Page 349 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

“Mark of rank.” He waited for Brigitte to finish and then opened the largest box. “And finally, the most important piece.” He held up a beautiful diamond tiara that featured seven large, pear-shaped diamonds evenly spaced around the semi-circle, with other pear and round diamonds that appeared to magically hover beneath.

“It’s beautiful, Alex,” she said breathlessly, looking up at him. “I really get to wear this?”

Alex nodded. “Ja. Mutti helped me pick it out. It’s one of her favorites.”

Brigitte took it from Alex and pinned it into Anna’s hair.

Anna looked in the mirror again when Brigitte was done. Now she really didn’t recognize herself. She turned and flung herself into Alex’s arms. “I feel like Cinderella.”

Alex cradled her cheek and kissed her. “I love you, Schatzi.”

“I love you, Alex.”

Alex’s immediate family was joined at dinner by Alex’s men, Albrecht and Viktoria, and Liesl’s fiancé, an Irishman named Hugh. The children had already eaten and were in bed. Kurt was unusually quiet during dinner and Anna wondered where Gretchen was.

The dinner was a truly elegant affair. The men were dressed in tailored tailcoats, crisp white waistcoats, and bow ties, while the women wore exquisite gowns, bedecked with an array of radiant jewels. Both Wilhelm and Ilsa, like Alex and Anna, had donned the blue ribbons.

The grand table was adorned with the finest china, crystal glassware, and glistening silverware. The multi-course meal unfolded with precision, encompassing appetizers, soup, a lamb roast—referred to as “Lammbraten” by Alex—and sumptuous dessert.

After dinner was over, Wilhelm pulled Alex and Anna aside.

“Gretchen is not attending tonight, which I am sure you have deduced,” Wilhelm said in a soft voice. “I am allowing Kurt to decide whether or not she stays after tonight. She is his wife, after all, and you will be returning to San Francisco in a few days. I have no concern about Gretchen speaking to Devin’s lackey again. She was truly horrified at how you were raised, Anna. Her father is not a nice man.”

“I don’t want her anywhere near Anna until we leave,” Alex said.

Wilhelm nodded. “That is perfectly reasonable. I do not think she desires to be social after what happened. I was not kind to her after you left.”

As the time for the guests to arrive approached, the family assembled in the entrance hall. Alex and Anna took their place in the receiving line alongside his parents. Anna marveled at Alex’s incredible ability to remember each guest’s name and profession, despite his years abroad. Every attendee was eager to meet Alex’s new bride, though many seemed surprised to learn she was American.

When they were finally able to make it into the ballroom, Alex led her out to the dance floor and they waltzed around the room to the sound of the small orchestra playing Strauss. Anna giggled and grinned the entire time. “I had no idea you could dance like this, Alex,” she said as he spun her around.

Alex’s eyes sparkled. “Every proper German knows how to waltz.” He laughed. “You look beautiful. I may have a hard time keeping you in my sights tonight. I can see many men who want to dance with you.” Anna bit her lip and he pulled her close. “No one will hurt you, my love. You are my wife and nothing else. Remember?”

Her face brightened and her heart grew light again. “I forgot.”

He beamed at her. “There’s that beautiful smile. My men are keeping an eye on you, Schatzi. But the people in this room respect my family. No harm will come to you.”

Anna let herself relax and thoroughly enjoyed herself, dancing every dance and meeting many delightful people. Although a part of her remained apprehensive, expecting some unfortunate event to ruin the evening, nothing disrupted her joy. It was the most wonderful night of her life.

At midnight, Alex was by her side and gave Anna her first ever New Year’s kiss. They danced again and then she was swept away by more charming men. She caught glimpses of Alex dancing and having a good time as well. He kept distance between himself and the women he danced with, but with Anna, he held her close and kissed her frequently.

The party went very late. Anna struggled to keep her eyes open as they said their last goodbyes, so Alex swept her up into her arms and carried her upstairs. He helped her undress and put her into bed, holding her close as she drifted off to sleep.

Chapter 162

The joyful days passed quickly, and too soon it was time to return to San Francisco. Anna had loved being in Germany, surrounded by a loving family, but it was time to go home. Rehearsals began again on Monday, and Alex wanted to give Anna a few days to adjust back to the time zone.

The Kunzberg family jet landed at a private airport Thursday mid-morning. Anna walked down the stairs and smiled. Things felt... different. Life would be different from now on.

“What are you smiling at?” Alex held out his hand as she stepped onto the tarmac and led her toward the awaiting town car. Seth and Tony loaded up their bags into a big black SUV waiting behind the black luxury car that would take Anna and Alex home.

She shook her head. “Just... happy.” She went up on tiptoe and kissed his jaw. “Is that okay?”

Alex beamed. “It’s always okay to be happy.”

They got into the car and the driver headed toward the city. Anna snuggled against Alex, sighing in happiness. But when the driver didn’t take the freeway exit she’d expected, she sat up and looked out the window. “Are we going to Aaron’s house?”

Alex grinned. “Nein, Schatzi.”

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