Page 5 of A Whiskey River Princess

Gabriella laughed. Speaking with this woman she didn’t know, she felt more relaxed, less guarded, than she had with anyone in a very long time.

“You could say that.” Gabriella shrugged. After the scene Manfred Carlo had made before the train left the station in New York, she had no intention of letting anyone know who she really was. Not until the train stopped, anyway. “I’m from theCôted’Azur.” It wasn’t a lie. “Who knows? I may end up being one of your best customers.”

Kenzie laughed. “I do hope so.”

The waiter was back a moment later and set two bowls of vegetable soup with a small loaf of freshly baked bread before them. “Your main course will be here soon. If you require anything else, don’t be afraid to ask.”

“Thank you.” Gabriella picked up her spoon, ready to dig in.

“Would you like to say grace first?” Kenzie asked, her hands folded properly at the edge of the table. It wasn’t a judgement, just a thought.

Gabriella nodded. “Yes, please.” She laid the spoon back down on the table, folded her hands, and bowed her head.

Kenzie said a lovely blessing over the meal, thanking God for the good food and new-found friends. When she was finished, she lifted her spoon and announced, “Let’s dig in!”

Gabriella laughed. She couldn’t wait any longer, her stomach growling in anticipation. When she took a sip, it was the best vegetable soup she’d ever had.

Kenzie chuckled lightly. “Hungry, are we?”

Gabriella placed a hand daintily over her mouth as she swallowed. “Oh! Please, forgive me. I’ve been traveling and haven’t eaten anything all day.”

Kenzie smiled. “Then don’t let me stop you.”

Gabriella laughed. It felt good to have a bit of camaraderie with another girl. Her cousin, Albert, as heir apparent, had been consumed with his princely duties of late. And besides the maids, there weren’t many other girls in the castle to interact with.

Gabriella moaned involuntarily as she took another sip of her soup. “Oh, this is delicious!”

“Here you go.” The waiter set two plates before them filled with baked pheasant, boiled seasoned potatoes, carrots, and stuffing. “Do you require anything else?”

Gabriella shook her head, her eyes lighting up as she looked at the food. “No, we’re fine. Thank you.”

“Very well then.” He bowed slightly and walked away.

Unable to wait, Gabriella picked up her fork and dug into the potatoes. She took a bite and swallowed, even though it was a bit hot.

Kenzie laughed. “Enjoying yourself?”

Gabriella took a sip of her champagne. “I’m sorry, but this is exquisite. Why aren’t you eating?”

Kenzie patted her flat stomach. “In the fashion business, it’s imperative that I keep my womanly figure.”

“Nonsense!” Gabriella smiled as she pushed Kenzie’s plate over to her. “If I’m going to make a fool of myself, then so are you. I’m not dining alone.”

Kenzie laughed. “Well, if you insist.”

Before long, the two women were eating and talking like old friends.

After the meal, Gabriella sat back, fully sated, and placed a hand on her stomach, eager to get back to her cabin to relax. “That was the best meal I’ve had—and with such wonderful company—in a very long time.” The taste of freedom was sweet, enhancing the flavor of the meal.

Kenzie smiled. “Well, then. You must not get out much, do you?”

Gabriella laughed, shaking her head. “No, I don’t.” Gabriella thought for a moment and then asked. “May I ask you something?”

Kenzie swallowed the bite of food in her mouth and daintily dabbed at her lips. “Yes, of course.”

“If I may be so bold, how did you come by the money for this trip?” Gabriella didn’t want to be rude, but curiosity got the best of her. She knew that dress designers didn’t make much money, unless their designs became famous.

Kenzie took another sip of her champagne and swallowed.

---