CHAPTER THREEDriving back with the Count, Vernita could not make up her mind if she was glad or frightened at what had been arranged.
The Princess had swept down the stairs, her diaphanous negligee doing little to conceal her beautiful body and, as she reached the hall, the Count walking behind her had said in a quiet voice,
“Mademoiselle Bernier is here waiting for you.”
“So I see,” the Princess replied and walking towards Vernita who rose and curtsied she said sharply,
“It is all arranged, you will stay here. There is a great deal of work for you to do and I need you to start immediately.”
Vernita looked at her apprehensively and then replied in a low voice,
“I have to pack, Your Imperial Highness. Could I – please come tomorrow?”
She did not know why she prevaricated, she just fe
