about you later.”

“Oh? What did he ask?”

“What exactly was wrong, and whether you would be well enough tomorrow to come to the festival. I told him it was nothing serious, but it’s unlikely that you would make it.”

Maristella wondered, briefly, why he would ask, and dismissed it as mere politeness.

“So when did you find out that he is engaged?”

“Right before dinner. Lord Shelberton made the announcement. You should have seen Elmira’s face…”

“I can imagine.”

“And you know what’s interesting, Kalvistan was very… reserved during the announcement. Almost indifferent. Everyone started saying congratulations, asking questions — and I could tell he didn’t care that much for any of it.”

“Well, perhaps he is a very private person who doesn’t like people prying.”

“Perhaps. I think you would enjoy meeting him, he is a lot like you.”

That gave Maristella a pause. “How so?”

“He is intelligent, well-spoken. The oldest of three, with two younger siblings to keep in line. And…” Cassilda stopped, hesitant.

“And?”

“Handsome but unavailable. For a very different reason, yes,” Cassie hurried to add, “but… Oh, I don’t even know what I’m trying to say. I just thought you would get along very well.”

Maristella grasped what her sister could not put into words.

“You thought that, because he is no longer a marital prospect, he and I could become safe friends.”

Cassilda brightened up. “Yes! Exactly! Safe friends — that’s a perfect way to put it!”

Maristella smiled. “I don’t think his bride would appreciate that. Would you, if you were in her place?”

Cassie thought for a moment. “Knowing you, I wouldn’t mind. But, I see what you’re saying.”

It was almost supper time. They could talk forever.

“What can you tell me about Ailon?” Maristella asked.

“He is quiet. I think he prefers to watch and observe. It was actually Kalvistan who mentioned that his brother paints, and then Ailon and I started talking.”

“Did you enjoy speaking with him?”

“Oh yes, very much. Once we got going about drawing and painting, there was no stopping us. Ailon aspires to become a portraitist, but he paints landscapes and nature, too. When we were in the garden, he asked for a pencil and paper, and you should see the sketches he drew! I should have asked for one to show you… Why didn’t I think of that?”

“I’m sure you’ll have another chance. And yes, I would love to see Ailon’s artwork.”

Cassie sighed. “Oh, Maristella, how I wish you could come with us! I feel so bad about this whole thing.”

Maristella moved closer and hugged her. “Don’t feel bad. I’ll be there — just not with you. And we’ll discuss it all later, every little detail. It’s all right.”

***

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