Her sister’s face was a mask of trepidation as a German officer draped in medals escorted her onto the platform to meet the young countess. Gray’s sister performed the introductions, and the other blind visitors were also escorted to the platform.

So much finery, so many uniforms, patriotic bunting everywhere, and smiles all around. The band played the anthems of both nations as officers carrying the national flags moved into place, but Annabelle kept twisting her fingers so hard it hurt.

“Your sister is doing fine,” Gray murmured, and the warm confidence in his voice immediately soothed her.

He was a good man. Each day she became more confident of it, for she’d thoroughly searched his house and knew he wasn’t guilty of treason. Tomorrow she would make her report to the two generals, and then she could wipe her hands of this entire affair and go into their courtship with an open heart.

The music ended, and the German prince stepped forward to speak from the podium. He sounded more British than German, not at all what she was expecting. She’d have to memorize every moment of this day for her parents. She was standing only twenty yards from a real prince! And Elaine stood even closer. Her parents were never going to believe this.

In place of the indisposed first lady, the young countess stepped forward to formally christen the yacht. She seemed awfully young for the honor, but the prince guided her into position and grinned broadly as she wielded the heavy bottle of champagne with confidence.

“In the name of Kaiser Wilhelm, I christen thee the Countess Frederica,” the girl shouted, then smashed the bottle against the hull.

Cheers and applause filled the air. The young countess flushed with pleasure as members of the German officer corps came to kiss her hand. The gangway leading up to the yacht was lowered, and dignitaries began boarding. The yacht rose and fell in the mild waves, causing the gangway to move as well. Elaine would never be able to handle that.

“I should go rescue my sister,” Annabelle said to Gray.

“She doesn’t need rescuing.”

“Don’t you see how unsteady that gangway is?” Panic leaked into her voice, and even from here, the anxiety on Elaine’s face was plain.

A German officer offered Elaine his arm, preparing to board the yacht. Elaine stood frozen, even as the officer tried to nudge her forward.

“I’m going to her,” Annabelle said. She strode forward, but Gray grabbed her forearm and hauled her back.

“Let Elaine handle this,” he said.

“But she needs help—”

“Look, she’s following the officer. She wants to go. Let her tackle her fears.”

Elaine clutched the German officer’s arm like a lifeline as they mounted the swaying gangplank. Her yelp of fright could be heard across the dock. The officer whispered encouragement as he kept guiding her forward.

“This is so hard,” Annabelle moaned.