Rachel went to meet with the princess' royal servants, who had packed for the afternoon tea. As she inspects the produce, eyes rolling to and fro, she begins to nibble on the olives and fresh fruit. She savors every bite, and her mind soon reflects back home. The days of the past began to float before her like a cloud, when she would take walks home in the countryside of France. It reminded her of the smell of fresh peaches and plums that she once had picked from the orchards as a child. It was an image she couldn't erase. She had always took care to gently place them like eggs in her sturdy straw basket.
Years later, herself along with Princess Charlotte, Rachel would have never imagined herself to be privileged. For instance, she would have everything for a day's travel to be carefully arranged by servants. Furthermore, the servants would nestle the finest linen and silver, inside the necessaire or case for outings. The case was a duplicate a few times over from the Royal Cabinet-maker Palma and Silversmith Jean-Pierre Charpenat who were both based in Paris. Also, the case was well behaved as it was used for an impressive and flirtatious tool, when entertaining Lord Shackelford. It was of rich quality compared with other French elites and aristocrats. Inside, it secured a water basin, plates, cups, pitchers, bottles, utensils, candlesticks, chocolate pot, spirit burner, a mirror and other trinkets when travelling, even if was for an afternoon tea. Also, it was very important to pack tasty treats like pastry pinks, blues, and orange macaroons. Princess Charlotte received her case as a gift from her distant royal cousin "Antonia" who was so full of charm and personality. In addition, she helped Princess Charlotte with her signature.
The garden has landscaping full of Renaissance grace. A miniature bust of the king is at the front entrance with a queen or two apart. To the east in the mist rises from the pond with an area for boating, along with iron benches for a lazy day. The palace courtyard firmly held white marble fountains and trees that carved paths through the grounds of the royal garden walkway. In addition, the paths were finely manicured. Yet, the gardens were no match for one of the area's most cherished grounds known to be most grand and opulent. Also, the fountains with joy carved from their mouths spitted fresh streams of water in slow trickles. Especially since the king was very modest and successful in his efforts to negotiate with one of Paris' top designers to conserve the water.
Princess Charlotte was a spoiled, jealous and manipulative royal who found herself inducted into the Hall of Thieves. Rachel her lady-in-waiting holds the key to expose her most hideous plot ever! Will Rachel become her friend or foe as the criminal activity now spills into kidnapping?
