Page 29 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

Kurt’s eyebrows shot up. “How did you know?”

“I . . . overheard Devin speaking of your family.”

“Oh?” Wilhelm tilted his head.

I’ve said too much. Devin will be angry. Anna pressed her lips together, resolving not to say any more on the subject.

Wilhelm turned to the window, but she caught a glimpse of a thoughtful expression on his face before he did. Anna glanced over at Kurt, who gave her a bright smile and patted the seat next to him. She crawled across and sat next to him.

He put his arm around her and nuzzled her ear. “I was thinking about you all night. This morning was so long.” He cradled her cheek as he nibbled on her earlobe. She closed her eyes as his lips caressed the skin and then tugged the lobe with his teeth, making her gasp. He drew her earlobe between his lips and sucked on it for a moment before moving lower, trailing kisses down her neck to her collarbone. “Are you okay from last night? Did they hurt you?”

Shame clenched her heart again, but she pushed it away. “I’m fine. They didn’t hurt me.” Why would he care if they’d hurt her or not? Men liked to hurt girls.

“Vati was very upset that Devin treated you like that.” He leaned back and looked into her eyes, his hand still cradling her cheek. “As was I.”

Anna studied his face, confused at his concern. It had been the most pleasant night she’d ever had with a group of men. “Really, my lord. I’m fine.” Even if they had hurt her, she would have healed overnight.

Kurt frowned, and Anna closed her eyes and lowered her head. I keep saying the wrong thing.

Wilhelm asked Kurt something in German and Kurt responded.

“Have you had lunch, Anna?” Wilhelm asked, and she nodded. “Gut. We will have dinner before we go to the opera house.”

The car slowly crawled through the traffic of downtown San Francisco. “Ilsa told me of a store that has a nice selection of dresses suitable for tonight. She said she would call ahead and let them know we were coming.”

Anna nodded. “Who is Ilsa?”

“My lovely wife.” His eyes glowed with affection, and he smiled. “She is a very good shopper. She travels here with me frequently, but could not come this time.” He tilted his head. “You did not bring an overnight bag.”

An overnight bag? Anna blinked, confused for a moment, then blew out a breath. Of course. When people went to stay at places other than home, they took things with them. Her body tingled with shame. Again. “I don’t—I didn’t think about...” She hung her head again. She had nothing to bring. “I’m sorry.” Devin had said nothing about needing an overnight bag.

Wilhelm gave her a gentle smile. “It will be our pleasure to get you anything you need. And Alex has frequent guests at his house, so I am sure he has plenty of the basics.”

She stared at him, trying to process his... his kindness. Why was he so nice? “Thank you, Wilhelm. You’re very kind.”

The driver pulled up to a large, square building and opened the back door. Wilhelm helped her out, and they walked into the enormous store. A woman stood just inside and approached, introducing herself as Karen.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Karen.” Wilhelm shook her hand. “This is Anna. She is coming to the ballet with us this evening and she needs a proper dress. And an outfit for tomorrow, as well as any necessary accouterments.”

“It will be my honor to help you, Duke von Hessen,” Karen said with a friendly smile. “Come with me, please.”

Anna followed the woman up the escalator and toward the back of the store. She stopped and stared at the countless dresses of all colors and materials.

Karen smiled. “See anything you like?”

“I...” Anna blew out a breath between pursed lips. “It’s amazing!” She smiled as a memory crept forward of the costume room at the opera house. It had been one of her favorite places to sneak into while she waited for her parents to finish up their performances. Being surrounded by such beautiful costumes made her feel like she was in fairyland, and that she was its princess.

She spent the next hour and a half trying on dress after dress. She followed Wilhelm and Karen’s lead about what looked good, nodding when they nodded and frowning when they did, doing her best to give the appearance of knowing what she was doing. When both Kurt and Wilhelm’s eyes lit up as she walked out in a fitted emerald-green silk taffeta dress, she knew it would make them happy and assured them she loved the dress. And in truth, she did. A lot.

After purchasing the dress, and everything else Karen recommended for an overnight stay, they headed back to the car.

Wilhelm paused as the driver opened the door, looking thoughtful. “Kurt, I believe your mother usually has her hair done before we go out while traveling, correct?”

Kurt thought for a moment. “Ja, I think she does. Or at least, she disappears for a few hours and comes back almost ready to go.” They laughed, and Anna allowed herself a small smile. They both spoke of this woman with such respect and love, her heart ached for her own mother, someone she hadn’t thought of in a very long time. She chewed her lip as Kurt and Wilhelm spoke quickly in German and allowed herself a moment of nostalgia.

Wilhelm squinted in thought. “Let me call her.” He smiled at Anna. “I want you to have a good time and have everything you need for tonight, but I am not a woman and I do not know what all that entails. Excuse me a moment.” He walked a few steps away and made a phone call.

Kurt handed the driver the shopping bags and then leaned back against the car. He pulled her against himself and kissed her, sliding his hands around her hips. “Are you having a good time?”

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