The Clown Princess

"And yet," she thought, "to turn from pain is to turn from joy." Gwyneth is lively and high-spirited. She has a multitude of interests and never thinks of marrying. 'Tis not until she is beset by adversity that she finds true love. By then, mayhap 'tis too late. (Short story, 11,970 words)
Excerpt:
"Mother!" Gwyneth exclaimed one afternoon, as she burst into the Queen's bedchamber. "The Duchess of Ware hath arrived from Glerny in a most fantastical coach-and-four! The coach is gilded with veritable gold, and the cream-colored horses are so begauded with plumes and tassels, it seems they should ride in the coach, not pull it. Yet the Duchess herself is as squat and plain as a toad."
Her Majesty laughed. "And yet," she said soberly, offering Bruno a grape. "Thou wouldst do well to win the favor of this Duchess, for her nephew, the Prince, is said by many to be clever, handsome, and merry, just such a one as might suit thee."
"Mayhap I shall dance with him," said the Princess, taking Bruno up on her shoulder. "Though I seek not to marry any man."