Chapter Thirty-One
One month before graduation, Natasha was on the way to her room when she was informed of a message waiting for her. Once at the entrance to the university she greeted the messenger. He handed her a note with Nanny’s penmanship. Standing alone, she read the words. Raising her head, she noticed Stewart walking out of the library.
“Stewart.” He walked toward her. “Join me in the library.”
She walked to the far corner of the room and handed the paper to him.
“Nanny sent this,” she informed him. She made herself comfortable on the chair. Stewart began reading.
“Hmm,” he mumbled as he finished.
“Nanny spoke to my brothers about our relationship. I don’t want my brothers involved in my personal matters. We had a strong rapport as children, but have drifted apart since they began university. Joshua and Marcus envied my freedom while studying under Nanny. We speak during holidays, but not openly. We never discuss school, or matters of personal importance. I fear their reaction to my secret life. They cannot escape their royal responsibilities. When Father passes, one of my brothers will become king.”
Stewart shrugged his shoulders. “I appreciate your concern, but you approached Nanny for assistance.” He handed the paper back to her. “We haven’t had contact since the afternoon I made her acquaintance. If you are prepared to speak with your parents, I am willing to ask for your hand in marriage. We will reply, informing Nanny of the change.”
Frustrated, Natasha stared at the floor. “No. You cannot approach Father.”
“As you wish. As suggested, we shall meet Nanny and your brothers in the library tomorrow afternoon at two-thirty.”
“Did you read the entire telegram?”
“I did,” he said nonchalantly. “Nanny has agreed to arrange an apartment for us once school ends.”
“Nanny did not discuss that with us. It’s ludicrous. The topic requires serious discussion. I will not return to the castle, but you shall return to your family’s home. You will live with your momma and poppa until you are wed.”
“I hesitate to disagree with you, but I must. If your parents are less than pleased when they are informed of our union, they will insist you return. They are aware of the location of Nanny’s residence, so it would not be safe for you to reside with her. Nor would I rest if you lived on your own. We must be patient and speak with Nanny.”
Natasha turned her head away and closed her eyes. She dreaded the meeting and the very idea her brothers would be involved.
That night, Stewart crawled into bed and held her. She couldn’t sleep. Eventually, he rolled to the far side of the bed for some much-needed rest. Neither slept well. They were awake before dawn.
“I must return to my own room before I’m missed. I shall join you for lunch. Continue resting my love.”
With a quick kiss goodbye, Stewart left the room. Natasha retrieved her book.
Dear Diary,
Nanny has requested a meeting with my brothers. I’m terrified….
* * *
Natasha fidgeted with her dark skirt and ivory-coloured blouse as she stood by the main door to the men’s dormitory. Stewart appeared looking quite dapper in his dark trousers, white shirt, dark jacket, and tie. They rushed to the library and went to a corner table. Natasha stared at the large grandfather clock. Her heart wanted both time to stand still and to progress in order to get the meeting over with.
Stewart stood when Nanny and the twins entered the room. Nanny, attired in a light yellow dress, followed a few paces behind the young men. Stewart bowed his head in acknowledgment of their position. Natasha cringed. She should have discouraged the notion of a formal greeting. Marcus and Joshua smiled, setting Natasha’s heart and mind at ease. The weight of the world lifted from her shoulders. They exchanged a warm greeting, admiring her ring. They turned and shook hands with Stewart, introducing themselves and congratulating him. When Marcus turned to speak with Joshua, Stewart leaned toward her, his lips inches from her ear.
“I am embarrassed to admit, now that your brothers have introduced themselves, I cannot tell them apart.”
“Look at their eyes. Marcus has brown eyes, while Joshua’s are hazel. Once you are better acquainted, Marcus has a softer personality. More adventurous, and mischievous. Joshua is more conservative, but will follow Marcus’ lead.”
“We’re delighted to finally make your acquaintance,” Joshua said.
“Finally?” Natasha questioned.
“My dearest sister,” Marcus groaned. “You must assume we are both blind and deaf. Although you insisted you were study partners, the entire student body knew a relationship was developing.”
We have been careful. We’ve never held hands or shown any form of affection while in public. We are discrete when Stewart comes and leaves my room.
“We met in the library while studying. We became friends,” she replied defensively, not wishing to admit she was naive. “We did not acknowledge our mutual feelings until a short time ago.”
“We don’t believe that. You and Stewart were inseparable while we attended school. You did not associate with any other students. We heard fellow students speaking of their desire to get better acquainted, but neither of you displayed any interest. Stewart was known as the diligent student, with his entire attention focused on his studies. The second year began and suddenly, the scholar and our sister were keeping company. We wished an introduction, but we couldn’t risk having our identities discovered.”
Ashamed, Natasha turned her head away from the group. She had been naïve in assuming they had been discrete. In hindsight, she should have avoided Stewart completely while in public.
“You never spoke of your suspicions,” she remarked. “We spent time together during holidays. You inquired about my studies, yet never mentioned friendships.”
“Natasha,” Joshua growled. “Do not insult our intelligence. We would never risk conversing on such a topic. If Father were to suspect a developing relationship without his approval, we all would have been banished from the school. You were associating with a scholar, a gentleman, and you appeared happy and content. Marcus and I spoke in private. We did not see the harm in your budding friendship.”
“Standing, watching as you talked, it has just come to me. You were the infamous twins,” Stewart remarked. “I was but a fool to think otherwise. I’m now wishing we had become acquainted during our first year, although I believe I would have been too conservative for your lifestyle. You acquired a reputation while in residence.”
“University was an adventure,” Marcus gloated. “We—”
“Marcus, enough chit chat,” Nanny interrupted.
The school mistress was still able to take control with the tone of her voice. The conversation stopped. Natasha and Stewart sat at the table and the twins took their places across from them. As expected, Nanny sat at the head of the table.
“There is a purpose to this visit. With formalities completed, we must discuss Natasha’s dilemma. Once she graduates, we shall speak with your mother. We must persuade her to seek your father’s approval. It is imperative we receive it. Until this occurs, Natasha cannot return to the castle for fear she will lose her freedom and the opportunity to see her fiancé. In the event they do not accept this relationship, funds will be required to support her. Natasha was to receive an allowance.”
“We understand,” Marcus said.
“Do you realize the implications on your own lives if you agree to assist us? You are living under your father’s scrutiny.”
Marcus turned to Joshua. Not a word was spoken.
“We will assist, regardless of the consequences,” Joshua affirmed. “As we grew, Natasha was not given the attention Marcus and I received. It wasn’t as apparent to us as young boys, but became more obvious as we aged. We never spoke out regarding the inequality of the situation. This request is giving us a chance to redeem ourselves. We welcome an opportunity to assist our sister. Once you speak with M
other, Marcus and I shall refuse contact with the castle if she does not agree to aid our sister.”
“We can manage a few months if we are threatened financially,” Marcus added.
Natasha fought back her tears. Her brothers were supporting her more than she ever expected. They were encouraging her relationship with Stewart.
“Nanny must receive compensation. You must insist she is put on payroll.”
“Child, no. That—”
“Indeed, yes,” agreed Joshua.
Nanny glared at him.
“Do not argue on this topic,” Marcus said adamantly.
Nanny sat quietly with a contemplative look on her face. Natasha chatted with her siblings while Stewart sat listening.
“Once the school year is over I shall inform Anna of the recent developments in Natasha’s life,” Nanny announced, breaking into the siblings’ conversation. “Depending on the outcome of that conversation, Marcus and Joshua shall visit their mother. It would devastate your father if his sons refused contact. I’m certain Anna will respond to your request to avoid upsetting him.” She took a breath, changing the tone of the speech. She faced the twins. “You must plan the conversation, restricting your remarks to the task. Natasha’s allowance must be sufficient to support a moderate apartment and living expenses. I pray this is unnecessary. That Natasha is able to return home until her marriage.”
“We’re envious,” Marcus remarked. He turned, looked at Natasha, reaching for her hand. “We have only just met Stewart, but it is apparent as he looks at you that he loves you.”
“Royal approval notwithstanding, I cannot think of anything that could stand in the way of a happy marriage,” Stewart replied. He smiled at her. He reached for her free hand and kissed it.
When the twins stood to leave, Stewart stood and bowed.
“I beg of you, do not treat us so formally. It is our hope to become friends,” Marcus said, extending his hand. “Family.”
Stewart was grinning as he shook hands with both her brothers.
“I’ll be in touch,” Nanny informed Natasha.
Stewart walked them out of the building.
Dear Diary,
I’m truly thankful. We have my brothers’ support….
* * *
The following afternoon, Stewart sat in the library, lacking the desire to work on his studies. His mind was on the meeting with Natasha’s brothers and Nanny. If he was able to go back in time, he would have spent more time associating with fellow students. He now regretted his decision to focus all his time on his studies. The sound of a female clearing her throat diverted his attention back.
“You’re not studying?” Natasha asked.
“Nay, I’m taking a short break to clear my head.”
“You were deep in thought and didn’t see me arrive. What’s on your mind?”
“Nanny and your brothers, and the family portrait you showed me.”
“That awful portrait,” she groaned.
“It is your family. I am pleased knowing I have made their acquaintance.”
She sat on the chair by his side. “Years ago you requested to be shown family pictures. I warned you they were very formal. I was not deceiving you. Mother is so proud of her position.” Her mind drifted to the preparations for the portrait. The fuss for the gown, her hair, and having to stand poised while wearing the jewels. “I hate wearing that thing.”
“The formal gown or the crown?”
“The crown. It is a reminder of my future and the person I’m expected to become.” She paused for a moment. “The life I detest. The life I want to escape.”
“Ideally, I wish to take your hands in mine and kiss them, to embrace you, but instead, given the location….” Stewart winked at her. “You cannot run from me. I shall seek and find you,” he added with a smile. “I’m yet to lose a race. Recalling your brother’s faces, I’m attempting to find a resemblance. With the knowledge the twins are your brothers I can see a slight similarity in your eyes. As I recall the picture of your parents, I struggle to see any trace of either parent. I could be swayed to believe all three siblings were adopted.”
“We are fortunate indeed,” she admitted. “It would have been impossible to keep our lives discrete if we resembled our parents. Your momma would have suspected the truth the moment we met.”
“Would you have agreed to accompany me to my family home?”
“Nay. Nor would I have attended university for fear of being recognized. I’m thankful I am not easily recognizable as the princess. I bear a slight resemblance to Mother’s mother, but I believe I’m unique in appearance.”
“I adore your unique appearance.” Stewart gave a slight smile and a wink.
She looked toward the grandfather clock. “I must leave in haste. I have another class. I’ll see you later.”
Chapter Thirty-Two
With time to spare between classes, Natasha entered the library, looked around, and then wandered outside. She spied Stewart sitting under his favourite tree. She wandered over to join him. He handed her a piece of paper and then continued writing. Natasha sat on the grass beside him and began reading the letter to his parents. When she finished, she handed it back to him.
“Are your parents aware we’re engaged?”
Stewart slapped his forehead with the palm of his hand. He removed a blank piece of paper and wrote in large bold letters:
‘We are engaged. Natasha is still glowing.’
* * *
Stewart graduated after a four year program and walked to the podium to give the valedictorian speech. Natasha couldn’t have been prouder. He would return in the autumn to complete his masters. Graduating after her three year program, Natasha would return home. Not wishing to dwell on that, she scanned the audience. Her brothers, having graduated the previous year were sitting three rows ahead of Stewart’s family with Nanny. Her parents, out of the area performing official duties, had sent their congratulations. She found that quite comical. As if they cared.
Turning her attention back to Stewart, she listened to his speech. Later in the proceedings she beamed proudly when Stewart accepted the awarded honours for outstanding achievement.
With the ceremony over, Natasha spoke with Nanny. Stewart walked his family to their buggy. Once there, he had the task of informing them of his intent to move into an apartment with Natasha. Dreading the conversation, he hated the idea deceiving them, but Nanny counselled it was necessary to keep her identity a secret.
Later that same day, Natasha and Stewart packed their belongings and moved into the one-bedroom apartment that Nanny had arranged for them. Earlier, Natasha had written a letter to her parents, informing them that she would be spending some time with Nanny, re-establishing their friendship.
* * *
Stewart slipped out for the mail, leaving Natasha in the sitting area of their apartment, reading her novel. He returned with a letter in his hand. The envelope was addressed to him, but he was certain the contents were not exclusively for him. He opened it in her presence and read it out loud.
Natasha,
Mother believes you are just infatuated, and is refusing to speak with Father.
We achieved partial success, however. You shall receive your allowance. Nanny is on payroll. We believe Mother was afraid to refuse our demands, but she is not pleased. She is worried for your reputation.
M and J
With the words in black-and-white, Stewart’s heart went numb. His fiancée’s family would be supporting him. The situation was unacceptable. He was the man of the house, but his parents were not in the position to support a second household. It was impossible to seek employment when Natasha could not be left alone in the apartment. The twins had warned him of a search party that was travelling from door to door to locate Natasha and take her home. Natasha was not aware of this fact. He wished to keep it that way.
If he were to seek employment, he could return home one day to find an empty apartment. He’d never see Natasha again. Sh
e could stay at his parents’ home, but that would put his family’s lives at risk. That was also unacceptable. Feeling trapped and without options, he needed a moment alone. He handed the letter to Natasha and walked into the bedroom. Standing at the window, he stared into space.
“I don’t possess the words to console you.”
Her voice startled Stewart from his thoughts. He turned to see her standing at the doorway.
“I also wish our life was different. Normal.”
“You are about to support me,” he spoke scowling with frustration. “I desperately wish to make you my wife, and I am told I cannot. We are deceiving my parents. They don’t understand the reason for this living arrangement. They are disappointed in me. This may not upset you, but I find myself grieving. It’s unacceptable.” He turned his back to her and looked out the window. “They deserve to know the truth. Everything.”
“I beg of you, be patient,” she pleaded.
Stewart didn’t respond but continued to stare into the sky.
“I attempted to discourage your feelings, wanting to end our relationship, but you argued against it, wishing to fight for us,” she reminded him.
Her hand touched his shoulder.
“If you insist on remaining by my side, we have no choice but to live in this manner. If my parents weren’t being so unreasonable, we would be enjoying our engagement, or perhaps we would already be married. Unless Mother and Father accept our relationship, it will be a difficult battle.”
“Things were not to remain this difficult,” he replied, still staring out the window. “We’re in love. They should be happy and assist us as we plan a wedding. It is taking too long.”
“As much as I adore you, I won’t stop you if you walk out of my life. I love and respect you so much. It pains me to see you grieve as you struggle to accept this.”
Frustrated, Stewart was unable to imagine a life without her. He would persevere, and in the end, they would have a wonderful life together. His heart believed it could be so. Turning to face her, he kissed her hands.
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