Chapter 3

When the time came for dinner, Trixie went to Penelope and William. The three of them made their way to the dining room. Trixie was quite aware that William was supporting Penelope more than he should have been.

As they stepped in, the men bowed and the women curtsied.

“Allow me to make the introductions,” Trixie said and moved to the Beldens first. “You do remember Peter and Helen Belden.”

“We are so happy you could join us,” Penelope said.

“We’re honored to be here,” Peter said.

“These are their sons: Brian, Martin and Robert.”

“Thank you for inviting us,” Brian said, as the other two nodded.

“Next we have Matthew and Madeleine Wheeler and their daughter, Honey Wheeler, and their son, James Winthrop Frayne the Second.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you both,” Matthew said.

“We have Edward and Margaret Lynch and their eldest daughter, Diana.”

“It is an honor to make your acquaintance,” Margaret said. “We apologize that our four younger children were unable to attend.”

“Four more?” Penelope asked.

“Twin boys and girls,” Margaret explained. “They’re spending the summer in Arizona with their uncle.”

Penelope nodded and Trixie continued. “And the last young man is Daniel Mangan.”

“Thank you for allowing us to stay in your beautiful home,” Dan said.

“You are most welcome,” Penelope said. “Please be seated.”

As everyone settled at the table, Trixie saw a seat had been saved for her between Jim and Dan. Once seated, she took her napkin and placed it on her lap.

Within minutes the staff came out carrying salads and placed one in front of each of them. Penelope picked up her fork and everyone else followed suit.

Trixie glanced around the table and was pleasantly surprised to see the Bob-Whites had been sandwiched in at the center of the table. The mothers were at her right and the fathers were at her left. It looked like everyone was getting along.

“So, what sights are we going to see tomorrow?” Honey asked.

“I can’t go sight-seeing,’ Trixie said. “The seamstresses are coming by with the ball gowns and there is business I need to tend to.”

“Don’t you want to go?” Di asked.

Trixie felt torn. She knew if she told them why she really couldn’t go, there would be trouble from Ethan.

“I would love to go with you, but there are a lot of responsibilities that I have now,” Trixie explained. “As much as I want to push them aside, I can’t. I’m sorry.”

“It’s all right,” Jim said, reaching over and squeezing her hand. “We know you have duties to attend to. We can find things to occupy ourselves until you can get away.”

“I’m not sure how long it will take,” Trixie said. “It wouldn’t be fair to all of you to tell you a time, but then not make it because my responsibilities got in the way.”

“That’s fine,” Dan said. “We’ll check out some of the countryside and village, and when you get a chance, you can come with us.”

“All right,” Trixie said, but was certain she would not get that opportunity.

“So, tell us about the ball,” Di said. “Will there be a lot of single royals in attendance?”

Trixie saw the sparkle in her friend’s eyes and the shock in her almost twin.

“It’s entirely possible,” Trixie answered. “I haven’t seen the guest list, but from what I can gather, this is the event of all events.”

“Bring on the eligible bachelors,” Di said.

“I thought we’d be together at the ball?” Mart asked.

“I can still look,” Di said. “It’s not like you asked to be my escort.”

“Oh, fair Diana, may I have the most distinguished privilege to escort you to the ball that we have all been invited to attend?” Mart asked. “It would be the highlight of my life to escort one of the most beautiful women in this room.”

A smile filled Trixie’s face as Di giggled at Mart’s antics. She felt so comfortable with all of them together and was extremely happy they could be there for such a special occasion.

“I think that can be arranged,” Di said when she finished giggling. “Who knows what kind of trouble you’d get into if you weren’t glued to me the entire evening?”

“I think you have me mistaken for someone else,” Mart said. “I am the picture of innocence.”

Trixie covered her mouth and tried not to laugh.

“If you are claiming innocence, then who was it just last week that went streaking across the grounds of the Manor House just carrying a laundry basket?” Dan asked.

“It’s not my fault,” Mart protested. “Someone locked the boathouse before I could get my clothes. All that I could find was the basket.”

“You should have figured something else out,” Jim said. “I was in the kitchen when you passed by. Cook looked out the window and she clutched her chest and spun away. I figured we were going to lose another cook.”

“She didn’t see me,” Mart said.

“’Be still my beating heart’,” Jim mimicked, placing a hand on his chest. “’That boy should wear some clothes.’”

Everyone laughed as Mart turned a beautiful shade of red.

“I had to get home,” Mart said. “It was almost dinnertime.”

That made everyone laugh even more.

Trixie felt really good and deep inside, knew things were going to be all right.

After dinner, Penelope and William retired to their room. The Lynchs, Wheelers and the Bob-Whites, minus Trixie, headed out to explore the gardens.

Trixie walked with Peter and Helen toward the sitting room. They settled on the couch with Trixie between them.

Helen looked at her. “So, how have things been with Penelope and William?”

“It’s been good,” Trixie said. “Life here is a lot different than it was in Sleepyside. We’ve been spending time together getting to know each other. They’ve been trying to teach me everything I need to know to be a princess in a few short weeks and I think my brain has turned to mush.”

“It is a lot to learn in a short period of time,” Peter said. “I hope they haven’t been pushing you.”

“They’ve been so nice,” Trixie said. “I can’t remember everything and if I make a mistake, they don’t get mad. They go back over it. They know it’s going to take time for me to be comfortable with all of this and they are being very patient.”

“You know why we ask,” Helen said, brushing the hair back from Trixie’s face.

“Because you love me and want to make sure I’m happy,” Trixie said. She looked at Peter. “And you want to protect me from getting hurt because I’m your little girl, no matter what.”

Peter reached over and pulled her into his arms. Trixie closed her eyes as she soaked in his loving embrace. She could feel his love radiating all around her and was certain he would do anything she asked. She just hoped she could handle what was to come.

Leaning back, Trixie looked in Peter’s eyes and said, “I am so glad you’re here.” Trixie turned around to look at Helen. “All of you. It will make the ball all that more memorable.”

“We wouldn’t miss it,” Helen said. “It is a momentous occasion in your life.”

“I just hope I don’t make a fool of myself.”

“My Trixie never makes a fool of herself,” Peter said. “She has her own unique way and that’s what makes her truly special.”

Trixie felt the color rising in her cheeks. She knew he was a bit biased, but she was happy to hear it.

Deciding to get the attention off of herself, Trixie asked, “How is your room? Is there anything you need?”

“The room is absolutely fine,” Helen said. “And so beautiful. Did you have anything to do with us getting that room?”

Trixie shook her head. “Penelope took care of that. She only asked me what everyone’s favorite colors were and I guess she took it from there.”

“It is perfect,” Helen said and tried to stifle a yawn. “Sorry.”

“That’s all right,” Trixie said. “You had a long flight and a lot has gone on today.”

“It has,” Helen agreed.

“And we’ll have plenty of time to talk.”

“Definitely,” Helen said.

The next morning following breakfast, Trixie led Honey, Di, Helen, Madeleine and Margaret to the fitting room. Penelope promised she would be there as soon as she took care of some final preparations for the ball.

Stepping into the room, the seamstresses were present and were slowly lifting gowns out of the garment bags.

Muriel turned upon hearing the voices and bowed, “Your majesty.”

“Hello, Muriel,” Trixie said. “It’s good to see you. Did you have any problems with the measurements?”

“I think everything is fine, your majesty,” Muriel responded. “I believe we will only have to make minor alterations before the ball.”

“All right,” Trixie said.

“Who should we start with, your majesty?” Muriel asked.

“Let’s start with Honey and Di,” Trixie said. “I’m more worried about their gowns.”

“As you wish, your majesty.”

Trixie and the mothers sat down on the couch while the seamstresses helped the girls into their gowns.

Honey stepped out first in a golden brown dress. She lifted the skirt and stepped up on to the platform.

“That dress is beautiful,” Madeleine said. “And that color looks marvelous with your skin.”

“It’s perfectly perfect,” Honey said, looking in the mirror. She caught Trixie’s gaze. “Thank you so much.”

Trixie smiled. “You’re welcome.”

“Let us pin a few of these areas that look awkward and then you’ll be all set.”

“Thank you for all of your hard work,” Honey said.

Once the dress was pinned in several spots, Honey was helped off the low pedestal and was able to slip out of the dress.

Next was Di’s turn and she was provided with a lilac colored gown that matched Honey’s, but had more lace around the neck and sleeves. There was white lace around the front of the bodice that extended all the way down to the bottom of the dress.

“That’s gorgeous,” Margaret said, looking at her daughter. “I’ve never seen a dress look so beautiful on her.”

“It is beautiful,” Helen said.

“We need to do some pinning on this one as well,” Muriel said. “But it looks like the measurements provided were pretty close, your majesty.”

“Thank you, Muriel,” Trixie said.

When they finished with Di, the mothers had their chance to try on their gowns. All three of them had similar dresses, just varying in colors. Helen had a light blue, while Madeleine was in a green and Margaret was wearing red. They all had white lace around the collar and the short sleeves. There was lace at the bottom as well.

They were all impressed with the stitching and commended the seamstresses on creating such amazing garments for them to wear.

Margaret was slipping out of her gown when Penelope arrived.

“How is everything going?” Penelope asked, sitting down on the couch beside Trixie.

“Wonderfully,” Trixie said. “They only need to make a few minor adjustments to the dresses and then they will be perfectly perfect.”

“That is so good to hear,” Penelope said.

“Your majesty, if you would like to try your gown on now,” Muriel said.

“All right,” Trixie said.

She quickly stepped into the changing area and the seamstresses helped her slip the gown on and secured the numerous tiny buttons that ran down the back. She lifted the hem of the skirt, stepped out in front of the other ladies and glanced at them to see their reactions.

Helen had a hand to her mouth and her eyes were shining. Margaret and Madeleine were nodding their heads in approval. Honey and Di were openly smiling.

“You look absolutely stunning,” Penelope said. “Absolutely.”

Trixie moved over to the platform and gazed at her reflection in the mirror. She was stunned at how beautiful the dress looked. The gown was as simple as the one she had tried on, but there was delicate stitching around the bottom in a light blue that stood out. It was more beautiful than any dress she had ever seen and she was amazed at how she looked in it.

“What do you think, Princess Beatrix?” Muriel asked.

She looked down at the seamstress. A smile filled her face as she said, “This is more beautiful than any dress I have ever seen. Thank you so much.”

Trixie reached down and hugged her, getting a gasp of shock from the other seamstresses. She knew this was not the right thing to do, but she didn’t care. She didn’t think she had the right words to express her appreciation at how wonderful she had made her feel in such a well-designed dress.

“You are welcome, your majesty.” Muriel turned to Penelope. “Does this meet your specifications, your majesty?”

Penelope stood up and made her way over to them to take a closer look at the dress. She walked around with a critical eye, examining each seam to make sure it was right. After a second time around, she looked at Muriel.

“It’s perfect,” Penelope said.

“I think so, too,” Trixie admitted.

“Thank you, your majesties,” Muriel said.

Trixie was able to slip the gown off and then handed it back to the seamstresses for them to put the final touches on it.

“We will be here early on the day of the ball to make sure everything is set beforehand and to make any necessary adjustments that we might find, your majesty,” Muriel said.

“That would be greatly appreciated,” Penelope said. “We will also have hairstylists, makeup artists and manicurists on hand to make sure everyone looks perfect for the ball.”

“We will be here and ready, your majesty,” Muriel said.

“Thank you,” Penelope said and then led the women out of the room.

Once in the hall, Penelope said, “I believe the gentlemen are waiting downstairs to take all of you out to see some of the countryside. I wish we could go with you, but there are a few matters that we need to take care of prior to the ball.”

“We understand,” Helen said. “We can keep ourselves occupied and know you all will be able to join us when the time is right.”

“Have a good time,” Trixie said.

“We’ll try,” Honey said. “But it won’t be as much fun without you.”

“We’ll get our time to explore,” Trixie said.

The mothers with Honey and Di headed down the stairs while Trixie and Penelope watched them go. When they were out of sight, Penelope reached for Trixie to keep herself from falling.

“I’ve got you,” Trixie said. “Let me help you to your room.”

They slowly made their way up the stairs to the master suite and Trixie helped Penelope through the sitting room to the bedroom. Once Penelope reached the bed, she stretched out with her head on the pillow. Trixie grabbed the comforter and pulled it up to her chin.

“This was too much for you today,” Trixie said.

“I was not going to miss spending time with you and your friends,” Penelope said.

Trixie quickly poured a glass of water and handed it to her mother. “Your health is important and you shouldn’t do anything to put it in jeopardy.”

“You are important,” Penelope said.

“But keeping the crown is not if you are going to make yourself ill,” Trixie said. “I’m not blind as to what has been going on. Your health is deteriorating because Ethan wants the crown. He is doing anything and everything to try and keep us weak so that we won’t fight back and he can just take it.”

“Maybe your father and I should just hand it over to him,” Penelope said. “You are worth more than any title.”

“But he doesn’t deserve it,” Trixie said. “And you need to keep that in mind and do whatever you can to get your strength back. I know you have strength in you to face whatever comes your way. I know that because I have that same strength. It also gives me the knowledge and feeling that I can do almost everything I put my mind to.”

“You need to listen to her, my love.”

Trixie turned to see William standing in the doorway to the bedroom. He moved over to the bed and sat down on the edge next to Penelope. “You need to take care of yourself because you are Queen. You have a duty to the people and if you don’t give time to yourself, then you are not thinking about our people, who count on you.”

“I understand,” Penelope said.

“And just trust that the right thing will happen in the end,” Trixie said.

“I will,” Penelope said.

“I’m going to let you rest,” Trixie said. “I’ll see you later.”

“Okay.”

Over the next couple of days, the Bob-Whites minus Trixie and the adults explored more of the countryside, bringing back stories of all they had seen and experienced. Trixie listened to the stories and part of her wished she had been able to have that opportunity, but because of Ethan’s warning, she did not want to do anything to make him angry.

It was late afternoon and Trixie had walked out in the rear garden, wanting just a few minutes to try to get her thoughts together. She knew she needed to have a plan so that Penelope and William could keep their titles. Seeing Ethan just made her think that the people would not want someone who treated others so poorly to be leading their nation.

She was also certain once the ball was over, there would be some major changes coming. As much as she was still uncomfortable with her new role, she knew she was where she needed to be and that her destiny was wide open.

Trixe found a white metal bench in the garden and sat down. She closed her eyes and listened to the birds as they made their way from branch to branch. A gentle breeze swept through the garden, dancing lightly over her cheeks. She felt peace wash over her and knew she needed to get some help to formulate her plan for the ball.

“There you are,” a voice said.

Trixie opened her eyes and turned to see Jim making his way toward her. The breeze ruffled his hair and there was a sparkle in his eyes.

“Just taking a break before dinner,” Trixie said as Jim sank onto the bench beside her.

“Did you get all your business done?” Jim asked.

“For today,” Trixie said. “There’s still a lot that needs to be approved for the ball and I’m a bit nervous with it coming so quickly. I’m afraid that I will make a fool of myself.”

“You won’t,” Jim said. “You just need to be yourself. Everyone will love you. If you worry about making a mistake, then those thoughts will overwhelm you and you will worry yourself into making a mistake.”

“I know you’re right,” Trixie said quietly.

“What else is on your mind?” Jim asked.

“Just the ball.”

“Really? Because the look on your face is telling me something different.”

“This is a big deal,” Trixie said. “I am going to be making my first appearance as Princess Beatrix and I don’t know if I can be this person.”

“Don’t doubt yourself, Trix. We all know you and what you are capable of. We know you will adjust to this new lifestyle, but still keep the Trixie that we know and love.”

“I just don’t know,” Trixie said. “I mean, what would you think if I…”

“Princess Beatrix?”

Trixie sighed as she turned to see Ethan approaching them.

“Yes?” Trixie asked.

“The King and Queen are waiting on you for dinner, your majesty.”

“Thank you, Ethan,” Trixie said and stood up.

Jim stood and took her hand before she could walk away. “Trix, what were you going to say?”

She shook her head. “It’s not important.”

“Are you sure?”

Trixie offered him a small smile. “Yeah. Come on. We need to go.”

They entered the palace and made their way to the dining room.

The meal was a quiet affair for Trixie as she just couldn’t seem to come up with a plan to deal with Ethan as well as to avoid dancing. She didn’t think it was right to be subjected to a longstanding tradition that forced a future queen to marry some guy she just happened to be dancing with during the ball celebrating her 16^th birthday. It seemed wrong. She wanted to have the opportunity to find someone who felt deeply for her, and to reciprocate the feelings; someone to ask for her hand in marriage, instead of hearing a single song and having a single twist of fate that determines who her husband would be.

“Are you all right?” a voice asked to her right.

Trixie turned her head to see Honey staring at her intently. She made a quick glance around the table and saw everyone else was engaged in separate conversations.

“I guess,” Trixie answered.

“Maybe you need someone to talk to?” Honey suggested.

“I don’t think this is anything that could be figured out in a couple days,” Trixie said. “There is just so much going on and this is just making my head hurt.”

“You know, you can always talk to me,” Honey said. “I have a good ear and won’t share if you don’t want me to.”

Trixie smiled. “I know, Honey. But this is just something that I have to do that I don’t think is fair, but there is no choice because this is tradition and I don’t want to be the one to break with this tradition and hurt Penelope and William.”

“All right.”

Later that evening, Trixie was sitting on her bed, a pillow clutched to her chest. Her comforter was pulled up to her waist as she sat against the headboard. It had been hours since she had entered her room to sleep, but sleep did not come. Her thoughts seemed to be constantly swirling about the ball and the dancing that would soon occur.

Knock, knock.

Trixie stayed still hoping whoever was on the other side would think that she was asleep. But luck was not on her side.

A moment later the door opened and a head poked around the door. From the light in the hallway, Trixie saw it was Honey dressed in a pajama shirt and bottoms.

“Trix? You awake?”

“Come on in, Honey,” Trixie said.

She watched at Honey slipped into the room. Once the door was closed, Trixie turned a light on.

“What are you doing, Honey?”

“I think my best friend needed someone to talk to and kind of figured that talking about whatever was bothering you at dinner was not the time or place to talk about it and figured once everyone else had gone to bed that you would still be up thinking about all of it and that you’d be ready to tell me what is going on in your head.”

Trixie smiled, loving that her friend had her Honey-speak and glad she was so fluent in it.

“Come here,” Trixie said, tapping the bed.

Honey hurried to the bed and slid beneath the covers so that she was sitting beside Trixie. “So, spill what’s on your mind. I know it was something major because you looked lost when you came to dinner and Jim also looked confused.”

“There is just so much going on that I can’t get my head around it.”

“What could be so bad?” Honey asked. “It’s just a ball. It’s not like you’re getting married.”

“Not yet,” Trixie said quietly, staring down at the quilt.

“What?” Honey asked, staring at her intently.

“By the end of the ball, I’m going to be engaged.”

“You’re kidding, right?”

Trixie looked at her best friend, the misery quite apparent on her face. “I wish I was.”

“Who is he?”

“I don’t know.”

“You’re getting engaged and you don’t know how it is? Why not?”

“Because my future husband has not been chosen for me yet.”

Honey was quiet for a moment. “You need to explain this to me because I’m totally lost.”

“Now you know how I feel,” Trixie said, pulling the pillow tighter to her chest.

Honey slid closer and wrapped her arm around Trixie’s shoulder. “Tell me what  is going on and maybe I can come up with a new perspective on how to deal with it.”

Trixie sighed. “All right. But what I have to tell you has to stay between us. You cannot tell anyone. Not Di. Not your parents. Not my parents. Not Jim. Absolutely no one.”

“I won’t say a word,” Honey promised.

“At some point during the ball, I will end up dancing with my future husband and we will become engaged. I won’t know who he is or when we will dance, but that will occur during the ball.”

“Wow.”

“Yeah, wow. It’s so amazing it’s making me sick to my stomach because it’s not fair.”

“Is there anyway to get around it?” Honey asked.

Trixie shook her head. “It’s tradition because I wasn’t betrothed when I was born. I honestly don’t have a choice. This is the procedure for future queens.”

“Oh, Trixie. I wish there was something I could do to make sure you have someone you know and like to dance with.”

“I don’t think I could be that lucky. Knowing my luck it will be some guy in his forties just wanting a title and not really caring about the people, which is so wrong.”

“That’s just so shocking,” Honey said. “King William and Queen Penelope seem so down to earth and normal. I can’t believe they are going to subject you to this ancient tradition.”

“There is no way out. I wish there was but I am destined to never get the chance to find the one who truly holds my heart and get to know him.”

“Don’t fret about that,” Honey said. “Just try to enjoy your time at the ball. It’s a night to celebrate your 16^th birthday and let what is to come happen. You know you can’t change it, but it’s possible that it might turn out a lot better than you’re expecting.”

“I  hope so,” Trixie said. “I really do.”

“So, what else is going on?” Honey asked. “I saw you and Jim off talking together earlier today and was just wondering if he asked to be your escort to the ball.”

“He didn’t ask me anything,” Trixie said. “And I think that it’s the custom for the person of honor to come without an escort, so that they are available to dance with anyone who wishes some time with them.”

“But at least you get to meet with a lot of people who you will probably come in contact with in the future, in dealing with the nation’s issues.”

“That is if I don’t get killed,” Trixie whispered softly.

“What did you just say?”

Trixie quickly lifted her head, saw the shock on her best friend’s face and knew she had slipped.  “Honey, you can’t say anything. If word gets out that I said anything to anyone, we’ll all be in danger.”

“Why would you be in danger?”

“Honey, I can’t go into this. I’m sorry.”

Trixie scrambled off the bed and quickly left the room. Hitting the hallway floor, she stood for a moment and looked left and then right. She turned to the left and ran down the hallway. She took the steps to the floor above two at a time. She reached the end of the hall and starting knocking on the door softly, but impatiently.

It was opened a minute later by Helen. “What is it?”

Trixie flew into her arms and just cried. Not for what she said, but for all she was about to lose. She knew she had messed up and because she had not been careful, she, William and Penelope were doomed.

And she just needed to cry.

TO BE CONTINUED….