“Oh,” Rebecca added, “my lady, you’ve forgotten your favorite brooch.” She went to the vanity to fetch it for her.

“I don’t feel like wearing it this evening,” said Lady Tremaine. It reminded her of her late husband, and tonight she wanted to focus on the future.

“I assume you’ve been down to the kitchen a few times to make sure the cook has everything in hand?” asked Rebecca.

“Yes. I think she would have chased me out with a broom if she thought she could get away with it,” Lady Tremaine said, making Rebecca laugh again.

“I checked in on the girls before I came up,” Rebecca continued. “I told Nanny I wanted them to have their dinner and baths early this evening. I thought it would be nice to have the girls in bed right after dinner so you and Sir Richard can enjoy the rest of your evening together alone.”

Lady Tremaine wondered if that was a good idea. “Cinderella will want to see her father,” she said. “Tell Nanny Sir Richard and I will come in to kiss the girls before they go to sleep, don’t you think?”

“That’s a lovely idea,” Rebecca agreed, sighing. “Oh, my lady, you have such a wonderful evening planned. Cook is making all of Sir Richard’s favorites for dinner, and I’ll make sure everything is ready for you in here while you two are having dinner. That way it’s a surprise.”

Lady Tremaine was getting more nervous by the moment. She was hoping with all her heart the man returning to her from the castle was the man she had met in London and not the one who dashed away right after their wedding. “Thank you, Rebecca dear. This is going to be an evening to remember.”

Lady Tremaine assembled the entire staff to greet her husband upon his return. She thought it would be a lovely surprise for him to see how well she had staffed their home while he had been away. They were all lined up in the vestibule in their smart black-and-white uniforms, positioned on either side of the entryway to leave a pathway for Sir Richard so he could walk through and greet each one.

Lady Tremaine stood in the center of the assembly right up front so she could greet her husband the moment he walked through the door. Anastasia, Drizella, and Cinderella stood at the foot of the grand staircase in their prettiest dresses. They looked as perfect as a portrait, all of them standing still and ladylike.

They were all startled by the front door flying open without ceremony, Sir Richard’s voice booming.

“Hello, my love, my most beautiful girl,” he said, walking toward Lady Tremaine. She felt foolish for dreading this moment, worrying if he loved her, wondering if he would be happy to see her when he got home.