31940598 Prisoners in the Palace 001

7/28/2019 31940598 Prisoners in the Palace 001

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1

In W hich Lizas

CircumstancesChangeforthe W orse

L iza hudd led in the armchair near the window, hermothers shawl wrapped tightly around her shoulders.Despite the fre, she couldnt seem to get warm. The blinds were drawn against the mornings winter light.

It shouldnt be sunny.There was a discreet knock at the door. A maid in

a black dress with a white apron entered, carrying a meal on a tray. Miss Liza, you mustnt shut yourselfaway like this. Its not like you. With a quick motion,she deposited the tray and jerked the blinds open. Lizablinked and held up a hand to shade her eyes.

Cora!With all due respect to your bereaved state, Miss,

the staff is beginning to talk, Cora scolded. This is no


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10 P R I S O N E R S I N T H E P A L A C E

In Which Lizas Circumstances Change for the Worse 11life for a young lady such as you. Go out of doors, put some color

For the frst time, she looked at her luxurious hotel suite and back in those cheeks.

realized it must be expensive. Two bedrooms, a sitting room, mealsTheres nothing for me outside.

on trays, a maid . . . it all cost.The hotel suite had been her refuge since the day she had walked

Did Mr. Ratisbon include the hotel in his list of creditors? She behind the black carriage drawn by four black horses and watched the

would be a thief if she slept here another night or ate another meal. shovelfuls of black earth rain down on her parents coffns. And now

How could she afford to pay for Cora?what? Her family had come to London to join society. But without

What on earth am I to do?Mamas letters of introduction, there would be no welcome for LizaLiza began to pace. How could you do this, Papa? she whis -in the best homes. There would be no glittering season followed by a

pered to the sumptuous room. You and Mama were my wholebrilliant marriage. She was alone in a strange country; she had neither

world. How could you leave me with nothing?friends nor family. When her parents cabriolet had plunged into

The crinkle of paper in her hand recalled her to the last para-the Serpentine a fortnight ago, it had desolated Lizas life too.

graph of Mr. Ratisbons letter. Her heart beat faster. After inform-I have a letter for you, Cora said enticingly.

ing her she had lost everything, the lawyer presented her with theHiding her face in the protective wing of the chair, Lizas answer

opportunity of a lifetime.was muffed. Leave it on the table.Cora!

The notation says Urgent.

Miss?


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Liza peeked out from under the shawl. Who sent it?

I have to get dressed! Im to go to court! Liza exclaimed, A satisfed smile spread across Coras face. I dont know. She

waving the letter. More precisely, I have an interview at half pasthanded Liza the letter. Look for yourself.

one oclock to bea lady in waiting.Liza stood up and brought the letter to the window. Its fromCoras eyes widened. To the Queen?

Papas lawman, Mr. Ratisbon.

No, to the Princess Victoria at Kensington Palace.Coras bright smile dimmed. I never knew good news to come

Court is where the King is, Miss Liza, Cora corrected. But thefrom a lawyer. She picked up Lizas dressing gown from the foor

little Princess is just as good. Shell be the Queen someday. I sawand bustled into the bedroom.

er once, picnicking with er mother, the Duchess, in yde Park. ShesLiza broke the seal and began reading the letter half aloud.

ever so pretty.Assets . . . liens . . . fve hundred pounds owed? . . . creditors . . .

Shes not so little, I read in the broadsheets shes sixteen, a yearlegal action. . . . Oh my goodness. She sank back into her chair.

younger than I, Liza said. If I suit her, Im to live at Kensington Papa left nothing? Less than nothing. Her breathing was shallow

Palace.as if her lungs had shrunk along with her expectations. How am I

Your good mother would have been proud. Coras face fell to live?

when she saw Lizas stricken expression. Im sorry, Miss.


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Which Lizas Circumstances Change for the Worse 11e for a young lady such as you. Go out of doors, put some color

or the frst time, she looked at her luxurious hotel suite and ack in those cheeks.

ealized it must be expensive. Two bedrooms, a sitting room, mealsTheres nothing for me outside. on

ays, a maid . . . it all cost.he hotel suite had been her refuge since the day she had walked

id Mr. Ratisbon include the hotel in his list of creditors? Sheehind the black carriage drawn by four black horses and watched the

ould be a thief if she slept here another night or ate another meal. hovelfuls of black earth rain down on her parents coffns. And now

ow could she afford to pay for Cora?hat? Her family had come to London to join society. But without

What on earth am I to do?Mamas letters of introduction, there would be no welcome for Lizaza began to pace. How could you do this, Papa? she whis -

the best homes. There would be no glittering season followed by a

ered to the sumptuous room. You and Mama were my wholerilliant marriage. She was alone in a strange country; she had neither

orld. How could you leave me with nothing?iends nor family. When her parents cabriolet had plunged into

he crinkle of paper in her hand recalled her to the last para-he Serpentine a fortnight ago, it had desolated Lizas life too.

raph of Mr. Ratisbons letter. Her heart beat faster. After inform-have a letter for you, Cora said enticingly. ing

er she had lost everything, the lawyer presented her with theiding her face in the protective wing of the chair, Lizas answer

pportunity of a lifetime.as muffed. Leave it on the table.

Cora!The notation says Urgent.

Miss?


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za peeked out from under the shawl. Who sent it?

have to get dressed! Im to go to court! Liza exclaimed, satisfed smile spread across Coras face. I dont know. She

aving the letter. More precisely, I have an interview at half pastanded Liza the letter. Look for yourself.

ne oclock to be a lady in waiting.za stood up and brought the letter to the window. Its from oras eyes widened. To the Queen?apas lawman, Mr. Ratisbon.

No, to the Princess Victoria at Kensington Palace.oras bright smile dimmed. I never knew good news to come

Court is where the King is, Miss Liza, Cora corrected. But theom a lawyer. She picked up Lizas dressing gown from the foor

tle Princess is just as good. Shell be the Queen someday. I sawnd bustled into the bedroom.

r once, picnicking with er mother, the Duchess, in yde Park. Shesiza broke the seal and began reading the letter half aloud.

ver so pretty.Assets . . . liens . . . fve hundred pounds owed? . . . creditors . . .

Shes not so little, I read in the broadsheets shes sixteen, a yearegal action. . . . Oh my goodness. She sank back into her chair.

ounger than I, Liza said. If I suit her, Im to live at KensingtonPapa left nothing? Less than nothing. Her breathing was shallow

alace.s if her lungs had shrunk along with her expectations. How am I

Your good mother would have been proud. Coras face fell o live?

hen she saw Lizas stricken expression. Im sorry, Miss.


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In Which Lizas Circumstances Change for the Worse 13Liza rubbed her sore eyes. Youre right, Cora. My mama would

But you have to wear your blacks, its disrespectful else, have been so pleased. This was all she ever dreamed ofbut now

Cora said.shell never know. She straightened her back and tilted her chin.

To honor Mama and Papa properly, I will, Liza said. TearsWe must pay particular attention to my toilette, she said. This

rolled down her cheeks. She sighed; this had to stop. The Princessappointment is the most important of my life.

would send her away if all she did was cry.Liza carefully folded Mr. Ratisbons letter while Cora hurried

Cora avoided looking at Lizas face. She fnished joining the away to fetch Lizas clothes. Liza ran her fngers across the crease,

hooks and eyes at the back of the bodice. That looks lovely, shethinking hard. What if she didnt fnd favor with the Princess? Orsaid. Your shape is ourglass perfection.rather, Her Highnesss governess, the Baroness Lehzen? Mr. Ratis-

Taking a deep sniff, Liza pursed her lips and set her shouldersbon said that the Baroness would make the decision. This interview

back, fghting her tears. With these huge sleeves and wide skirt, must go well. It must. Liza had nowhere else to go.

anyone would look like an hourglass. But even as she said it, she Your black lace? Cora asked from the bedroom.

remembered laughing with her mother, discreetly of course, at theNo! Not that . . . Lizas voice faltered, but then she forced

ladies who insisted on the latest styles even though they did not herself to be practical. Never mind, its the best I have, even if it

have the natural tiny waist.reminds me of terrible things.Tis the fashion, Miss. Coras voice was frm.

She slipped her dressing gown off her shoulders and stood in

Liza said, Fashion isnt everything. She swallowed past the


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her chemise. Cora fastened a wide petticoat around her waist.

lump in her throat; her mother would have swooned had she heard The corset? Cora asked.

Liza say such a thing. Fashion had been their consuming passion,Mama would have insisted. No, Liza said, with a twinge of guilt.

save for the opera and theater. But now Liza had more importantIts wretchedly uncomfortable.concerns.

Your waist is tiny enough as it is, Cora said, fastening the dark

What about jewelry, Miss? Cora asked briskly.skirt around Lizas middle. The black silk was heavy with fne lace-

My gold and enamel locket. It contained a small length of herwork from Brussels. Liza remembered the rainy afternoon she and

mothers hair. And the jet bracelet and pin. I must look my best.her mother had spent in the milliners shop poring over dozens of

A pretty girl like you is sure to please the Princess. They say shestyles. Cora buttoned the sleeves into the arm holes. They were

as no friends er own age. Youd be a boon to er, you would. wide below the elbow but narrow at the shoulder. She tut-tutted,

I hope so. Liza fastened a black bonnet on her head and This style looks more like a leg of mutton every season.arranged the black ribbon to display becomingly in her blond curls.

Liza stared at her refection in the mirror. Mama always told me

It would be a boon for me to go where there are no memories.I looked washed out in dark colors.


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Which Lizas Circumstances Change for the Worse 13Liza rubbed her sore eyes. Youre right, Cora. My mama would

But you have to wear your blacks, its disrespectful else, have been so pleased. This was all she ever dreamed ofbut now

Cora said.shell never know. She straightened her back and tilted her chin.

To honor Mama and Papa properly, I will, Liza said. Tears We must pay particular attention to my toilette, she said. This

rolled down her cheeks. She sighed; this had to stop. The Princessappointment is the most important of my life.

would send her away if all she did was cry.Liza carefully folded Mr. Ratisbons letter while Cora hurried

Cora avoided looking at Lizas face . She fnished joining theaway to fetch Lizas clothes. Liza ran her fngers across the crease,

hooks and eyes at the back of the bodice. That looks lovely, she thinking hard. What if she didnt fnd favor with the Princess? Orsaid. Your shape is ourglass perfection.

rather, Her Highnesss governess, the Baroness Lehzen? Mr. Ratis-

Taking a deep sniff, Liza pursed her lips and set her shouldersbon said that the Baroness would make the decision. This interview

back, fghting her tears. With these huge sleeves and wide skirt,must go well. It must. Liza had nowhere else to go.

anyone would look like an hourglass. But even as she said it, she Your black lace? Cora asked from the bedroom.

remembered laughing with her mother, discreetly of course, at theNo! Not that . . . Lizas voice faltered, but then she forced

ladies who insisted on the latest styles even though they did not herself to be practical. Never mind, its the best I have, even if it

have the natural tiny waist.reminds me of terrible things.Tis the fashion, Miss. Coras voice was frm.She slipped her dressing gown off her shoulders and stood in

Liza said, Fashion isnt everything. She swallowed past the


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her chemise. Cora fastened a wide petticoat around her waist.

lump in her throat; her mother would have swooned had she heard The corset? Cora asked.

Liza say such a thing. Fashion had been their consuming passion,Mama would have insisted. No, Liza said, with a twinge of guilt.

save for the opera and theater. But now Liza had more importantIts wretchedly uncomfortable.concerns.

Your waist is tiny enough as it is, Cora said, fastening the dark

What about jewelry, Miss? Cora asked briskly.skirt around Lizas middle. The black silk was heavy with fne lace-

My gold and enamel locket. It contained a small length of herwork from Brussels. Liza remembered the rainy afternoon she and

mothers hair. And the jet bracelet and pin. I must look my best.her mother had spent in the milliners shop poring over dozens of

A pretty girl like you is sure to please the Princess. They say shestyles. Cora buttoned the sleeves into the arm holes. They were

as no friends er own age. Youd be a boon to er, you would.wide below the elbow but narrow at the shoulder. She tut-tutted,

I hope so. Liza fastened a black bonnet on her head and This style looks more like a leg of mutton every season.arranged the black ribbon to display becomingly in her blond curls.Liza stared at her refection in the mirror. Mama always told me

It would be a boon for me to go where there are no memories. ooked washed out in dark colors.

Z


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In Which Lizas Circumstances Change for the Worse 15The lobby was flled with its usual denizens, well -to-do young

Mr. Arbuthnot sat behind a too grand mahogany desk. Most dis-ladies and their mothers and, on occasion, pompous fathers. Two

courteously, he didnt offer her a seat, but Lizas legs were tremblingweeks ago Liza had been utterly at home here; she had grown up in

so, she sank unbidden into the deep chair opposite him. Immedi-fne hotels in the most elegant cities around the world. A murmur

ately she regretted her choice; the chair dwarfed her petite frame spread through the room when she appeared at the top of the stairs.

and she felt like a small child.Behind gloved hands or strategically held fans the ladies whispered,

Do you know why Ive asked to see you? he began.speculating. Liza blushed.

Youd like to offer your condolences? Liza asked hopefully.Stop being self-centered, Liza. They cant possibly know the moneysBut she had spied a letter with Mr. Ratisbons handwriting on gone. They are curious because Ive been a hermit in my rooms this

his desk; the manager would not be commiserating with her overpast fortnight. They cant possibly know.

her tragedy.Miss Hastings! A peremptory voice drew every eye to her. It

Your account is in serious arrears, Miss Hastings. He frownedwas Mr. Arbuthnot, the hotels manager. Though portly, he insisted

and picked up the letter. Your fathers solicitor tells me you haveon wearing gaudy vests that emphasized his girth. Miss Hastings, I

no fortune at all and no prospects, he said as though it were must speak to you about your account.

her fault.Liza wished she could sink into the lush red carpet. Instead, sheTwo weeks ago, he had fallen over himself to indulge their every

took a breath and made one foot follow the other down the stairs.

whim. Violets in winter? Of course, Lady Hastings. Seats to the opera


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Now everyone was staring at her and she knew they werent admir-

for Don Juan, starring the famous tenor Luigi Lablache? Consider iting the lace on her mourning dress.

done, Miss Hastings. But his courtesies had a price.Good afternoon, Mr. Arbuthnot, she said formally.

Mr. Arbuthnot, my father was a valued client of yours.Recalled to his manners, he said, Of course. Good afternoon.Indeed he was . . . when he was alive to pay his bills.

May I speak to you in my private offce, please?

Liza gasped. How much is the amount outstanding? she asked,Liza looked for any possible reprieve, but his piggish, black eyes

when she trusted her voice again.were implacable. Why, certainly, Mr. Arbuthnot, although I only

Forty-three pounds, two pence, he said.can spare you a few moments. I have an important appointment.

Liza recoiled as if from a blow to her body. Her gloved fngersHe led the way through the crowded lobby. Liza followed as

twisted around the handle of her little reticule, which contained slowly as she dared. Her fathers lawman had said she wasnt respon-

only a few pounds and a handful of change.sible for her fathers debts. But did Mr. Arbuthnot know that? Per-

That is the amount due immediately, he continued. If you stayhaps the bailiffs were waiting to take her to debtors prison?

another night, it will be more.Mr. Arbuthnot opened the door. Liza craned her neck to see past

Of course, Liza said. My parents would have she beganhis bulk. Her knees weakened with relief; the room was empty.

again.


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Which Lizas Circumstances Change for the Worse 15he lobby was flled with its usual denizens, well -to-do young

Mr. Arbuthnot sat behind a too grand mahogany desk. Most dis-dies and their mothers and, on occasion, pompous fathers. Two

ourteously, he didnt offer her a seat, but Lizas legs were tremblingeeks ago Liza had been utterly at home here; she had grown up in

o, she sank unbidden into the deep chair opposite him. Immedi- ne hotels in the most elegant cities around the world. A murmur

tely she regretted her choice; the chair dwarfed her petite frame pread through the room when she appeared at the top of the stairs.

nd she felt like a small child.ehind gloved hands or strategically held fans the ladies whispered,

Do you know why Ive asked to see you? he began.peculating. Liza blushed.

Youd like to offer your condolences? Liza asked hopefully.top being self-centered, Liza. They cant possibly know the moneysut she had spied a letter with Mr. Ratisbons handwriting on one. They are curious because Ive been a hermit in my rooms this his

esk; the manager would not be commiserating with her overast fortnight. They cant possibly know. her

agedy.Miss Hastings! A peremptory voice drew every eye to her. It

Your account is in serious arrears, Miss Hastings. He frownedas Mr. Arbuthnot, the hotels manager. Though portly, he insisted

nd picked up the letter. Your fathers solicitor tells me you haven wearing gaudy vests that emphasized his girth. Miss Hastings, I

o fortune at all and no prospects, he said as though it were must speak to you about your account.

er fault.za wished she could sink into the lush red carpet. Instead, shewo weeks ago, he had fallen over himself to indulge their every

ook a breath and made one foot follow the other down the stairs.

him. Violets in winter? Of course, Lady Hastings. Seats to the opera


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ow everyone was staring at her and she knew they werent admir-

or Don Juan, starring the famous tenor Luigi Lablache? Consider itg the lace on her mourning dress.

one, Miss Hastings. But his courtesies had a price.Good afternoon, Mr. Arbuthnot, she said formally.

Mr. Arbuthnot, my father was a valued client of yours.ecalled to his manners, he said, Of course. Good afternoon.ndeed he was . . . when he was alive to pay his bills.

May I speak to you in my private offce, please?

za gasped. How much is the amount outstanding? she asked,za looked for any possible reprieve, but his piggish, black eyes

hen she trusted her voice again.ere implacable. Why, certainly, Mr. Arbuthnot, although I only

Forty-three pounds, two pence, he said.an spare you a few moments. I have an important appointment.

za recoiled as if from a blow to her body. Her gloved fngers e led the way through the crowded lobby. Liza followed as

wisted around the handle of her little reticule, which contained owly as she dared. Her fathers lawman had said she wasnt respon-

nly a few pounds and a handful of change.ble for her fathers debts. But did Mr. Arbuthnot know that? Per-

That is the amount due immediately, he continued. If you stayaps the bailiffs were waiting to take her to debtors prison?

nother night, it will be more.Mr. Arbuthnot opened the door. Liza craned her neck to see past

Of course, Liza said. My parents would have she begans bulk. Her knees weakened with relief; the room was empty.

gain.


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In Which Lizas Circumstances Change for the Worse 17The hotel is deeply sorry for their deaths, but even our gener-

With a sudden air of inspiration, Liza sat up straight saying, osity has its limits. Have you no one to pay your debts?

Perhaps I should throw myself on the mercy of your guests? OnceAs you know, we have only just arrived in London from Munich.

I tell them the hotel is going to cast me out onto the street, some-I know no one. Liza struggled out of the chair. As it happens, I

one will help me.have an appointment this morning that will provide me with a new

Youll do no such thing! he snapped. Ive the hotels reputa -home. She smoothed out her full black skirt. I will pack my trunks

tion to think of.and leave as soon as possible.

You have left me no choice, Liza sniffed, dabbing at her eyeMr. Arbuthnots feshy lips quivered with impatience, And with his cologne-laden handkerchief.

your account?

Perhaps I could let you have one trunk with your personal Lizas stomach was full of angry butterfies. I have no way to

effects, Mr. Arbuthnot grudgingly offered.pay right now, but it will be settled, she promised.

That would be exceedingly generous, Liza said, hating the I dont see how, he replied, his tone snide. But Claridges will

necessity of sounding grateful.not be the loser; Im sure I can sell your personal chattel for at least

But the rest . . . he said.some of what you owe.

You may hold my other belongings until I pay the debt, Liza You cannot! Liza cried.interrupted.But I can. He tapped the letter on his desk. Ask your

For ninety days, he countered. Then I sell everything.


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solicitor.

A twelvemonth at least. You must give me time to fnd my feet, You cant sell my clothes to strangers! And certainly not my

sir, she said. Surely that would be time enough to make her fortunemothers jewelry and my fathers books . . . As Liza listed the other

or at least to fnd a suitable husband at Kensington Palace. possessions she could not bear to lose, her voice grew louder andHalf a year. And thats my fnal offer.more shrill.

Thank you. I appreciate your kindness. She stood up and Miss Hastings, calm yourself. He stood up and made sure

waited for him to remember to hold the door open for her. She was the door was closed. Im the maitre dhotel of the fnest hotel in

about to sweep through when she remembered another problem.London, what will my paying guests think if they hear your cater-

One more thing, she said.wauling. He shoved a handkerchief at her.

What? he said sourly.With so little money in her reticule, how could Liza buy some

I have a meeting at Kensington Palace, but Ive no money to pay time? Looking up at him from under her damp eyelashes, she said,

for a hansom cab.Im so sorry, Mr. Arbuthnot, but Im an orphan, at my wits end.

You could walk.Mr. Arbuthnot shifted from foot to foot, his eyes looking every-

I could, she mused. But how would it refect on Claridges? Awhere but at Liza. Theres nothing I can do.

young lady, walking unescorted through Hyde Park?


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Which Lizas Circumstances Change for the Worse 17The hotel is deeply sorry for their deaths, but even our gener-

With a sudden air of inspiration, Liza sat up straight saying, sity has its limits. Have you no one to pay your debts?

Perhaps I should throw myself on the mercy of your guests? Once As you know, we have only just arrived in London from Munich. I

ell them the hotel is going to cast me out onto the street, some-know no one. Liza struggled out of the chair. As it happens, I

ne will help me.ave an appointment this morning that will provide me with a new

Youll do no such thing! he snapped. Ive the hotels reputa-ome. She smoothed out her full black skirt. I will pack my trunks

on to think of.nd leave as soon as possible.

You have left me no choice, Liza sniffed, dabbing at her eye Mr. Arbuthnots feshy lips quivered with impatience, And ith his cologne-laden handkerchief.our account?

Perhaps I could let you have one trunk with your personal zas stomach was full of angry butterfies. I have no way to

ffects, Mr. Arbuthnot grudgingly offered.ay right now, but it will be settled, she promised.

That would be exceedingly generous, Liza said, hating the dont see how, he replied, his tone snide. But Claridges will

ecessity of sounding grateful.ot be the loser; Im sure I can sell your personal chattel for at least

But the rest . . . he said.ome of what you owe.

You may hold my other belongings until I pay the debt, Liza You cannot! Liza cried.terrupted.

But I can. He tapped the letter on his desk. Ask your

For ninety days, he countered. Then I sell everything.


37/41

olicitor.

A twelvemonth at least. You must give me time to fnd my feet, You cant sell my clothes to strangers! And certainly not my sir,

he said. Surely that would be time enough to make her fortunemothers jewelry and my fathers books . . . As Liza listed the other

r at least to fnd a suitable husband at Kensington Palace. ossessions she could not bear to lose, her voice grew louder andHalf a year. And thats my fnal offer.

more shrill.

Thank you. I appreciate your kindness. She stood up andMiss Hastings, calm yourself. He stood up and made sure

aited for him to remember to hold the door open for her. She was he door was closed. Im the maitre dhotel of the fnest hotel in

bout to sweep through when she remembered another problem.ondon, what will my paying guests think if they hear your cater-

One more thing, she said.auling. He shoved a handkerchief at her.

What? he said sourly.With so little money in her reticule, how could Liza buy some

have a meeting at Kensington Palace, but Ive no money to pay me? Looking up at him from under her damp eyelashes, she said,

or a hansom cab.m so sorry, Mr. Arbuthnot, but Im an orphan, at my wits end.

You could walk.Mr. Arbuthnot shifted from foot to foot, his eyes looking every-

could, she mused. But how would it refect on Claridges? Ahere but at Liza. Theres nothing I can do.

oung lady, walking unescorted through Hyde Park?


38/41


In Which Lizas Circumstances Change for the Worse 19He snorted. Miss Hastings, I think if you had been in charge

and Papa to their deaths in the muddy waters of the Serpentine. of your fathers business interests, there would be an estate worth

Liza smiled at him, grateful for his thoughtfulness. With a practicedinheriting.

hand, he helped her into the carriage.Liza waited, her face impassive.

As she sank down to the cushioned seat, Liza forced herself toVery well, Ill pay the fare, he said at last. But frst you pack

breathe deeply. Her exhalation hung suspended in the chilly air, your things. I have an Italian nobleman arriving this evening. He

like a promise or a threat. Whatever the future held for her, it was can afford to pay for your suite.

about to begin.

Z When Liza came back downstairs, Mr. Arbuthnot was waiting for her.He rushed forward to take her arm and shepherd her through the crowded hall, and Liza rewarded him with a genuine smile. To hersurprise, she felt grateful to Mr. Arbuthnots for forcing her to packso quickly. She would have mourned every item: cried over everyglove, cuffink, and book had she more time. Instead, her singletrunk was bursting with her favorite things and clothes appropriatefor a grieving daughter.

Mr. Arbuthnot accompanied her to the door and instructed the doorkeeper to pay for a hansom cab to Kensington Palace. Thenhe turned on his heel and retreated to the comforts of Londons fnest hotel.

Liza was left standing with the doorkeeper, her eyes blinkingagainst the cold sunlight. He blew a shrill whistle and was answeredwith the clip-clop of hooves and the rattle of a cabriolet driven by atiny man in an oversize greatcoat and battered tophat.


39/41

Miss, its nice to see you taking the air again, the doorman saidloudly. He lowered his booming voice. Ill ask the driver to take thelong way around, avoid the river.

Liza swallowed. She had not considered that she might haveto cross the bridge where the horse had bolted, plunging Mama


40/41


Which Lizas Circumstances Change for the Worse 19He snorted. Miss Hastings, I think if you had been in charge

and Papa to their deaths in the muddy waters of the Serpentine. of your fathers business interests, there would be an estate worth

Liza smiled at him, grateful for his thoughtfulness. With a practicedinheriting.

hand, he helped her into the carriage.Liza waited, her face impassive.

As she sank down to the cushioned seat, Liza forced herself toVery well, Ill pay the fare, he said at last. But frst you pack

breathe deeply. Her exhalation hung suspended in the chilly air, your things. I have an Italian nobleman arriving this evening. He

like a promise or a threat. Whatever the future held for her, it was can afford to pay for your suite.

about to begin.

Z When Liza came back downstairs, Mr. Arbuthnot was waiting for her.

e rushed forward to take her arm and shepherd her through the rowded hall, and Liza rewarded him with a genuine smile. To herurprise, she felt grateful to Mr. Arbuthnots for forcing her to packo quickly. She would have mourned every item: cried over everyove, cuffink, and book had she more time. Instead, her single unk was bursting with her favorite things and clothes appropriate

or a grieving daughter.Mr. Arbuthnot accompanied her to the door and instructed the

oorkeeper to pay for a hansom cab to Kensington Palace. Thene turned on his heel and retreated to the comforts of Londons

nest hotel.za was left standing with the doorkeeper, her eyes blinkinggainst the cold sunlight. He blew a shrill whistle and was answeredith the clip-clop of hooves and the rattle of a cabriolet driven by any man in an oversize greatcoat and battered tophat.


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Miss, its nice to see you taking the air again, the doorman saidoudly. He lowered his booming voice. Ill ask the driver to take theng way around, avoid the river.za swallowed. She had not considered that she might have

o cross the bridge where the horse had bolted, plunging Mama

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