There, a surprise: Maxi. Elisabeth had barely noticed him when she arrived; she’d been so wrapped up in Franz. But now seeing him was a relief. Someone else she knew, who understood her jokes, who liked her, who wouldn’t gasp or laugh at her if she asked a foolish question or did a foolish thing. She smiled, stood, and took a step toward him, and he returned the grin. His own smile was exactly as she remembered: charming and fun with a little mischief at the edges.

“It’s nice to see you again.” Maxi spoke first.

“I’m happy to see you too.” Elisabeth meant it with her whole heart.

“Well, you can see me anytime now. Like tonight at my soiree.” Maxi pulled an invitation from a pocket and handed it to her, tilting his head toward the winding paths. She tucked the invite into her waistband to read later. “Shall we walk together?”

The yes on the tip of her tongue tripped over itself. There were so many rules here: Could she walk with Maxi? Would she accidentally cause a scandal? The very thought was exhausting. She’d been here only hours and already she was second-guessing herself. Father’s warnings from the carriage came back to her, then. This was another chance to prove him wrong, to act like herself and let the chips fall where they may.

She took Maxi’s arm and followed him through the maze, past quiet flower beds and other walkers in high-necked dresses and fashionable top hats, carrying parasols or small black books. Elisabeth was relieved when her ladies hung back, perhaps far enough not to eavesdrop on the conversation. It was strange feeling like everything you said was something to be judged, repeated, or commented on. Perhaps with time, the ladies would become her friends, but right now, it was all—so much.

“You’ve changed since the engagement,” Maxi said, one eyebrow raised. “You’ve opened like a little almond.”

Elisabeth shook her head, laughed. She felt no sting. “How do you do it?”

“Do what?”

“You give a compliment, but actually it’s an insult.” She raised an eyebrow to match his.

He made a satisfied noise. “I’m teaching you.”

“I don’t need the lesson. I prefer a direct insult.”

“Well, you are known for your honesty.”

Elisabeth smiled. They continued, and the grounds opened before Elisabeth like petals peeling back on a flower. They were on a long, straight path beside a little canal adorned with rows of flowers and playful, dancing fountains. A smattering of people strolled ahead, pausing to admire the well-shaped calves of a statue, the well-shaped thorns of a tangled rosebush.

“It’s beautiful,” Elisabeth marveled.

“At first glance, perhaps.” Maxi looked at her seriously, and she felt her smile falter.

“Are you trying to scare me?”

The tightness that had loosened in her upon seeing his familiar face returned.

“It’s just the truth.”