Chapter fifty

ROMANIA 1780

"I hear his skin is a russet of red and brown," Countess Wilhemina heard her servants whisper as she knitted to kill time. Her throat could not help but itch as they continued to describe the strange foreigner's distinct features. They talked about his wooly hair, his exotic accent, and swooned over the color of his eyes. Not once did they describe him in a manner that might suggest that they were afraid of him. Their gossip made Wilhelmina want to see this strange foreigner for herself.

"And where is this foreigner?" Wilhelmina chipped in, successfully hiding her curiosity.

The maids who were unaware that their mistress was listening in on their conversation went gaunt. Wilhelmina stood her feet and approached the looking glass. She looked porcelain white from malnutrition and her shoulder blades were practically shooting out. If she did not go hunting for food tonight, Wilhe