Page 33 of Lord of the Hollow Court
The fae lord blinked at her, as if he hadn’t expected any of this. Well, he’d been the one to ask, hadn’t he? He ought to be better prepared.
“A minister is not—let us assume we observe different faith systems,” Lord Braam said, a hunted look in his eyes. “The apple tithe arrives the day after tomorrow. It’s a day of celebration for the court and its people. I could not be available for that and a wedding all in one day, and it is my duty to preside over the arrival of the harvest.”
“I see.” Katty pursed her lips, then brightened. “It’s no matter. What are your feelings on tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow?” The poor man looked confused. Had he assumed she’d refuse him? Perhaps he didn’t understand the seriousness of reputation among human women, whatever it was about. “I—”
“I don’t require frills or fete, my lord. Some of the preparations for your apple celebration will do nicely, if there must be a reception. And I can ask Rineke about a dress.” She plucked at the soiled skirt of her maid’s uniform. “Unless his lordship doesn’t mind?”
His mouth opened slightly. “No, of course not, I—Well, I—that is—we have seamstresses who can fit you—”
“Good. Then it is settled. What time tomorrow?”
She would not grant him the chance to change his mind. Katty was going to be a lady. An actual, titledlady.The human portion of the country didn’t even have such titles anymore. This was a good match for her. No, anexcellentmatch. Her reputation would be saved, she’d have a roof over her head and presumably a bit of income to live upon—and if it kept her from walking along the parapets each night and morning, it would be worth marrying a complete stranger.
It would, wouldn’t it?
Of course it would. Everything will be fine. He will do well as a husband and I’ll—I’ll figure out the rest as I go. Surely he would not ask me, if humans could not rule over fae. That will cause no real consternation. It wouldn’t, would it? The Court Lord’s word must be law.
Except if it isn’t.She really ought to learn more about how fae courts functioned.
No, this would be wonderful. She dared her mother—and anyone in Sleepy Hollow—to admonish her now. How silly Katrina de Vries would look with that wicked Brom Bones on her arm while Katty had alord.A lord she would not at all regret marrying. It wasn’t as if she’d ever expected to marry for love—not since she was young and silly-headed, that is.Oh, she was going to be so much better thaneveryoneat home.No longer would she be a wealthy girl’s companion. Katrina could be companion tohernow, if she liked.
Though she would dearly like to know something—anything, really—about her future husband. Did he have much family? How many children did he hope for? What colors did he prefer? Anything would do.
“What time?” Katty repeated for her dazed fiancé.
“I—will speak to the seamstresses,” Braam said, an unusual golden flush rushing into his features. “The household staff will need time for proper decorations.”
Don’t let him get away. You can learn about him later. Think of your family—think of the shame you’ve brought.This latest thought sounded a great deal like her mother’s words, less her Dutch accent.
“Oh, I don’t mind any of that,” Katty said, letting her mop clatter to the sticky floor and rushing to the fae lord’s side. She took the arm opposite his walking stick, wrapping her fingers around it as she ushered him out. “I don’t need a gala affair to mark the occasion. A record, though, will do. Best if it’s in a church logbook.”
“That may be a challenge, my lady,” Braam said, face creased with a frown as she led him out of the ballroom.My lady.How wondrous that sounded! She could put up with a great deal to hear it daily.
Couldn’t she?
“I’m sure my lord is up to the task,” Katty said. “We can be married out of this Hall, but I really shall require a minister. Please see to the arrangements as soon as possible. I will speak to Bibi and Rineke about the dressmakers and decor.”
With that, she withdrew, shutting the double doors behind him. Sparing a moment for a sticky-footed dance, she raced back to her mop and redoubled her scrubbing efforts.
“Bibi! Rineke!” she half-sang. “You won’t believe it, but I’ve the very best news.”News I won’t regret at all.How was it possible to be so pleased and so anxious at once?
When the two faeries reappeared at last, it was to find a beaming Katty scrubbing with such vigor, they would remark afterward that she should’ve gotten engaged days ago, for it would’ve saved the rest of them a great deal of work.
But Katty knew the work was just beginning. She could not send for her parents or sister—could not so much as show her face until she was wed—and it was tantamount to an elopement, but even that did not dampen her spirits. She was going to have the hasty wedding of the century. How could she not? There was nothing to worry over, nothing to fear. All would be well.
Katty van der Vos was going to be alady.
Chapter Sixteen
Twelve Fae Seamstresses
Katty’s eyes darted toward the door to the kitchen. “You’re certain she’ll help us?” she asked for a second time. When first she’d asked, Rineke assured her that if they were to pull off a wedding so quickly, Lula was the only option.
“She’s the only one here who’s overseen a lord’s wedding,” Rineke said. “And besides, if you want the seamstresses to put together a dress for you in a day, you’ll need Lula to excuse them from their duties.”
“You’ll need Lula to do any of it,” Bibi agreed. “Just be sure to get on her sweet side.”
