Castles Read Online Free PDF Page A

that unfortunate mishap,” Alesandra rushed out. She hurried to change the subject before the superior could get all riled up again. “I was very serious when I said I would like to become a nun. I believe I have the calling.”
    â€œAlesandra, you aren’t Catholic.”
    â€œI would convert,” Alesandra fervently promised.
    A long minute passed in silence. Then the mother superior leaned forward. The chair squeaked with her movement. “Look at me,” she commanded.
    She waited until the princess had complied with her order before speaking again. “I believe I understand what this is really all about. I’m going to give you a promise,” she said, her voice a soothing whisper. “I’ll take good care of your mother’s grave. If anything should happen to me, then Sister Justina or Sister Rachael will tend to it. Your mother won’t be forgotten. She’ll continue to be in our prayers every day. That is my promise to you.”
    Alesandra burst into tears. “I cannot leave her.”
    The mother superior stood up and hurried over to Alesandra’s side. She put her arm around her shoulders and patted her. “You won’t be leaving her behind. She will always be in your heart. She would want you to get on with your life.”
    Tears streamed down Alesandra’s face. She mopped them away with the backs of her hands. “I don’t know the Duke of Williamshire, Mother. I only met him once and I barely recall what he looked like. What if I don’t get along with him? What if he doesn’t want me? I don’t want to be a burden to anyone. Please let me stay here.”
    â€œAlesandra, you seem determined to believe I have a choice in the matter and that simply isn’t true. I too must obey your guardian’s request. You’re going to do just fine in England. The Duke of Williamshire has six children of his own. One more isn’t going to be a bother.”
    â€œI’m not a child any longer,” Alesandra reminded the nun. “And my guardian is probably very old and weary by now.”
    The mother superior smiled. “The Duke of Williamshire was chosen and named guardian over you years ago by your father. He had good reason for naming the Englishman. Have faith in your father’s judgment.”
    â€œYes, Mother.”
    â€œYou can lead a happy life, Alesandra,” the mother superior continued. “As long as you remember to use a little restraint. Think before you act. That’s the key. You have a sound mind. Use it.”
    â€œThank you for saying so, Mother.”
    â€œQuit acting so submissive. It isn’t like you at all. I have one more bit of advice to offer you and I want your full attention. Do sit up straight. A princess does not slump.”
    If she sat any straighter, she thought, her spine might snap. Alesandra thrust her shoulders back a bit more and knew she’d satisfied the nun when she nodded.
    â€œAs I was saying,” the mother superior continued. “It never mattered here that you were a princess, but it will matter in England. Appearances must be kept up at all times. You simply cannot allow spontaneous actions to rule your life. Now tell me, Alesandra, what are the two words I’ve asked you again and again to take to heart?”
    â€œDignity and decorum , Mother.”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œMay I come back here . . . if I find I don’t like my new life?”
    â€œYou will always be welcomed back here,” the mother superior promised. “Go now and help Sister Rachael with the packing. You’ll be leaving in the dead of night as a precautionary measure. I’ll wait in the chapel to say my good-bye.”
    Alesandra stood up, made a quick curtsy, then left the room. The mother superior stood in the center of the small chamber and stared after her charge for a long while. She had believed it was a miracle the princess was leaving. The mother