Behind the Mask (8 page)

“I do appreciate your asking me along,” she said warmly. “It’s so exciting for me.”

“It’s only a little social, Abbi.” He smiled. “Though I am pleased to have you with me.”

Abbi turned again to the window, not wanting to betray that it was more her anticipation of seeing Nikolaus again that had compelled her to accept Lance’s invitation. This was far more than
a little social
for her. She’d never been to
any
social before. To think that her first opportunity would be so grand!

Abbi had been terribly nervous when the invitation first arrived. But Georg had given her some quick dancing lessons in the stable. Elsa had dug out the perfect jade hair combs that had been a gift to Abbi from her grandfather on her sixteenth birthday. Ramona had taken her straight to the dressmakers and helped her pick out a green silk gown that her aunts had declared went well with her coloring. Abbi couldn’t deny that they’d been right. She felt absolutely dazzling in it, even though she’d stubbornly refused to wear her hair up. But when she was ready to leave, Salina had told Abbi that she looked beautiful. Ramona finally gave in and agreed, albeit grudgingly.

The carriage rumbled through the huge gate of Castle Horstberg and Abbi held her breath. Hearing the horses’ hooves echoing on the stone courtyard, Abbi wondered how many citizens of Horstberg had the rare opportunity to visit the home of their ruler.

Lance helped her step down from the carriage. She couldn’t deny that he looked terribly handsome in that uniform, which was a more elegant version of the one she’d seen him wear previously. The ever-present sword and pistol were absent, and she concluded they didn’t go well with dancing. They entered an enormous hallway with two staircases circling upward on opposite sides of the room, and a large balcony between them that looked over the great hall where they stood. After her cloak had been taken by a servant, they were led through a monstrous wooden door, down a stone hallway, and into a room larger than any one room Abbi had ever seen in her life.

There were several people standing about, drinking champagne and chatting, many of whom Lance seemed to know. But Abbi couldn’t see Nikolaus anywhere. She was introduced around the small crowd, noting the glamorous fashions and the many men in uniform. A servant handed her a glass of champagne, but she had barely taken a sip when Nikolaus appeared at the top of an enormous staircase that descended into the room. He was dressed in a uniform far more elaborate than Lance’s, its front covered with an immense amount of regalia. A red robe hung from his shoulders, brushing the floor with many yards of lush fabric, and a conservative gold crown circled his head. It was barely as wide as a hair ribbon, but its contrast to his dark hair was striking. He looked even more handsome than she’d remembered, but she was more struck by the evidence of his position and power when the room became eerily still and all eyes turned toward him. Even the music stopped. The duke hesitated at the top of the stairway, seeming impatient until two young ladies appeared and took his arms, descending with him.

“Who are they?” Abbi whispered in Lance’s ear.

He looked surprised that she didn’t know. “His sisters. That’s Helena on the right, the blonde. She’s the older of the two. And the other, the dark one, is Madeleine.”

Abbi watched the du Woernig sisters with interest, intrigued with them to the point that she became briefly oblivious to Nikolaus.

“They look nothing alike,” Abbi commented to Lance as the music began again.

He laughed softly. “No, they never have. Madeleine looks very much like her father, and Helena her mother. That’s the way it is with siblings, I suppose.”

“They’re very beautiful,” Abbi added, wondering if every young woman felt so in awe of the princesses of Horstberg when given the privilege to be in the same room with them. Then she realized that Nikolaus was approaching, his sisters still at his sides.

“Abbi, my sweet,” he said. She felt Lance go tense and wondered how good their friendship really was. “I’m so glad you came.” He took Abbi’s hand to kiss it, and his touch made her tingle. “You must meet my sisters, the Princesses du Woernig.”

Nikolaus smiled coyly at one and then the other. “You don’t mind if I keep it simple, do you, girls? I hate formality.”

“Of course not,” the elder one smiled up at him. “We’re all friends here.”

“This is Lena,” Nikolaus said, indicating the one Lance had called Helena. “And Magda.” He motioned elaborately toward Madeleine. “Dear little sisters of the duke,” he said with a touch of arrogance, “I’d like you to meet Miss Abbi Albrecht.”

“It is a pleasure.” Lena spoke first, nodding slightly.

“A pleasure indeed,” Magda said. “And Lance,” she added, bending forward to kiss his cheek, “it’s been a long time since you’ve come here to be social. It’s only business that occupies you these days. You should not make yourself so scarce.”

“Yes, it has been a long time,” Lance replied. “I don’t believe I’ve been in this room since Gwen died.”

“I’m glad you’re here now,” Lena said, kissing his other cheek.

“Don’t make such a fuss over him, girls,” Nikolaus said affectionately. “He may be my best friend, but I don’t want him moving in.”

They all laughed together, and Abbi decided that she liked the duke’s sisters. There was a genuine kindness in their manner that was readily apparent, and they lacked their brother’s arrogance.

“Tell us, Abbi,” Magda said, ushering Abbi away from the men, “how is it that you became acquainted with Lance?”

“He is my great aunt’s stepson,” Abbi replied.

“How convenient,” Lena said. “Then you must have known each other for years.”

“Actually no,” Abbi said. “My aunt has just recently come from England, where she returned to live after her husband’s death, and I only met Lance last week.”

“Really?” Magda said. “We’ve known him for so long, I don’t believe I can remember when we
did
meet him. Do you remember, Lena?”

“No I don’t,” her sister replied. “He and Nik must have been friends before we were ever born.”

“I believe you’re right.” Magda turned again to Abbi. “Nikolaus did say your name was Albrecht, didn’t he?”

“That’s right.”

“Then you must be heiress to the Albrecht estate since . . . is it your grandfather that passed away recently? I believe I heard Nikolaus mentioning it.”

“Yes in both cases,” Abbi replied.

“You must carry a great deal of responsibility, then,” Lena said.

“I suppose I do, although I have very good help.”

“You know,” Magda said impishly, “you and I will have to search for a husband together.” She giggled. “Lena’s betrothed to a Prussian prince, but I intend to choose my own husband. If Mother were alive I’m certain she’d object, but I’m not going to let my hand in marriage be dealt with politics.”

“It’s not as bad as all that,” Lena defended. “My marriage will not be so bad, and if it will help Horstberg politically at the same time, there’s no harm in it.”

“Just the same,” Magda said, “I shall marry for love. Don’t you agree, Abbi?”

“I haven’t thought much about marriage,” Abbi replied, appreciating that her grandfather had not tried to find a match for her. “But I do feel that love in marriage is the most important thing.”

“Indeed!” Nikolaus intruded upon them with a sly grin. “Abbi, my sweet, you mustn’t let my sisters bore you with their girlish talk.”

“I was rather enjoying myself,” Abbi replied.

“Yes, brother,” Magda said in teasing anger, “so don’t go stealing her away from us now.”

“I’ll only bother her for a dance.” He smiled and swept Abbi into a lively step, holding her extremely close. She was grateful for Georg’s dance instructions, which she now realized had been fairly competent.

“Have you considered my proposition?” Nikolaus asked, penetrating her with a bold gaze.

“Perhaps you should refresh my memory,” Abbi teased.

“I want you,” he whispered close to her face. “Slip away with me now. We won’t be missed.”

Abbi’s heart went wild. She sensed something wicked in Nikolaus’s offer, but his presence brought out her adventurous nature, making her want to accept.

“Say you’ll be mine,” he persisted.

Abbi’s common sense dominated. She knew more time was necessary for her to make a commitment, whether or not it was to Nikolaus. “I think we should discuss this when we’ve had the opportunity to know each other better,” she said.

He chuckled. “So, you’re a cautious one. Very well, give it some time. But don’t forget how much I want you. I’ll not be happy until you are mine.”

“Yes, Your Grace.” She laughed, and Nikolaus caught her up tightly against him, whirling her around the floor until she became breathless and dizzy. She was barely aware of Lance observing them, looking less than pleased, but she was having far too much fun to care.

After two more dances, Abbi reminded herself to be polite and slipped away from Nikolaus’s grasp to be with Lance. They danced a few sets before sharing some refreshments. Abbi hadn’t yet finished her punch when Nikolaus stepped in between her and Lance and swept her toward the dance floor without warning or permission. He whirled her breathlessly once again, then slowed their rhythm as he brought his mouth close to her ear. “Is this your first visit to Castle Horstberg?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Would you like to see more of it?” He lifted his brows.

“Oh, I would,” Abbi replied with enthusiasm.

Needing no more inducement, Nikolaus skillfully steered her from the ballroom, and Abbi found herself alone with him while the sounds emanating from the crowd became muffled and distant. She thoroughly enjoyed her brief tour of the castle, though most of it was not well lit and she had to depend on Nikolaus’s familiarity with his home to guide them. Again she was astounded by its size and grandeur, certain she could get lost in the countless hallways and stairwells. Nikolaus told her this was only the main section, where the royal family lived, social events took place, and the ducal offices were located. Surrounding the courtyard were servants’ apartments, barracks for the Guard, an armory, the keep, stables, and other things she couldn’t recall. Castle Horstberg was like a village within itself and every facet that Abbi discovered left her more intrigued.

With more enthusiasm than Nikolaus had displayed so far, he threw open a door with a great deal of aplomb and motioned her inside. Abbi glanced around, noting the room was spacious and elegant, with a masculine tone. A window beckoned her to look out to the courtyard, lit up with torches for the night’s festivities. Noting a high moon that illuminated the valley below, Abbi caught her breath at the view.

“You like my humble home,” Nikolaus said. It was not a question.

Laughing at the incongruity of his statement, Abbi turned toward him. “The view is lovely.”

Nikolaus smiled proudly. “Is this how you pictured where the Duke of Horstberg slept?”

“No,” she replied, surveying the room, “but I might have guessed from the lavish decor. It certainly suits your personality.”

“What
did
you picture?” he asked, missing the trace of irony in her tone.

“I didn’t picture anything,” she replied honestly. “I didn’t even know what you looked like until you came to dinner last week.”

“You mean you’ve never seen me?” he asked in astonishment.

“Not that I recall.”

“You jest!” he said, clearly deflated.

“No, I’m quite serious. Until recently I knew absolutely nothing about you. The duke was as remote as if he lived in a different world.”

Catching a glimpse of herself in the largest mirror she’d ever seen, Abbi felt the truth of her statement settle in. Except for the fiery hair that hung down her back, she felt no resemblance to this woman in green silk. In her heart she was the sheltered girl whose usual attire was calico.

“You are not very flattering,” he remarked.

“I daresay you don’t need me to flatter you.”

“It wouldn’t hurt.” He moved toward her, and Abbi caught her breath to realize she was in his arms.

“Abbi, my sweet,” he whispered close to her ear, and the sensation made her tingle.

Suddenly uncomfortable, Abbi moved out of his embrace. “Perhaps we should return to the ballroom. Lance might wonder—”

“Lance takes orders from me. I thought you were enjoying my little tour.”

“Oh, I am very much. But he brought me this evening, and—”

“Tell me,” Nikolaus said, tilting his head at such an angle that his hair looked black in the dim light, “have you a romantic interest in Lance?”

“I scarcely know him, though my aunt wishes for us to marry.”

“Is that what you want?”

“I shall marry whom I choose,” she replied adamantly, hoping to convey that she found Nikolaus far more intriguing.

“Good girl,” he applauded and his arms came around her again, accompanied by a kiss both warm and strong while his palms pressed into her back, urging her closer. “I want you,” he said close to her face. “Say you’ll be mine, Abbi, my sweet.”

Abbi quivered from excitement and chose to ignore what her instincts were telling her, concentrating instead on the sensations that had been aroused by his ardent kiss. Urged on by her response, Nikolaus deftly swept her up into his arms. She felt the combs fall from her hair, and amid the spinning sensation in her head, she found herself lying on the huge bed. He kissed her repeatedly with an intensity that was both intriguing and frightening. While his lips moved over her throat, the instincts she’d been suppressing became all at once alert, and she panicked, wondering how she’d gotten into this situation. She attempted to squirm away, but he held her tighter and kissed her harder. Behaving as if this were nothing but a game, Nikolaus ignored her protests and became even more persistent. Holding her face in his hands, he placed a bruising kiss on her mouth while Abbi struggled with all her strength to break free. But Nikolaus was far stronger.

“Nikolaus, please . . . don’t!” she managed to cry out between the repeated assaults on her lips.

Pinning her hands against the bed, he pulled back to look at her, clearly dismayed by her lack of enthusiasm. “Abbi,” he began softly, “my sweet, I—”