“Excellent. The sooner you get home the better.”

“Is everything all right?”

“No, it’s not. But we can discuss it when you get here.”

“You sound upset.” She stood on the porch, the hot sun on her skin. “Just tell me now. What’s going on?”

“Channel one just interviewed the head of the People’s Party. Auguste not only discussed his intention to do away with the monarchy but to expropriate our wealth.”

What? A hot coil of fear skewered through her. “They can’t do that. Our wealth comes from our private business.” House of Villeneuve had nothing to do with St. Christophe.

“It’s more complicated than that, darling. Our family owns a great percentage of land, and they believe it should ‘go back to the people.’”

“That’s ridiculous. We didn’t steal it. It wasn’t pillaged. Our ancestors won it in battles.”

“They can spin it however they like to suit their purposes.”

“This is terrible.” The driver stood waiting by the car, but she held up a finger. Hang on. She didn’t want to have this conversation in front of Harrison and Gustav. Well, Harrison could hear anything, but Gustav hadn’t worked for her nearly as long. “Can they do that?”

“Once they have power, they can change the laws. Which is why we must defeat this movement, and the best way to do that is to put your wedding in the forefront of everyone’s mind. I know you’re not going to like this, but the moment you get home, we’re going to send out invitations.”

“I’m sorry, Mama, but that doesn’t feel right to me. I don’t know that I’m going to marry him.”

“For heaven’s sake, do you understand what I’m telling you? It’s become more than losing our royal seat, which is certainly bad enough. It’s about taking away everything your ancestors have built and created.”

“No, of course I understand. I’ll do whatever you need me to.” Now wasn’t the time to argue with her mother. Besides, the wedding was a year away. Anything could happen between now and then. “How’s Father?”

“He’s doing as well as can be expected. Unfortunately, there’s not much more he can do on his own. He needs your wedding to show continuity and strength of the monarchy. We must dive right into the preparations.”

“Okay.”

“So, you’ll cooperate?”

“I will.” For now.

“Good.” The relief in her mother’s voice was palpable. “Are you bringing the dress home with you? Actually, I never heard from you about the fitting. I’ve been so consumed by the vote that I’ve forgotten to ask. I’d hoped to see pictures.”