Rebel Princess by Evelyn Anthony Read Free Book Online Page B

until it seemed as if Johanna would never emerge alive.
    â€œWhat has happened, what has my mother done?” The question repeated itself fruitlessly in Augusta’s mind. “God in Heaven, don’t let me suffer for my mother’s folly! Don’t let them send me back to live with her again!”
    In her agony she turned to the smirking Peter, desperate for comfort, even from him.
    â€œYour Highness,” she said, unable to restrain her tears, “I beg of you, plead with your aunt on my behalf. Whatever has offended her I swear to you that I have committed no crime. My only thought had been to please, and my mother’s faults are not my doing. Peter, remember that one day I shall be your wife, and show me a little kindness I beseech you! Do not let them send me home.…”
    For a moment the Grand Duke stood there, pondering the spectacle of the proud, successful creature who had so completely overshadowed him until this moment and who now, catching his hand in hers, knelt in tearful supplication at his feet.
    But even as he looked at her his feeling of malicious triumph changed to revulsion and hate, while the old sensation of uneasy dread clutched at his heart.
    Savagely he snatched his hand away and drew back from her.
    â€œThe only plea I’d make of my aunt would be to send you back to Germany, as no doubt she will! Ask nothing from me, Madame. My only wish is to see the last of you, and by God as soon as I rule this heathen country I shall put you where you’ll never trouble me again, and marry whom I choose!”
    As his shrill voice rang through the long room, Augusta heard another sound; the sharp click of the communicating door behind which her fate had been decided.
    Hurriedly she stood up, a crumpled, tearful figure, her cheeks scarlet with shame at Peter’s brutal rebuff, and turned to face none other than the Empress. One glance at Elizabeth’s flushed and angry countenance froze the words of entreaty on her lips. She had humbled herself unbearably once, and the hurt of the Grand Duke’s words gave her unexpected courage.
    She was a princess born, and her ominously square jaw set hard with resolution. She would not beg.
    There was absolute silence as Elizabeth advanced into the room, while a shaking, weeping Johanna leant against the doorpost for support.
    The Empress’s dilated eyes rested upon Peter, who looked down and kicked sullenly at the floor: the sight of him inflamed her.
    He was another Prussian, an ugly, graceless German imbecile, as treacherous to Holy Russia as the deceitful, spying Princess of Zerbst. Only let him father a child, said an evil whisper deep inside Elizabeth, then perhaps he need never succeed to the throne at all. Still without speaking, the Empress swept across the room to where Augusta stood.
    Whatever Johanna had done, the marriage must go through. Elizabeth could not endure the strain of another choice, another courtship. She bent and kissed the astonished girl, and patted her arm reassuringly.
    â€œDry your tears, my little Catherine,” she said gently, and the Grand Duke started at the name.
    â€œYou are not to blame for your mother’s crimes. She returns to Germany as soon as you are married; for your sake I will not punish her as she deserves. Come now, it grows dark and you must return to the palace.”
    The Empress favored Johanna with a withering glare of rage and contempt.
    â€œAs for you, Princess, for your own sake spare me the sight of you as much as possible until you leave the country. Your King and your husband are assured of my sympathy, but I have no doubt that the former will know how to deal with you. I hear he does not suffer fools or shrews with patience!”
    With a final nod to Augusta, Elizabeth walked out of the room, and the sparsely furnished chamber echoed to the slam of the door behind her. It seemed to Johanna that with that sound she heard the knell of all her hopes; the