Sherwood Smith Quote

When the meal was over, the Princess invited everyone to yet another room, promising music after hot chocolate.Dazzled by the glint of jewels and the gleam of silk in the firelight, I moved slowly until I found myself face-to-face with Princess Elestra.Has my son shown you the library yet, my child? she asked, her gently waving fan flicking up for just a moment at the angle of Confidential Invitation.No, I said, instantly ill at ease. Ah--we just arrived today, you see, and there hasn’t been time to see much of anything.Come. We will slip out a moment. No one will notice. With a smile, she indicated the corner where Savona was telling some story, illustrating a sword trick with a fireplace poker amid laughter and applause. My brother was laughing loudest of all.With the smoothest gesture, nod, and bow, she threaded through the crowd. Then we were suddenly in a quiet hall, its richness gleaming in the light of a double row of glowglobes placed in fabulously carved sconces.I am told that you like to read, the Princess said as we turned into an even more formal hall. Liveried servants stood at either side of the entry, and when they saw my companion, they bowed, ready for orders. With a little wave, she indicated the tall double doors between two spectacular tapestries dark with age. The servants sprang to open these doors.As we passed inside, I glanced back at the nearest footman and caught a glimpse of curiosity before his face smoothed into imperviousness.A problem, dear child?I turned and saw awareness in the Princess’s eyes.So I said carefully, I don’t want to sound critical, Your Highness, but I was thinking how horrible it must be to stand about all day just waiting to open a door, even one as pretty as those.But they don’t, she responded with a soft laugh. They trade places regularly. Some stand out there, some are hidden from view waiting for summonses. It is very good training in patience and discretion, for they all want to advance into something better.