Giselle was gambling away the entirety of Eleanor’s inheritance. After she paid off the moneylenders, she then dismissed all the servants. Once a month, she hired a local boy for yard chores. All the rest fell on Eleanor’s shoulders. The remaining money from the sale of Bertram’s business was used to lavishly outfit Giselle and her daughters for an endless round of parties in pursuit of her next late husband.
While all of this was going on, Prince James was growing up at the Palace. He was had attained the age of matrimony and no high born lady of any title seemed to hold his interest. With the continuation of the Arnhem line at stake, his mother declared that a series of balls would be held throughout the kingdom for the presentation of eligible ladies to the young heir. When I heard this news, I knew that Eleanor should be allowed her chance to meet the Prince. While I couldn’t imagine a more perfect match for him, I would allow her to decide for herself. I went shopping for a suitable outfit for her to wear and made my way to Lockley Keep.