drinks from the punch bowl. She had more news to share with Joanna. It seemed
that Princess Ella had suffered a broken engagement with none other than Joanna’s
friend, the Prince of Ott. Joanna looked over to see Samuel dancing with the Queen
of Kane, the short, plump girl. She never heard this story from Samuel. She
wondered why he hid this from her.
“The Prince from Ott is a mystery! Why wouldn’t he marry the very rich
Princess Ella?” Maria asked her.
“Why wouldn’t Samuel tell me about something as important as a girl he almost
married?” she said.
Joanna was dumbfounded.
“And my lady, I found out some interesting things about you,” Maria told her.
“About me?” Joanna was curious to know what she had discovered.
“That you were married. To a commoner! Tell me about him,” Maria implored
her.
Joanna wondered if she should. It seemed long, long ago now, but she wanted
to remember her David.
“He was the most handsome man I have ever seen,” Joanna started.
“More handsome than the Duke of Seine?” Maria asked.
“More handsome,” she continued, “and yes, it is true, he was a common man.
When he held me I felt happiness would last forever. He was a wood carver. He
made boxes and bowls and flutes and played the flute extremely well.”
“Oh he must have been wonderful!”
“He saved my life; that is why I am alive today, because he died saving me.”
Joanna almost cried at the memory.
“He saved you?”
“I am sorry Maria, I cannot say more. Not tonight.”
Joanna left her there. She got up and walked to the terrace behind the food table.
The terrace was small and the cool air from the autumn night stung her eyes,
probably because there were tears in them. The cold numbed her feelings of
sorrow. She remained on the terrace for a long while. The terrace was lit by torches
and the warmth of the torches blunted her empty feeling of loss.
There were several separated terraces designed to allow for conversation during
crowded events. Tonight was a bit too cold for their use. She heard the door open
and she turned to see Samuel.
She wanted solitude more than company.
“I’ve been looking for you; aren’t you cold?” Samuel asked.
“No, I like the cool air.”
“Joanna, are you all right?”
“I am fine, please leave me alone.”