Catalina spent the next thirty minutes expounding the situation. The Duke was her cousin and knew all too well of this pompous ass. “Dear Princess, help me. My father is hell-bent on this union, as it will greatly improve our standing in the country and society. My mother is dead and I’m the only child. I’ve nobody to turn to.”
“Well, both of you can stay the night. Tomorrow we’ll go and speak to your father. I’m all too aware of the Duke’s pomposity, and he’d make your life a living hell.”
The Princess was all too happy to see the Count. What an unexpected blessing! She conjured up in her mind whose bed the Count would sleep in.
After dinner, Catalina entertained everyone with her prowess on the forte piano, and at times the Princess joined in, either by singing or playing four hands. When it came time for bed, the servants escorted Catalina to her bedroom. Then the Princess grabbed the Count by the hand, “You’re coming with me young man.” The Count knew he was in no position to argue and consented graciously. They climbed into bed and soon the sparks were flying. This continued until they collapsed into one another’s arms and fell fast asleep.
Next morning the trio were up and on their way to Catalina’s lavish estate. They were met by her father who was beside himself to see the Princess. He did an obeisance and said, “Your Grace, how may I help.”
“May we go somewhere and talk?” They were ushered into the lounge and sat down.
“Willie, bring refreshments and drinks.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“So, to what do I owe this pleasure, Your Grace?”
“Something that brought your daughter to my castle in absolute distress, begging my help.”
“Your Grace, I thought it a perfect match.”
“Trash, you know the Duke as well as I do. He would never make your daughter happy. I forbid the union.”
“But your Grace, all the arrangements are already made, and I’ve consented to the marriage.”
“Leave it with me. I’ll talk to the Duke. Catalina, consider the matter closed. You two young people come back home with me and I’ll arrange a meeting with the Duke.” Any excuse was a good excuse to get Albrecht back into her castle.
Throughout this melee the Count and Catalina were developing a real attraction for one another. When the Count and Catalina were alone in the castle, Albrecht took advantage of the situation. He grabbed Catalina and gave her a passionate kiss. She just melted into his arms.
“I think I’m falling in love with you,” cried the Count.
“I feel the same way,” sighed Catalina.
In the meantime, the Princess had sent a note to the Duke commanding his presence immediately. That night, the Princess couldn’t but help observe the difference in the Count’s affections. “What’s wrong with you tonight?”
“Nothing.”
“I hope you’re not falling for that young skivvy, Catalina?”
“What a thing to say.”
“Well, put your mind into what you’re doing.”
“I’m trying,” he said. Albrecht was feeling guilty beyond measure. For the first time in his life he felt the true pangs of real love. The next morning couldn’t come quickly enough. What a situation to be in.
The Duke showed up in the early afternoon, thinking some great accolade was to be showered upon him. He waltzed into the room like Alexander the Great after conquering the Persian empire. “Your Grace, what a privilege.” smiled the Duke.
