Page 2 of An Ill-Made Match

“Lenora,” said Eden heavily. “You really need to make more of an effort to connect with other people.”

Her cousin looked startled. “Why?” she asked.

“Because…” Eden took a deep breath. “Try to understand. That woman probably had to work for weeks to earn these few hours of respite from hard labor. They queue for hours too, to occupy those spectator seats. This is a treat for her daughter, to see the pretty ladies on display, and the noblemen compete. She will remember this day through the rest of her life. And the moment when you waved at her will be the high point. It’s such a small thing to you, but-” She broke off when she heard the embarrassing throb of emotion in her own voice. “The childhood of a peasant is very short-lived,” she said brusquely. “That little girl will be expected to earn a crust before ‘ere long. Surely you do not begrudge her a mere wave of your hand.”

Lenora’s eyes were wide. “I never thought of it that way,” she said, and leaned forward to look down from the box. To Eden’s surprise, Lenora raised her hand again and gave a hesitant wave and a nod. “Should I throw them some coin?” she asked nervously. “I have my alms purse.”

“You might start a stampede,” said Eden, ever sensible. Instead, she beckoned to one of the royal pages who lined the steps. He darted forward obligingly, in hope of a tip. “Lady Lenora would like to bestow some coin on that child and her mother,” she said pointing them out. “And will give you a penny for your pains.”

The page held out his palm obligingly and Lenora tipped her alms purse into it.

“That’s rather a lot,” said Eden looking at the pile of coins. The page was now cupping it in both his hands.

“I want them to have it,” insisted Lenora.

“Send the purse then,” said Eden. “’Twould be easier for them to carry. Wait,” she said eyeing Lenora’s gold brocade purse with tasseling. “My purse is much plainer,” she said reaching for her own black purse, which was suspended from her belt.

“No, give them mine,” said Lenora. “They can keep it as a memento of this day.”

They would probably sell it, thought Eden, but held her tongue as the page skipped off.

Lenora put her hands on the edge of the box and watched the page deliver her purse. She smiled and nodded again.

Eden watched the woman’s astonishment and delight at the gift. She curtseyed and then hid the purse about her, without opening it. Sensible woman, thought Eden approvingly. She would do much better to open it in privacy at home. “Now they will remember that the princess was benevolent, as well as beautiful,” she said aloud.

“I’m not a princess,” Lenora pointed out.

“To that child you are,” Eden answered. She kept her face forward, though she could feel her cousin’s gaze on her profile.

“I wish I was like you, Eden,” Lenora burst out at last.

“Me?” she turned her head at that, and the force of feeling in Lenora’s words. Her cousin was not known for speaking her mind.

Lenora nodded. “I’m selfish,” she said unhappily. “And, I don’t really like people.” She turned her troubled gaze on Eden. “I’m not a good person,” she finished. “Not like you.”

Eden opened and closed her mouth. “Nonsense,” she scoffed, but Lenora was holding up a dainty hand.

“I did not mean for you to placate me,” she said quietly. “I just wanted to – to be truthful for once. You probably know me better than anyone, except for Grandmother. Yet even you…”

“What?” asked Eden, feeling lost in the conversation.

“Don’t realize… what an empty shell I am. Or perhaps you do, but you do not wish to own it,” she added painstakingly.

“Lenora… You are too harsh on yourself,” said Eden awkwardly. While it was true that her cousin could be vacuous, she was never unkind.

“Am I?”

“Yes,” Eden insisted. “And I don’t approve of… people just making statements like that and then moping about it a day or so before reverting to their old ways,” she said, rallying herself. “If you wish to be less selfish, then espouse a cause. If you don’t like the people around you, then…” she cast about. “Try spending time with someone else. Someone you admire.”

“I already spend more time with you than anyone,” Lenora pointed out mildly.

Eden, who had never before realized she was an object of her cousin’s admiration, blinked. “Someone who could benefit from your society then,” she persisted doggedly.

Lenora sighed. “I tried sponsoring one of your impoverished artists before, and they just fell in love with me and made things awkward.”

That was true enough, thought Eden. Men fell in love with Lenora at a glance. Her cousin gave them no encouragement, but it happened all the same. “How about taking up the cause of a lady then,” suggested Eden heartily. “You never trouble to make any female friends of your own, and I believe that to be a great mis-step. Female friendship is a great source of solace, comfort and joy. You could befriend some newcomer at court and help her on her way…”

“Oh but I’m hopeless with women,” objected Lenora matter-of-factly. “They are not merely content to sit and look at one’s face. They expect you to have… opinions and stories to tell. And I have none,” she said with a little shrug.