“Cinderella, show us what’s in your pocket that has you so distracted you can’t be bothered to listen to a word my daughters and I have said.”

“Oh, I don’t think that is a good idea,” said Cinderella without looking up.

“Cinderella, show us what’s in your pockets now, or I will have Nanny Pinch take you up to your room without any tea,” Lady Tremaine scolded, trying to use the same tactics she’d used on her own daughters in the past.

“That’s fine. I’d prefer to be in my room right now anyway, Stepmother,” Cinderella said with a smile.

Impossible girl! Lady Tremaine thought. She didn’t understand this girl at all. It didn’t seem like she was trying to be insolent or hurtful; she was simply stating her truth.

“Very well, Cinderella, go back to your room, but I must insist you call me Mama.”

Cinderella walked over to Lady Tremaine, reaching her hand out for her to take. “I’m sorry, Lady Tremaine. I can’t call someone who isn’t my mother Mama. But I will happily call you Stepmother, if that pleases you.” She looked up at Lady Tremaine hopefully.

“Very well, Cinderella.” Lady Tremaine sighed, eyeing her strange new stepdaughter warily. “You may stay down here and have your tea with me and your stepsisters before you go back up to your room.”

“If that will make you happy, Stepmother,” she said, looking back down at her pocket.

“Won’t you show us what’s in your pocket?” asked Drizella, breaking ranks and joining Cinderella on the love seat.

“Yes, Cinderella, what is it?” asked Anastasia.

“Girls, Nanny Pinch is about to serve. Must you interrogate Cinderella about what’s inside her pocket while we drink our tea?” Lady Tremaine said jokingly.

She was very happy to see them getting along a little better, munching on finger sandwiches that Nanny Pinch had made, and sipping their tea like perfect princesses. They had gotten off to a sticky start, but she was at last feeling like they could be a happy family together.

Just then Rebecca came into the room. “The Grand Duke is here, my lady. He says he has a message for you from the castle.”

Lady Tremaine stood up, motioning for the girls to do the same. “Show him in,” she said.

The tall man walked in, squinting, Lady Tremaine thought, in order to keep his monocle in place. He was a strange man, this duke. But then, Lady Tremaine thought everyone she met here so far was very odd.

“Sorry to disturb you, Lady Tremaine. But our king has sent me to inform you that Sir Richard will be detained for the next several weeks on court business.”

Lady Tremaine was starting to get agitated. “On our wedding night, of all nights?” She heard the edge in her voice and stopped herself from going on.