Michael Sullivan: Wintertide

"Of course they're all right, darling. They are more than all right. Your family is the toast of Tarin Vale. From the moment the empress spoke your name during her speech on the balcony, people have flocked to the hamlet to kiss the hand of the woman who bore you and to beg words of wisdom from the man who raised you."

As they reached the third floor guest chambers, Amilia's eyes began to water. "Tell me about them. Please. I must know."

"Well, let's see. Your father expanded his workshop, and it now takes up an entire block. He's received hundreds of orders from all over Avryn. Artisans from as far away as Ghent beg for the chance to work as his apprentices, and he's hired dozens. The townsfolk have elected him to city council. There is even talk of making him mayor come spring."

"And my mother?" Amilia asked with a quivering lip. "How is she?"

"She's just marvelous, darling. Your father bought the grandest house in town and filled it with servants, leaving her plenty of time for leisure. She started a modest salon for the local artisan women. They mostly eat cake and gossip. Even your brothers are prospering. They supervise your father's workers and have their pick of the women for wives. So you see, my dear, I think it is safe to say your family is doing very well indeed."

Tears ran down Amilia's face.

"Oh, darling! What is wrong? Wentworth!" she called out as they reached her quarters. A dozen servants paused in their tasks to look up. "Give me your handkerchief, and get a glass of water immediately!"

The duchess directed Amilia to sit on a settee, and Genevieve dabbed the girl's tears away with surprising delicacy.

"I'm sorry," Amilia said softly. "I just-"

"Nonsense! I'm the one who should apologize. I had no idea such news would upset you," she spoke in a soft motherly voice. Then, turning in the direction the servant had gone, the duchess roared, "Where's that water!"

"I'm all right-really," Amilia assured her. "I just haven't seen my family in so long and I was afraid…"

Lady Genevieve smiled and embraced Amilia. The duchess whispered in her ear, "Dear, I've heard it said that people come from far and wide to ask your family how you saved the empress. Their reported response is that they know nothing about that, but what they can say with complete certainty is that you saved them."

Amilia shook with emotion at the words.

Lady Genevieve picked up the handkerchief. "Where's that water!" she bellowed once more. When it arrived, the duchess thrust the cool glass into Amilia's hands. She drank while the big woman brushed back her hair.

"There now, that's better," Lady Genevieve purred.

"Thank you."

"Not at all, darling. Do you feel up to finding out why I brought you here?"

"Yes, I think so."

They were in the duchess's formal reception area, part of the four-room suite that Lady Genevieve had redecorated, transforming the dull stone shell into a warm, rich parlor. Thick woolen drapes of red and gold covered every inch of wall. Facades made the arrow slits appear large and opulent. An intricately carved cherry mantle fronted the previously bare stone fireplace. Layers of carpets covered the entire room, making the floor soft and cozy. Not a stick of the original furniture remained. Everything was new and lovelier than anything Amilia had ever seen.

A dozen servants, all dressed in reds and golds, returned to work. One individual, however, stood out. He was a tall, well-tailored man in a delightful outfit of silver and gold brocade. On his head he wore a whimsical, yet elegant, hat that displayed a long, billowing plume.

"Viscount," the duchess called, waving the man over. "Amilia, darling, I want you to meet Viscount Albert Winslow."

"Enchanted indeed." He removed his hat and swept it elaborately in a reverent bow.

"Albert is perhaps the foremost expert on organizing grand events. I hired him to mastermind my Summersrule Festival, and it was utterly amazing. I tell you, the man is a genius."

"You are far too kind, My Lady," Winslow said softly with a warm smile.

"How you managed to fill the moat with leaping dolphins is beyond me. And the streamers that filled the sky-why I've never seen such a thing. It was pure magic!"

"I'm pleased to have pleased you, My Lady."

"Amilia, you simply must use Albert. Don't worry about the cost. I insist on paying for his services."

"Nonsense, good ladies. I couldn't conceive of taking payment for such a noble and worthwhile endeavor. My time is yours, and I'll do whatever I can out of devotion to you both and, of course, for Her Eminence."

"There now!" Lady Genevieve exclaimed. "The man is as chivalrous as a paladin. You must take him up on his offer, darling!"

They both stared at Amilia until she found herself nodding.

"I am delighted to be of service, My Lady. When can I meet with your staff?"

"Ah…" Amilia hesitated. "There's only me and Nimbus. Oh, Nimbus! I'm sorry but I was on my way to meet with him when you-I mean-when we met. I'm supposed to be selecting entertainment for the feasts and I'm terribly late."

"Well, you should hurry off, then," Lady Genevieve said. "Take Albert with you. He can begin there. Now run along. There is no need to thank me, my dear. Your success will be my reward."

Amilia noticed that Viscount Winslow was less formal when away from the duchess. He greeted each performer warmly, and those not selected were dismissed with respect and good humor. He knew exactly what was required, and the auditions proceeded quickly under his guidance. All told, they selected twenty acts: one for each of the pre-wedding feasts, three for the Eve's Eve banquet, and five for the wedding reception. The viscount even picked four more, just in case of illness or injury.

Amilia was grateful for the viscount's help. As much as she had grown to rely on Nimbus, he had no experience with event planning. Originally, the courtier had been hired as the empress's tutor, but it had been quite some time since he educated Modina on poise or protocol. Such skills were not required, as Modina never left her room. Instead, Nimbus became the secretary to the secretary, Amilia's right hand. He knew how to get things done in a royal court whereas Amilia had no clue.

From his years of service for the nobles in Rhenydd, Nimbus mastered the subtle language of manipulation. He tried to explain the nuances of this skill to Amilia, but she was a poor student. From time to time he corrected her for doing foolish things, such as bowing to the chamberlain, thanking a steward, or standing in the presence of others, which forced them to remain on their feet. Almost every success she had in the palace was because of Nimbus's coaching. A more ambitious man would resent her taking the credit, but Nimbus always offered his counsel in a kind and helpful manner.

Sometimes, when Amilia caught herself doing something particularly stupid, or when she blushed from embarrassment, she noticed Nimbus would invariably spill something on himself or trip on a carpet. Once he even fell halfway down a flight of stairs. For a long while, Amilia thought he was extremely clumsy, but recently she had begun to suspect Nimbus might be the most agile person she had ever met.

The hour was late and Amilia hurried toward the empress's chamber. Gone were the days when she spent nearly every minute in Modina's company. Her responsibilities kept her busy, but she never retired without checking in on the empress, who was still her closest friend.

Rounding a corner, she bumped headlong into a man.

"I'm sorry!" she exclaimed, feeling more than a little foolish for walking with her head down.

"Oh no, My Lady," the man replied. "It is I who must apologize for standing as a roadblock. Please, forgive me."