The manor’s main house is a gray, ancient structure, with a courtyard filled with fresh flowers. Wilhelmina parked her children’s vehicle beneath the wall and tiptoed onto the terrace, approaching the floor-to-ceiling windows of the studio.
Her grandfather was conversing with a guest, whose face was shadowed by the curtains. He wore a military officer’s uniform, adorned with elaborate silver embellishments on his chest.
“Yes, the servant has gone to find her,” Grandfather Lehmann said in a low voice.
“I hope we haven’t caused you any trouble.”
“It is as it should be, sir. We are very sorry about what has happened.”
“She doesn’t know yet?”
“We don’t know how to tell her.”
“Then, please allow me to do so.”
“Willy is a strong child…”
Wilhelmina wanted to get closer, but suddenly, a large hand lifted her. A tall soldier looked down and smiled.
“My lady,” he said, opening the window, “Sir, Wilhelmina has been found.”
“Willy?” her grandmother exclaimed, rushing to embrace her, “Sweetheart, how did you get like this again?”
“I was fighting with Derek and the others,” Wilhelmina replied.
Mrs. Lehmann gave a stiff smile, then gently pushed the child toward the guest.
“This is Lord Hans Borg. Do you remember the etiquette I taught you?
Wilhelmina looked confusedly at her grandmother and performed an awkward curtsy.
“Good day, sir.”
The handsome man knelt before her, holding her dirt-covered hand and kissing it gently. He smiled warmly, treating her like an angel.
“Miss Wilhelmina, I am Owen Hans Borg, a permanent official from the Imperial State Department. I have been sent to escort you back to the capital.”
Wilhelmina caught a familiar phrase, “Did Dad send you to pick me up? Where is Dad?”
Hans Borg and the Lehmanns exchanged a glance.
“The Prince is waiting for you in the capital, miss,” the young man said gently. “You’ll see him when you arrive.”
Wilhelmina looked at her grandmother. Mrs. Lehmann turned away.
“Are Grandpa and Grandma coming with me?”
“No, darling, they can’t for now. But I promise they will be able to go to the capital later.”
The little girl nodded, seemingly believing yet not quite.
The man smiled, “We’ll set off tomorrow.”
Wilhelmina was taken downstairs.
