Ines sat in her favorite velvet armchair near the window. A book rested on her lap, open to a chapter about a garden in spring. She was reading the words, but her mind was drifting. She was thinking about the future. She was thinking about becoming the Duchess of Carleton.
Suddenly, the peace was shattered.
The door to her room flew open. There was no knock. There was no polite request to enter.
"My lady!"
Ines jumped, her heart skipping a beat. She looked up, startled.
It was Edith.
Usually, Edith was the picture of propriety. She moved quietly, she spoke softly, and she always, always knocked. But today, Edith looked like she had drunk three pots of coffee. Her cheeks were flushed pink. Her cap was slightly askew. Her eyes were sparkling with an excitement that she couldn't contain.
"My lady," Edith fussed as she entered the room, breathless. "Oh, forgive me. I was so excited I forgot to knock. But you must see this!"
