Nanny Pinch looked almost as uncomfortable as Mrs. Butterpants had. “My lady, what am I thinking, speaking with you about servants when you’ve just returned from your wedding? I’m so sorry. Where is Sir Richard?” she asked, looking around for him.

“He had some business at the castle. Things are done so strangely here, Nanny Pinch. The moment we were married the Grand Duke was there demanding he file our marriage contract with the king,” said Lady Tremaine. “But you didn’t answer my question. Could you find your way to staying on just a little longer?”

“I’m sorry, my lady. I wish I could stay, but I just can’t. I hate the idea of being so far from my mother; it would take ages for me to get home should she need me,” said Nanny Pinch, looking sincerely sorry.

Lady Tremaine clenched her fist, wishing she were in London, surrounded by her own servants, in her own home, with beautiful things that she loved, where Nanny Pinch would be happy to stay on.

“I understand, Miss Pinch. I appreciate you agreeing to stay as long as you have already. I know you have to get back to London to your mother. You’re a very devoted daughter, and she is lucky to have you. I promise I won’t keep you a moment longer than we agreed. Now, I suppose I’d better see how one goes about finding servants in the Many Kingdoms.”

Nanny Pinch smiled. “I think Rebecca can help you with that,” she said.

“Yes, how clever of you, Nanny Pinch. I knew that girl would be a boon to me. Now I suppose we’d better go upstairs and break it to the girls that there will be no wedding reception this evening.”

Not for the first time that day, Lady Tremaine wondered if she had made the right decision, bringing her girls clear across the world where they didn’t have a single soul who loved or cared for them.

Chapter XI: The Mice