The Princess Spy Read Online Free PDF Page A

to Frau Lena’s chamber. He seemed desperate to talk to Father about whoever had tried to kill him. But why couldn’t he simply tell her? Why did he think it would endanger her to know who his attacker was?
    She was sitting in the Great Hall when Lord Claybrook entered carrying a whole armful of flowers after his ride with her father and brother. Lord Claybrook presented them to her with a charming smile.
    “They’re lovely!”
    A kitchen maid scurried to find a vessel to put them in while Margaretha took them from him. The profusion of color from the different types of flowers made her nearly giddy.
    “They are so bright! Are they selling these in the market? I didn’t know the geraniums were blooming already.” Instead of prattling on about the flowers, Margaretha brought herself up short and remembered to ask Lord Claybrook how his ride had been and what he had thought of Hagenheim.
    “It is such a charming place.” Lord Claybrook went on to compliment her father’s leadership skills, as well as the peace and lawful atmosphere of the town. He praised the strength of the walls and the gates and gatehouses around the town. He spoke of the friendliness and cheer of the people, as well as their cleanliness and the beauty and upkeep of the buildings.
    While he talked, Margaretha arranged and rearranged her flowers in the large pottery jar. The pink flowers looked pretty next to the lavender, and the daisies set off the geraniums perfectly. Perhaps she could take a small bunch of them to the healer’s chamber. They would brighten up the room so nicely, and the English boy, whatever his name was, could enjoy them while he was getting well. The poor thing had looked so pale when Frau Lena was about to stitch him up. Her presence in the room seemed to be disturbing him, and Frau Lena asked her to leave, but she wondered if he was feeling better. Maybe she could sneak away later and see if he —
    “Lady Margaretha.”
    “Oh, yes, Lord Claybrook.”
    He smiled at her with narrowed eyes, then he made a “tsk-tsk-tsk” sound with his tongue against his teeth. “You were not listening again.” He shook his finger at her.
    “I was listening. You were telling me all about the town and how much you liked it and the security of the gates and — ”
    “And then I asked you what you would do tomorrow while I am out hunting with Duke Wilhelm.”
    “Oh, well, I shall find something to do, I am sure. I never have trouble keeping myself busy.” Margaretha smiled at him.
    “I have another gift for you.” Lord Claybrook pulled something from a pocket inside his surcoat, and while holding it behind his back with one hand, he held out his other hand to her.
    Margaretha reached out, palm up, to receive it. “I am not at all sure you should be giving me so many gifts.” She almost said, since I have not accepted you , but she was sure he understood she hadn’t agreed to marry him yet. At least he was making the effort to woo her. And what girl could resist gifts?
    Lord Claybrook took her hand in his, then pulled his other hand from behind his back and deposited a small purple velvet pouch in her palm.
    “What is it?”
    “Open it and see.”
    Margaretha pulled open the mouth of the tiny drawstring bag and upended it into her hand. A ring tumbled out. It held a large ruby in the center, encircled by sapphires and diamonds.
    “Oh my! It is much too extravagant a gift. I mustn’t accept it.” But Margaretha held it up and let it catch the rays of the late afternoon sun that were streaming in the windows. The precious stones seemed to wink at her and spark with inward flames. “It is beautiful.”
    The ring would perfectly match the beautiful ruby, diamond, and sapphire bracelet her grandmother, the Duchess of Marienberg, had given her as the oldest girl in the family. Perhaps it was a sign from God; Claybrook had given her a ring that matched the bracelet that was a family heirloom.
    Before she knew what he planned to do,