Rebecca nodded. “Yes, my lady. I should have remembered.” She motioned to one of the maids to fetch her lady some coffee.

There was a knock at the door. “Ah, I suppose that couldn’t be my coffee already?” said Lady Tremaine, laughing.

“No, my lady. We’re still in England, where things don’t magically appear as they do in the Many Kingdoms.” Rebecca smiled as she opened the door to Lady Hackle. Lady Tremaine’s friend stood there with a look of grave concern on her face.

“My friend, this letter came for you just now. It’s from Sir Richard. He must have sent it right before his ship disembarked.”

Lady Tremaine took the letter from her friend and read it.

My dearest Lady Tremaine,

I can’t wait another moment for us to be husband and wife. Please come to me as quickly as you can, for I am desperate for you to take your place at my side, and in my home. If you love me as much as I hope you do, you will bring Anastasia and Drizella on the next evening voyage. Cinderella and I need you.

Sir Richard

Lady Tremaine handed the letter back to her friend so she could read it.

“Oh, you have to go to him at once,” Lady Hackle said.

“But I’m already leaving as quickly as I can. What of the house in London?” Lady Tremaine was distraught. “What about the girls? I haven’t even told them we are moving, and I must book us all on the next evening voyage?”

Lady Hackle looked off for a moment as if she was formulating a plan. “Nanny Pinch will just have to bring them to the dock. Hopefully she will agree to come along with you to the Many Kingdoms, but if she doesn’t, the least she can do is bring your girls to meet you at the boat. Your new family needs you. If you had any doubt of his feelings of love toward you, this surely squelches that,” she said.

“I think you’re right, but what of the house and the servants? There is so much to do.” She took a cup of coffee from a tray that had been brought in by one of the maids.

“The ship isn’t leaving the dock until this evening. That should give Nanny Pinch enough time to get some things together for you and the girls. Piggy and I will go to your place in London tomorrow and supervise everything else and arrange to have the rest of your things shipped to the Many Kingdoms,” said Lady Hackle.

Lady Tremaine took her friend’s hand. “You’re such a good friend, Prudence. Thank you.” She laughed.