Page 348 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

Greta sat at the table with Wilhelm’s brother, Albrecht, and his wife, Viktoria. They lived outside of Dusseldorf—a two-hour drive away—and were staying at the Gutshaus through the New Year. The rest of Alex’s family lived in the Frankfurt area. Anna was relieved there weren’t more people around. She was feeling overwhelmed and just wanted to sit quietly with Alex and eat.

A plate of fish and vegetables appeared in front of her, and she began eating quietly. While Alex and his uncle engaged in a discussion about politics, Greta and Viktoria chatted about the upcoming New Year’s Eve party. They were all considerate enough to speak in English, and Anna listened attentively, though she was too tired to contribute any substantial thoughts to the conversations. Alex frequently leaned over to kiss her, which made her smile each time.

After lunch, Alex and Anna returned to the bedroom, and when Alex explained they would be up very late at the party, Anna decided to take a nap.

Early evening, he woke her so she could get ready. They took a shower together and Alex held her against the wall and made love to her again.

She was still flushed from lovemaking when Brigitte came in to help her get ready. Brigitte styled her hair in a loose up-do with curls framing her face. As she secured the final pins in place, Alex emerged from the dressing room looking so handsome, Anna was speechless.

He wore a perfectly tailored black tailcoat and trousers, with a pristine white waistcoat and a perfectly tied bow tie. A sky-blue sash that extended from his right shoulder to his left hip enhanced his ensemble, and the family crest was displayed on a four-armed star neck badge.

Anna’s jaw dropped as she looked at her husband. “Oh, my . . . you look . . . wow!”

Alex grinned, extending his arms to the sides. “You approve?”

Anna nodded, her lips parting in awe. “The more time I spend with you, the more I understand the gossip about you.”

“Gossip?” His eyes sparkled with amusement as he raised his eyebrows.

“How women melted at your feet and such. I thought I understood before...” She blinked repeatedly and shook her head. “Wow!”

Alex chuckled and pulled her into his arms. “Now you know how I feel every time I look at you.”

Anna blushed. “Alex!”

“Anna, you are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.” He leaned down and kissed her. “I can’t wait to show you off tonight.” He straightened and beamed down at her. “Finish getting ready. I have to go get something.”

She watched him walk out of the room, and a shiver ran down her spine. “I can’t believe I’m married to him,” she said softly, as Brigitte smoothed her hair.

Brigitte smiled. “Many women will be green with envy tonight. I think many men will envy der Herzog for his wife.”

Anna smiled and looked away, but her heart warmed. Brigitte applied her makeup and then took Anna into the dressing room, walking through the massive closet. She bit her lip as she glanced at the beautiful pale-green dress hanging in the corner. “I hope it fits.”

Brigitte helped her into a white silk strapless bra and stockings, and then arranged the dress for Anna to step into. Anna held her breath as Brigitte zipped up the dress and sighed in relief when it fit. “I guess Kaitlyn found the bigger size. I’m so glad.”

“It is a beautiful dress, Herzogin.”

Anna stared at herself in the mirror, hardly recognizing herself. Her cheeks were pink, her hair stylish. She looked all grown up and could barely believe it. She was a married woman who was going to have a baby. Was it really possible to be this happy? Tears of joy sprang to her eyes.

Alex appeared behind her in the mirror, a huge grin on his face. “You look wunderschön, Schatzi.” He leaned down and kissed the side of her neck and she sighed. “Absolutely beautiful.” He placed several black velvet-covered boxes on the table behind her.

“What are these?”

Alex grinned. “Some things I picked out for you to wear.”

Anna looked down and smoothed the skirt of her dress. “I have my dress already.”

He chuckled. “Accessories. Fit for a Herzogin.” He opened a flat box to reveal a necklace of diamond flowers.

“Oh, Alex . . .”

He took off her Elder-Mistress necklace and handed it to Brigitte, then fastened the new necklace around her. “No one will know you are anything but my beautiful wife tonight, Anna. You have no obligation except to enjoy yourself.”

Anna teared up again. “Just your wife,” she repeated softly. What a wonderful thought.

He opened a smaller box and handed her the matching earrings and clasped a matching bracelet on her wrist alongside her signet bracelet. He opened another box and removed a long, three-inch wide blue ribbon that matched his own. The same badge hung at the end as what was around his neck.

“What’s this?” Anna asked as Bridgette pinned it in place, from the upper right corner of her bodice to her left hip.

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