Tricks and plans
In the end, I decide not to attend the tea party. I just read the reports about it.
As expected, Georgia threw a tantrum about her seat's position. She even accused her half-sister of being the one behind it.
She hinted it might have been a mistake, given that Eliza has a better position. I needed the latter to be visible from the Emperor for the whole time so that he can check whether she's pretty and elegant enough for his standards.
I let the days pass without getting involved in the selection. I just check that the Dowager Empress doesn't do any irreparable damage.
Alexander has to leave for a couple of days, so I greet him in the morning with Lavinia in my arms.
«Your dad will be back soon,» he whispers before kissing her hand. Then, he lands a peck on my forehead and then my lips.
It's a quick and gentle kiss, for we don't want our daughter to burst out crying for nothing.