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Chapter 10.
Social Heights
The garden party took place the next day. Although Lady Renesmee's debutante ball was arranged for a month after her arrival – and was to include guests from neighbouring countries – the garden party was to be her first introduction into Sol Duc society. It was a chance for her to meet the aristocratic families of the principality in an informal setting.
Although there had been talk of cancelling the party, Renesmee's excellent performance on her tour of the palace convinced the de Cullen family that the party should go ahead as planned. They agreed that her introduction should be made as soon as possible, if only to quash rumours that may have arisen from her 'unfortunate adventure' at sea.
The palace was bustling with activity from dawn, and when Renesmee came down to breakfast, she found her grandmother and aunts were already at the table, absorbed in a complex review of the guest list. It seemed that every guest (no matter how old, infirm, or geographically distant) had said 'yes' to their invitation, which showed how much curiosity surrounded Lord Edward de Cullen's absent daughter. No one wanted to miss her first appearance!
Princess Esme, Lady Alice and Lady Rosalie were all in excellent spirits and their list of last-minute changes to the party preparations would have overwhelmed any ordinary person. Thankfully, the head butler, Mr Alistair, was no ordinary person and he rose to the occasion with aplomb. He took their list without so much as a raised eyebrow and executed every instruction with complete efficiency.
Lady Alice confided to Renesmee that Mr Alistair "really was a treasure." And, from what she had seen of her demanding relatives, Renesmee agreed that this was true.
Once the more mundane details of the party had been discussed, the ladies turned to the more interesting topic of dress. They were all curious to know what Lady Renesmee planned to wear and after breakfast they trooped to her room to inspect her extensive collection of clothes.
Behind a discreet door, in the corner of Renesmee's bedroom, there was a walk-in wardrobe. This wardrobe led to a small dressing room. Miss Weber had spent most of their first day carefully unpacking Renesmee's clothes and shoes, and placing them in this wardrobe.
Her jewellery was locked in the safe, which was embedded in the wall, behind the racks of clothes. Renesmee had added Jacob's beautiful dagger to the stash, wrapping it in a piece of plain cloth and placing it lovingly with her other valuables. Jacob had gifted the dagger for her protection, but she was more concerned about keeping his memento safe from prying eyes.
The ladies of the house did not see the contents of the safe, but the spent some time perusing Renesmee's beautiful garments. Lady Renesmee was pleased to see the open approval on the faces of her female relations.
"My dear," smiled her grandmother, inspecting a dainty pair of evening shoes. "Your things are divine, simply divine. I cannot wait to see what you wear today!"
Lady Alice, with a rush of confidence (which her niece had begun to recognise as one of her defining characteristics) told Renesmee that before her arrival they had all been concerned that she would have no fashion sense at all!
"Alice, really!" Princess Esme blushed, putting the shoes back on the shelf.
"Well, it's true!" Lady Alice beamed with a deplorable lack of remorse and squeezed Renesmee's hand. "You have no idea how relieved we were to meet you. You clearly have impeccable style. You must have inherited it from Edward!"
Before Renesmee had time to feel offended on her mother's behalf, Alice reassured her. "Oh don't worry, I would never disparage Bella's wardrobe. She always dressed tastefully and looked very beautiful, but sometimes I felt that she lacked imagination when it came to her dress. She only liked clothes; she didn't love them as our family did..."
It was difficult for Renesmee to disagree with this opinion. Her mother had always indulged Renesmee's fondness for clothes, allowing her to buy many beautiful and expensive items, but she had never shown more than the required attention towards her own wardrobe.
Alice continued. "That's why I think you must have inherited something of the de Cullens. I can already tell that you have a flare for dressing well – and that is so very like us!"
The Duchess rolled her eyes at her sister-in-law's remark and added cryptically. "Not all of the family have inherited that flare…"
Alice nodded and confessed. "Rosalie is right, and that's why we were so worried. Some branches of our family have absolutely no idea of how to present themselves and it is so mortifying, especially on formal occasions – when they absolutely have to be invited – that they appear in the most ludicrous provincial fashions and the very worst combination of colours. I, for one, will never recover from Cousin Victoria's atrocious hat!"
"Alice!" Princess Esme spluttered, trying desperately to curb her daughter's conversation. "Please! What will Renesmee think to hear you talk so?"
"If she saw Cousin Victoria's hat, she would know exactly what to think!" replied Lady Alice, blithely.
Lady Rosalie gave an imperious nod. "On this occasion, I would have to agree with Alice. That hat was an insult to everyone who saw it!"
"Yes, mother," said Alice. "It looked as if Victoria had put a cabbage on her head!"
This image was too much for Renesmee, who could not hold back her laughter. Alice turned to her, repeating earnestly. "I know it sounds like a joke, but it really did!"
"Well," added the Duchess with a cryptic smile. "Our niece will have the chance to see for herself, because they are coming to the garden party."
"Do you think she'll be wearing the hat?" asked Renesmee.
"There is always a chance."
Alice placed a pelisse back on its hanger. "I do hope so; I want Renesmee to see it!"
"Heaven forbid!" Lady Rosalie rolled her eyes. "I would not wish that spectacle on my worst enemy."
"I wonder if she and James will bring their son?" she speculated.
"You can guarantee it," replied the duchess with contempt. "I daresay they will be hoping to foist Laurent onto Renesmee, as if there were the remotest chance of her marrying that dullard!"
Before Renesmee could react to this statement, Lady Rosalie continued briskly. "Speaking of sons, mine are expected at any moment, so I had better see if they have actually kept their promises and arrived on time."
The duke and duchess were staying in the Glass Palace in honour of Renesmee's arrival, but they usually resided in their large country estate, situated to the north of Port Angeles. Their sons, who were in their twenties, had promised to bring their wives to the garden party to meet their cousin.
Lady Rosalie departed and was soon followed by the princess, leaving Lady Alice and Lady Renesmee alone. Lady Alice turned to her niece.
"So, you haven't yet told me what you plan to wear for the garden party. Or is it to be a surprise?"
"Not at all." Renesmee began sorting through the rows of garments looking for the right one. "I would be grateful for your advice."
She pulled out a dress and displayed it nervously to her aunt. Lady Alice stepped forward enthusiastically.
"My goodness!" She exclaimed. "It's absolutely perfect!"
"Do you really think so?" asked Renesmee, placing the gown on the chaise longue that was situated by the dressing room window.
"Of course," replied Lady Alice. "That is an inspired choice!"
To the casual observer the gown might have appeared simple, but to those who possessed a trained eye – and Lady Alice unquestionably did – it was obviously a masterpiece of elegant design.
The dress had a close-fitting bodice and snug elbow-length sleeves that contrasted beautifully with a wide skirt and frothy petticoats. Its fabric was notable for its plainness; heavy cotton, woven in a pattern of pale blue and white stripes. A trim of white cotton lace was sewn around the low neckline. More lace was found at the bottom of the skirt and in the magnificent ruffles that adorned the sleeve ends.
"My dear Renesmee, this is so much cleverer than anything I could have imagined," Alice said triumphantly, lifting the dress to inspect it from all angles. "It is perfect for a garden. Everyone will expect to see you in silk or lace, but no one will anticipate this fresh simplicity. My goodness, this gown conjures up a pastoral idyll. All you need is a procession of cherubs and fauns carrying garlands of flowers to make it complete. Do you have anything to go with it? Shoes? Or a crook and a little lamb…?"
Renesmee laughed and opened a box. "I don't have a crook, but I do have this!"
She revealed a remarkably elegant bergere straw hat, which was decorated with blue satin ribbons and flowers. Lady Alice squeaked in delight and ordered Renesmee to put it on immediately.
They were laughing and discussing hairstyles when Miss Weber entered the dressing room. She curtsied politely to Lady Alice and turned to her mistress.
"Miss Renesmee, you asked me to remind you when it was time to prepare for the party."
"Thank you, Angela." Lady Renesmee nodded.
Renesmee and her aunt left the dressing room reluctantly. Miss Weber hurried away to run her mistress a scented bath, and the two ladies strolled onto the balcony to watch the party preparations, which were taking place in the sunlit garden.
The event was due to commence at midday and a sumptuous luncheon had been arranged. On the manicured lawns an army of palace servants buzzed around like bees, laying out tables, hanging decorations and raising an assortment of white awnings. Renesmee watched with interest as the bandstand was festooned with garlands of flowers, ready for the small orchestra that would play for the guests.
She felt more than a little trepidation to realise that in a matter of hours the party would commence, and she too would be in the garden, facing Sol Duc society for the very first time.
As they leaned against the balustrade, Lady Alice entertained Renesmee with a humorous narration of the spectacle below. Eventually the younger lady plucked up the courage to ask the question that had been on her mind since Lady Rosalie's departure.
Renesmee turned shyly to her aunt. "What did Lady Rosalie mean, about Cousin Victoria wanting me to marry her son?"
Lady Alice gave her niece with a shrewd smile. "It's just what I've been saying, my dear. You are the only granddaughter in the de Cullen family and you are also the only grandchild of the Swans. Every family in the Olympic Gulf knows that their son could not make a more powerful match. There's not a mother alive who would not want you for their daughter-in-law, and they have not yet seen your beauty!" She laughed. "When they do, I can assure you, there will be no keeping the scheming mamas at bay!"
"Oh…" Renesmee felt rather awkward and hoped that this was an exaggeration. The only person she wanted to marry was Jacob, and she knew nothing of his mother, or anyone else in his family for that matter!
Lady Alice noticed her discomfort and gave a sympathetic smile. "I'm sorry. My family tell me I am too frank, but I can't help it, I feel as if I already know you! I should have held my tongue; I did not mean to embarrass you."
"Oh, no," Renesmee replied, feeling slightly flustered. "I'm not embarrassed, and you were merely answering my question."
Lady Alice's next statement was uncannily astute. "Or maybe you are not concerned with the suitors you may gain in Sol Duc." She smiled kindly at her niece. "Is it possible that your heart remains with some handsome young man in Forkland? Some brave cavalier in your grandfather's court, perhaps?"
Feeling rather unnerved, Renesmee hurriedly disclaimed. "No, no… there is no one in Forkland." She stuck to the literal facts, hoping that they would ring true to her aunt's ears. "I left the castle with no attachments."
This seemed to convince her aunt, who gave a light laugh. "Well, that's a relief! Lovesick young women can be so very tedious, always weeping and sighing when they should be enjoying themselves. And anyway, there are such spectacular marital opportunities to be had, why would you want to limit yourself to your grandfather's court? Do you realise?" she asked conspiratorially. "That King Marcus of Volterra is sending his nephew, Lord Caius, to attend the garden party today."
"Lord, Caius, the Admiral of the Fleet?" Lady Renesmee was instantly suspicious; she had heard both her Grandfather and Jacob speak poorly of the Volturi commander. "Why on earth would he attend our party? I thought that this was to be an informal gathering. I thought that next month's ball was to be my formal introduction to society, when all foreign dignitaries would attend."
"Well, technically, it is." Lady Alice pursed her lips thoughtfully. "But, you see, Lord Caius is coming – as my darling Jasper would say – for 'reconnaissance' purposes.
"Reconnaissance?"
"To discover a little more about you, my dear. To find out if you are suitable…"
Lady Renesmee frowned in confusion. "Suitable for what?"
Alice rolled her eyes. "Goodness me! What have we just been talking about?"
"Oh!" gasped Renesmee. "You suspect that King Marcus wishes me to marry his nephew, Lord Caius?"
"Goodness me, no! King Marcus isn't sending Lord Caius to visit us so quickly for his own sake. He is just an emissary. You mark my words. The king is far more likely to be seeking a bride for his son and heir, Prince Alec."
"You think he wishes me to marry Prince Alec?" asked Renesmee blankly.
"What better girl to choose?" gushed her enthusiastic relative. "The prince is the same age as you. And from his perspective there can be no one more eligible. Think of what such an alliance would mean to both kingdoms. You may not have considered the match, but you can be certain that Prince Alec's father has and that is why he is sending an envoy so quickly. He does not wish his son to be beaten to the mark by another eligible suitor!"
"If that is the case, then I am surprised that the prince does not make the journey himself!" replied Renesmee, rather tartly.
"Oh no, my dear, the prince would not wish to make his intentions too obvious without discovering a little more about you. For all he knows, you might be a dreadful hag!"
Renesmee felt the sting of this statement and pulled herself to her full height. Her eyes flashed angrily. "And perhaps I would find him a complete bore!"
Rather than disapproving, Lady Alice clapped her hands in delight. "That's the spirit!" She laughed. "You should be angry all the time. You really do look magnificent when you are!"
Lady Renesmee was confounded by this reaction and her irritation died down as quickly as it had flared up.
Her aunt patted her arm reassuringly. "Well, even if Prince Alec is a complete bore – which is more than likely – he will one day inherit his father's throne. His wife will be the Queen of Volterra and that position is not to be sniffed at. If you play your cards right that queen may very well be you, my dear."
For the first time Lady Renesmee truly understood the implications of Lady Alice's words. She took a step back and searched her aunt's face.
"You're serious, aren't you?"
"Of course! Why wouldn't I be?"
Lady Renesmee leaned against the balustrade to steady herself. She felt as if she was staring at the bars of a prison cell.
"Aunt Alice, are you the only person in the family to consider this possibility?"
"Of course not. I doubt there's a person in Sol Duc who hasn't considered the possibility of such a magnificent alliance." Lady Alice threw her a puzzled glance. "Are you saying that the idea was never discussed in your mother's family?"
Lady Renesmee shook her head vigorously. "No... no, it really wasn't."
She tried desperately to remember one thing that her mother or grandfather might have said about the Volturi Royal family that would suggest that they had ever considered such a scheme. Absolutely nothing came to mind!
Of course, Renesmee had met the ambassador from Volterra on his occasional visits to Forkland, but she knew that although the Swan family had no official feud with the Volturi Royal family, like everyone else in Forkland, they preferred to keep them at a safe distance.
Volterra was a powerful country with a reputation for bullying its neighbours. It was hated by its enemies and feared by its allies. The only people who had a high opinion of Volterra were the Volturi themselves!
King Marcus was, by repute, less cold-blooded than the most infamous Volturi sovereigns, but his health – which had never been robust – had failed when his beloved young wife, Didyme, died after giving birth to twins. Those children, a son and daughter, were his last ties to his late wife and he cherished them dearly. By common report, Prince Alec and Princess Jane could do no wrong in their father's eyes.
The Volturi king was supported in his rule by his brother Prince Aro, who was not only the king's principal advisor, but also commander-in-chief of the Volturi army. Aro's reputation for cunning had made him one of the most feared men in the Olympic Gulf.
Aro had one son, Lord Caius. Caius was some years old than his cousins, and served as Admiral of the Fleet. Rumour suggested that he had inherited his father's ruthless character. Renesmee knew, for instance, that Jacob absolutely detested Lord Caius. And she could not imagine what she was expected to say to the man when she met him.
Lady Alice observed Renesmee's shocked expression. "My dear, are you quite well?" She touched her arm. "You look positively shaken."
"No, no," Renesmee hurriedly disclaimed. "I am quite well. I am just surprised, that is all."
Her aunt gave her a look of comic dismay. "I can see that you are. Clearly the thought of becoming a queen has made you feel quite overwhelmed!"
"Yes… of course, that must be it," she assented. "I had never before dreamt of such a thing!"
Lady Alice spotted Miss Weber coming out of the bathroom. "I can see that it's time for me to go," she said. "I will meet you on the lawn, and I eagerly await the sight of every lady turning green with envy when they catch sight of your glorious rustic frock!"
Lady Alice hurried away to dress for the party. Just before she left, she glanced back at Renesmee and gave a small, quizzical smile.
"You know, it's likely that your lack of marital ambition will win over Prince Alec far more successfully than anything else ever could. After all, no man likes to feel that they are being pursued by a lady… even if they are!"
With this cryptic statement, she departed, having no idea that she had left Lady Renesmee in a state of considerable apprehension.
The idea that her father's family were considering a marital alliance with the Volturi had come as a shock, and the thought that she would be presented to Lord Caius that very day filled her with dread.
Lady Renesmee already knew that if she ran away to marry Jacob, she would disgrace herself in the eyes of her family, but this affair was taking a far more dangerous turn than she had ever anticipated. The possibility of Volterra taking a personal interest in her future was a very grave problem indeed.
If her grandfather negotiated a marriage contract between herself and Prince Alec, and she then reneged on this promise and eloped with Jacob, it would be a diplomatic catastrophe. Volterra would take such deep offense that Sol Duc, Forkland, and perhaps even La Push, would be in very real danger of political retaliation.
When she considered the scale of carnage that a marriage with Jacob could incite, Renesmee felt ill. She sat down weakly on her bed.
Miss Weber bustled over, full of concern. "Miss Renesmee, are you unwell?"
Lady Renesmee lifted her eyes to Miss Weber. She could not hide her dread. "Angela, I must meet with an emissary from Volterra today… what am I to do?"
Miss Weber, being entirely unaware of Lady Alice's revelation, was baffled. "And why would that trouble you, miss? You have met every personage who has visited Forkland, including diplomats from Volterra, and it never worried you before. You are usually such a sociable girl. This upset is not like you at all."
Renesmee looked away helplessly; she did not know how to answer without revealing too much. Miss Weber stared down at her young mistress with concern.
"This foolish garden party was a mistake. I knew the awful voyage from Forkland was too much for you and all commotion today has been the last straw. I should have spoken to your grandmother. You're clearly worn out!"
Lady Renesmee's head flew up. "No, Angela," she protested. "It is nothing like that! I'm well… truly I am. I just feel a little overwhelmed. After all, the Volturi are known for their grand tastes," she improvised. "What if the emissary finds me lacking, and what if everyone in Sol Duc agrees with him?"
Miss Weber, a proud inhabitant of Forkland, snorted in outrage. "Do you mean to tell me that you are actually concerned with what a popinjay from Volterra thinks of you?"
"Well…"
"I should certainly think not!" Miss Weber stormed. "You, a daughter of the two best families in the Olympic Gulf, besides being the most beautiful girl in the world …!
"Well, I wouldn't say that…"
Miss Weber, who was warming to her theme, ignored the interruption. "And you worry about the 'grand tastes' they have in Volterra, when Lady Alice – who has the most refined taste that you will find anywhere – has been 'ooh-ing' and 'aah-ing' over your wardrobe for the last hour! If she thinks your clothes are good enough, Miss Renesmee, I think that you can be confident that they are!
"And as for the idea that anyone in Sol Duc could find you 'lacking', well, I can tell you that if that person exists, they won't be anyone who lives in the palace. High and low, I've heard nothing but praise of you since we arrived! So," she said with imposing finality. "Let's hear no more of this foolishness."
Miss Weber seemed to think that this had put an end to the matter, and Renesmee had to admit that she felt a little more herself after this stern reminder. She allowed herself to be gently propelled into the bathroom and spent the next two hours preparing meticulously for her first meeting with Sol Duc society.
By the time she stepped onto the sunlit garden terrace, Lady Renesmee was looking her best and feeling more cheerful. She was wearing the dress that Lady Alice had admired so much, with the addition of a delicate cameo necklace and matching earrings. Her hair had been swept up into an elegant cluster of ringlets beneath her hat and on her feet she wore pale blue shoes made from the softest kid leather and decorated with silver buckles.
Her family were on the terrace already, awaiting the arrival of the first guests. They turned to greet her as she crossed the terrace with a light step. This was the first time that Renesmee had seen them dressed for a formal occasion, and she thought that she had never seen such refinement. All the de Cullens were dressed in the first style of elegance and Renesmee suddenly felt shy and provincial. But, that feeling was quickly banished by Lady Alice, who hurried towards her and clasped her hands.
"Oh, Renesmee, you are so beautiful!" She beamed and turned to the family triumphantly. "Didn't I tell you that she was going to look divine?"
Lady Renesmee glanced nervously at her family and was pleased to see that they were all glowing with approval. Lord Edward stepped forward and took his daughter's dainty hand with a small bow.
"Alice is right," he smiled fondly. "You are a credit to all of us. You look positively ethereal, my dear."
Renesmee was not immune to such gracious compliments and the last of her nerves vanished. They joined the family group and Renesmee was introduced Lady Rosalie's sons, Lords Peter and Randall and their lively young wives, Charlotte and Mary. These four were only a few years older than Renesmee and they quickly fell into easy conversation.
Her cousins reminded her very much of the boisterous young men who frequented her grandfather's court in Forkland, and she was not surprised when they showered her with questions about the celebrated duellists who trained at the fortress. Luckily, Renesmee could provide enough information to give Peter and Randall a very positive impression of their cousin.
It was only when Lord Peter asked with great enthusiasm if Lady Renesmee had seen the Black Pirate duelling that she ran out of answers.
"Well," Lady Renesmee replied, feeling rather flustered. "You see… I hardly saw the pirate captain during my capture. We were below deck when the ship was attacked… And, when my maid and I were taken aboard the Rabbit, we were kept in a cabin by ourselves. And then, of course, we were brought to Sol Duc under the cover of darkness…"
"Oh well, never mind," said Peter, who was clearly a little disappointed by this mundane tale. "It's just that I've heard such stories of his swordsmanship, cousin. And I had hoped that you might have seen him fight when he boarded your ship."
The Duchess, who had been standing nearby, listening indulgently to her children, caught the tail end of this comment and interrupted her son sharply.
"For heaven's sake, Peter" she snapped. "You should be grateful that Renesmee did not witness his murderous attack, instead of being disappointed that she could not relive it for your benefit. The fact that you would even raise this subject absolutely astonishes me!"
Lord Peter looked abashed and turned to his cousin with the expression of a naughty boy who had just been scolded.
"Cousin, I apologise…"
Renesmee quickly cut him off. "Please, there is really no need to do so." She reassured him, eager to avoid the subject. "I understand your interest and I promise to have taken no offense. We all enjoy an exciting tale. Unfortunately, my adventure at sea was hardly worthy of the telling. It was actually rather dull."
Lord Peter looked relieved. "I must say, Renesmee, that's awfully nice of you."
Lady Rosalie, attempting to turn the subject away from her son's tactless comment, drew their attention to the arriving guests, and – after throwing one final frown at the unfortunate young man – guided Renesmee to a suitable place to receive them.
For Lady Renesmee, the afternoon passed by in a whirl. She stood for an hour with her father and her grandparents, greeting numerous guests as they arrived. And when all the visitors had migrated onto the central lawn, where a sumptuous lunch was being served, she followed her family and a few honoured guests to eat in the Royal Pavilion, which was an ornate summer house, overlooking the lake.
After lunch the Royal Family re-joined the main party and Renesmee found herself strolling among the guests, speaking to new acquaintances and well-wishers, as soft music floated down from the bandstand.
Time and again Lady Renesmee was greeted with admiration and gracious flattery. She was scrupulously courteous to everyone she met, but for a girl who had been brought up among the austere people of Forkland, this marked attention, which bordered on obsequiousness, made her uneasy.
The Royal Family were far more pleased with the compliments she was receiving. As Lady Alice informed her in jubilant undertones, she was unquestionably a 'wild success', no one was questioning her misadventure at sea and her acceptance in Sol Duc society was now assured. This did not entirely remove Renesmee's discomfort; it only confirmed her family's high expectations for her future.
Of course, Lady Alice's statement was correct. The party was a triumph and every person present, from the servants pouring wine, to the Prince himself, was left with significant memories of the day. For Renesmee herself, there were many small moments of interest, but three events stood out more clearly than the rest.
The first was her meeting with Cousin Victoria. That meeting was memorable for its absurdity. Cousin Victoria was not wearing the 'cabbage' hat, but another strange creation was perched on her head. It looking like a squashed parrot, and its lemon hue clashed so violently with her orange curls that Renesmee was robbed of all speech.
It was probably fortunate that she had nothing to say, because Cousin Victoria immediately started talking and did not once pause for breath. She introduced her husband, James, who was the ugliest man that Renesmee had ever met, and her charmless son, Laurent, who looked so little like his father that Renesmee found herself wondering if they were actually related!
Cousin Victoria then attempted to trap Lady Renesmee into what promised to be a lengthy conversation with Laurent. This attempt might have been successful had it not been for Lady Alice's timely intervention. She whisked Renesmee away as tactfully – and quickly – as possible.
The second memorable event was her strange meeting with a very beautiful noblewoman called the Countess of Denali. This encounter took place on the terrace. The countess was one of the last to arrive and her striking appearance immediately caught Renesmee's attention. Her figure was magnificent and it was perfectly complimented by her very daring, red and white dress. She wore an audacious amount of rouge, but this only enhanced her vivid beauty.
Renesmee, who was still greeting guests, noticed both Lady Alice and Lady Rosalie stiffen the instant that they spotted the newcomer. Lady Rosalie threw an angry glance at Lord Edward, who was speaking to another guest, and then muttered something to Lady Alice who frowned and nodded. Renesmee she thought she heard Lady Rosalie say.
"He dared to invite her today…!"
The dashing stranger approached the Royal Family and Renesmee looked at her father. She could tell the second that he registered the new arrival. He frowned and spots of colour appeared high on his cheekbones. The woman curtsied gracefully to Prince Carlisle and Princess Esme and then moved towards Lord Edward and his daughter.
He took her gloved hand and gave a stiff bow. "Countess."
She raised a mocking eyebrow, but her voice was like honey. "How are you, Edward?"
He straightened and replied quietly. "Lady Tanya, I had not expected to see you today."
"How is that possible?" Her green eyes glinted as she smiled. "You must know that I, like every other loyal subject, could not wait to meet your dear daughter, Edward. Or was your invitation merely a formality?"
"No invitation from the palace is ever a formality," he said stiffly.
Her taunting expression became more pronounced and she very deliberately surveyed her fellow guests. By chance her eyes fell upon Cousin Victoria and her smile widened cruelly. "You know, Edward. I find that rather hard to believe."
Before Lord Edward could muster a suitable reply, she turned her attention to Lady Renesmee.
"My goodness," exclaimed the countess, feigning surprise. She looked Renesmee up and down. "This must be the young lady herself!" She threw Lord Edward a challenging glance. "Well, Edward. Aren't you going to introduce me?"
Lord Edward's expression hardened, but his voice remained level. "Countess, may I introduce you to my daughter, Lady Renesmee de Cullen?"
Renesmee put out her hand. "How do you do?"
He continued without expression. "Renesmee, this is Lady Tanya, the Countess of Denali."
The countess took her hand and Renesmee found herself staring into a beautiful face, as cold and hard as porcelain.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Renesmee." The beauty curtsied. "We were all so thankful that you arrived safely in Sol Duc after your terrible experience at sea."
Renesmee had received a number of similar comments that afternoon; some sincere, and others that carried a whiff of morbid curiosity, but Lady Tanya's left a different impression.
The countess wore a sympathetic smile – and to any casual observer she would have appeared full of kindly concern – but as their eyes met, Renesmee caught a glimpse of deep animosity in her expression. Just in that moment, Renesmee could have sworn that the woman actually hated her.
Lady Renesmee dropped her eyes to hide her discomfort and quietly thanked the countess for her kind words. She sighed with relief that Lady Alice chose this moment to capture the countess's attention. Lady Tanya moved away to speak to her aunt and Renesmee glanced towards her father to see his reaction. His eyes were on the Countess of Denali's retreating form and he did not look happy.
"Father, is something wrong?" Asked Renesmee, feeling unsettled.
Lord Edward glanced at his daughter. "I'm sorry?"
"I wondered if something was wrong."
"Now, why on earth would you ask me that?" He replied nonchalantly, giving her a reassuring smile that did not reach his eyes.
"I don't know…" Renesmee was not at all reassured, but she was not on such terms with her father that she could speak freely. Instead, she smiled and pretended to dismiss the matter from her mind. "I'm just being silly."
Lord Edward seemed to relax and nothing more was said on the matter.
Lady Renesmee did not speak to the countess again that day, but their exchange was not forgotten. She was astute enough to guess the nature of her father's relationship with the beauty. And while she was not naïve enough to believe that her father had stayed faithful to his absent wife, she was still strangely disappointed to see the sort of woman he had chosen to fill her mother's place in his life.
But these encounters paled in comparison to her most memorable meeting of the day. It was in the middle of the afternoon, when a pleasant calm had fallen over the party. Both the Royal Family and their guests were having a very agreeable time. They sat in the hazy sunshine, sipped wine by the lake, and sauntered across the lawns and through the garden paths.
By that time Lady Renesmee was surprised to discover that she was enjoying the party too. This was in no small part because Lord Caius had failed to make an appearance. Being a distinguished guest, he was expected to attend the luncheon in the Royal Pavilion, but when he failed to materialise, Renesmee felt nothing but relief.
She had spent the whole of her lunch anxiously awaiting his arrival, but when an hour passed, and another followed it, and Lord Caius had still made no appearance, she relaxed and put him from her mind. She was in this carefree state when he finally arrived, and his appearance brought her down to earth with a bump.
She was sitting with her cousins and their wives, beside the ornamental lake. It was a very scenic spot. Willow branches trailed into the water and a family of ducks had waddled onto the grassy banks nearby. The ladies were crumbled pieces of cake to feed the ducklings. Lady Renesmee was wholly absorbed in this innocent pastime when she heard a languid voice nearby.
"Prince Carlisle, I must congratulate you on your grandchildren. What a charming picture they present!"
She glanced up to see her grandfather and Lady Alice approaching, accompanied by a tall stranger. The young people hurried to their feet to greet the new arrivals. It was clear that her cousins knew the stranger, and Renesmee had little doubt of who he was.
Her first impression was that he was very rich and austere. His style was formal and elegant; he wore a jacket of the deepest maroon silk and a large diamond pin glinted in the folds of his cravat.
The man was clearly from Volterra. His extreme pallor was enough to tell her that! The people of Sol Duc were fair, but the Volturi were even paler. This newcomer had such white skin and such defined bone structure, that his face looked almost unnatural; more like marble than flesh. His blonde hair was swept back from his brow into a shoulder-length braid. His arrogant expression was the final clue to his identity.
Prince Carlisle smiled fondly at the young people and took Renesmee's hand. Leading her forward, he introduced her to the stranger.
"Lord Caius, may I present my granddaughter, Lady Renesmee de Cullen."
Renesmee gave the stranger her hand.
Lord Caius gave a cursory bow and their eyes met. "It is a pleasure to meet you, my lady. I am your humble servant," he said suavely.
She noticed immediately that he had the famous 'Volturi eyes'. It was a well-known oddity that many of the Volturi Royal Family had inherited; an unusual shade of brown. Some would even call it maroon. Whatever the case, there was a strange glint of red that gave Lord Caius a devilish air and made Renesmee feel rather uneasy.
That uncomfortable feeling was intensified by the predatory gleam that entered his eyes as he surveyed her. It seemed that however unfavourably Renesmee viewed Lord Caius, her dislike was not reciprocated. A cool smile played on his lips as he offered his arm.
"We were taking a short tour of these delightful gardens, Lady de Cullen. Will you do me the honour of your company?"
Renesmee had no choice but to thank him politely and take his arm, as her grandfather and aunt looked on approvingly. She could only be grateful that propriety was strictly observed and they were not left to walk alone. Lady Alice and Prince Carlisle remained a few steps ahead as the small party left the lake and strolled towards the rose garden. After a few silent moments, Lord Caius spoke.
"I must tell you, Lady Renesmee, that I have been curious to make your acquaintance for some time. You are a person of great interest at the court of Volterra."
"Thank you, sir, though I cannot imagine why," she answered nervously.
"Can you not?" His smile was cynical. "Then you must be more innocent of the world than I had supposed, my lady."
Renesmee turned to Lord Caius with wide eyes. "I have lived my whole life in Forkland, what do I know of the world, sir?"
"Of course, you must have been very sheltered," he nodded in agreement, but his expression was full of understanding. "Well then… let me say this, my lady, and perhaps you will comprehend."
He paused for effect. "My cousin, His Royal Highness Prince Alec, sends you his very kindest regards and hopes that, in the very near future, he will be able to give them to you in person."
There was no missing the implication of his words. Renesmee blushed and looked away.
"Please thank your cousin for his message, Lord Caius," she said. "And perhaps we shall meet at my ball next month."
"I can assure you that the prince will be eager to attend."
"I am flattered to hear it," she lied. "I can only hope that the event will be worthy of the journey."
A slow smile curled his lips. "I have every confidence that it will be, Lady Renesmee."
They continued to follow Lady Alice and Prince Carlisle through the rose garden. Renesmee concentrated on admiring the flowers and hoped that Lord Caius would run out of things to say. Unfortunately, this wish was optimistic, because within minutes he raised another topic of conversation.
"I hope that you can forgive me for my late arrival today."
"Sir, I do not believe that there is anything to forgive."
"This morning, I might have agreed with you," he said smoothly. "But, I have learned the error of my ways. Now that we have met, I know that to have missed even a moment of the beautiful Renesmee de Cullen's company was an unforgivable sin."
Lord Caius' words were flattering, but his faintly sardonic tone was unnerving. Renesmee avoided his eye.
"You are too kind," she muttered.
His eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "But, I console myself that – although I missed the pleasure of your company – my delay was for the most noble of reasons."
He left this comment hanging in the air, clearly trying to pique her curiosity. The tactic worked.
"What was the reason, sir?"
"I do not wish to disturb you, my lady," he evaded.
Renesmee came to a standstill. She sensed that he was toying with her, but felt compelled to ask.
"Why would it disturb me?"
He made a show of straightening his cuffs, while all the time watching her from under lowered lids.
"The ordeal of your journey is widely known…" he said. "But, I should not have spoken of the matter, forgive me, my lady."
Renesmee's mind raced. How was his late arrival connected to her capture? She had the unpleasant feeling that Lord Caius was towing her into dangerous waters, but she still lifted her chin defiantly.
"I can assure you, Lord Caius, that my ordeal has been much exaggerated with every retelling of the tale. The reality was mundane in comparison to the stories."
There was a faint edge of mockery in his reply. "I am most glad to hear it, my Lady."
Renesmee was not to be put off. "If your delay was in some way related to my capture, you need have no scruples in speaking of it, Lord Caius. It will not trouble me."
At this point Lady Alice and Prince Carlisle realised that Lord Caius and Renesmee were no longer following them. They turned around and caught the end of this exchange. Renesmee ignored her family and kept her eyes on her companion. He observed their audience and answered quietly.
"If you wish to know, I will tell you, my lady." He paused. "As you must be aware, I command the Volturi fleet. Just yesterday, one of our warships was engaged in a skirmish with the Rabbit, the ship on which the Black Pirate held you captive. I was detained by this event."
Renesmee had claimed that she would not be troubled by anything that Lord Caius had to say. She had fooled herself into believing it, but the instant that she heard his words, her bold assertions were forgotten. She had not expected this news.
"What –?!" she cried. Visions of Jacob's corpse, floating in the wreckage of the Rabbit, assaulted her. She stared at Lord Caius, her eyes wide with horror. "What happened –?"
She swayed on her feet and Lady Alice flew forward, but Lord Caius reached her first. He captured her waist and supported her wilting form. He stared down at her with some degree of concern.
"Lady Renesmee, I should not have spoken of this matter. Your ordeal appears to have affected you more than you supposed."
Lady Alice threw him an angry look and moved to support Renesmee's arm. "Sir, you must not say another word! She will surely faint!"
Prince Carlisle joined them and tried to smooth over the situation. "Forgive me, Lord Caius," he said, taking Renesmee's other arm. "My granddaughter survived a terrifying ordeal and she is overwrought."
Lord Caius frowned. "It is I who should apologise. I should have remained silent."
"No!" Renesmee struggled to free herself from their restraining hands. Her eyes never left Lord Caius' face. "Please… you must tell me, I have to know," she pleaded. "What happened? Was anyone hurt? Was anyone killed –?"
Lord Caius glanced at the Prince, before answering in solemn resignation. "I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but we did lose men." Bitterness crept into his voice. "And we failed to catch the scoundrel."
Relief washed through Renesmee with such power that she was forced to close her eyes to hide it. When she finally opened them, they were filled with tears. It was only a desperate sense of self-preservation that enabled her to pass off this emotion as sympathy for Volterra.
"I… I am sorry for your losses, Lord Caius."
His expression softened and he took her hands. "Your feelings do you credit, my lady. Time and again the people of La Push have used their privateers to transgress against their neighbours! Believe me when I say that Volterra has sworn vengeance for these crimes." An ugly shadow passed over his features. "Your capture was another intolerable insult and I swear to you that they will all pay in blood."
There was no mistaking his murderous expression. A chill ran down her spine and she gently eased her fingers from his icy hold. "I believe you, sir."
Her quiet words seemed to break the spell. Lord Caius released Renesmee's hands, offering his arm instead.
"I am honoured to know that you have confidence in me, Lady Renesmee."
"I do," she replied truthfully, her heart pounding in her chest.
Renesmee had complete confidence that Lord Caius would slaughter every man, woman and child on La Push if he could find a way to do so.
She quietly took his arm and they resumed their walk. Her relatives continued to converse with Lord Caius. Renesmee listened in silence. No more of importance was said, the conversation was entirely focused on the trivialities of the court. She could not even tell if her grandfather or aunt had been disturbed by Lord Caius' vengeful threats.
As for Renesmee, with great effort she managed to maintain a calm exterior for the rest of the day. When the guests departed, no one could have appeared more gracious and regretful to see them leave. The visitors were enchanted and returned to their homes with tales of the Lord Edward's charming daughter.
And that evening, Renesmee ate her dinner, kissed her family goodnight and changed for bed, without as much as a weary word.
It was only when she was completely alone in her room that the mask was allowed to slip. For hours she lay in the darkness with Lord Caius' words replaying in her head. The threat of his intent had been revealed and it seemed overwhelming.
Renesmee could see that Jacob was in the gravest of danger and so too were islanders of La Push. Volterra would happily watch them burn. She could see their future, but there was absolutely nothing that she could do about it.
She wished that she could warn Jacob. If only she could tell him what she knew.
Author's notes:
Hello again!
As you can see, I have not given up on this story, even though the chapters appear very slowly.
This commitment to continue is partly because I still see people reading it, which is really encouraging after all this time. And also because I sometimes receive notes from readers, reminding me to write more.
It means a lot when someone takes the time to write something nice, and I do notice and appreciate those messages. They always inspire me.
Thank you!
Mad xxx
p.s. I have the next chapter planned, and let's just say that I think it's about time that we found out what Jacob is up to!
Please review ;)