“Idon'twant to wear the green,” I told her. Still, I glanced at the emerald-vested combination as she laid it out for me. “It’s toobright.I hate it.”
“A week ago, we were wearingbright,”she teased.
I frowned. “Do not antagonize me. Can you not see that I’m in pain?”
We shared a look.
“You look very good inbright,”she said.“Brightmakes you smile.Brightmakes you laugh. Andifyou were to run into someone who also enjoyed donning thebrightercombinations in his dress, you’d smile and laughmore,do you not agree?”
“I think thatifsomeone wanted to run into me ever again, hewould’veby now. It’s not as though he doesn’t know where to find me. It’s not as though I have been anywhere but in this palace, where he works, no less.”
“I’m sure he knows where to find you,” Josie said. “But Ser Elías is quite the gargoyle when he aims it. That could have something to do with whether he finds you or not. I wouldn’t want to square with the man. Should Mr. Evergreen?”
“Ser Elías is…” I was too riddled with guilt to discredit his name. “He’s a good knight,” I said. “He thinks he’s… I’m sorry he’s corralled you into all this. You don’t deserve the drama.”
“Don’t offendme,”she pleaded. “I think I’ve done plenty to deserve my cut of the drama. Thank you.” She unbuttoned the blouse’s vest, readying my shirt. “Anyway, if I’m not insisting that I was one of four persons lost picnicking within the woods with my lady, in an effort to bore the chatty wives and sisters of the court from asking critical and ultimately damning questions regarding her good honor, am I even doing my job?”
“…No?” I asked.
“No.” She grinned. “No. And in case your previous maid failed to inform you, that is how it is. That is what we do. It’s our true purpose. All mistresses have their secrets, and they have their maids, who, in turn, have their trust. I am very happy to serve in my role,” she said.
I collected my hands, whispering,“Thank you.”
“I was correct, though, wasn’t I?” she asked. “You and the Lord Commander were skeptical, but did I nottellyou that the rumors would not ignite if there were so very many boring details to our charade?”
“You did,” I said. “I’m actually quite concerned with your ability to defuse such things. You should be a criminal somewhere.”
She nodded, carefully pulling apart the fastener on the skirt. “If there’s one thing I know, it’s people,” she said.
“How do you do it?” I asked. “People are so complicated, with hidden intent. They frustrate me. I wish everyone wore a sign on them that said exactly what they wanted and what they’re willing to do for it.”
Josie glanced at me and then draped the dress across her arm to offer it. “A world that would be, but it’s not some inherent skill. I’ve just known many liars, Miss,” she said. “I’ve learned their patterns. Ah. Yes. I’m telling you, green is the one you want.”
“That all sounds very awful, and Iwantto trust your judgment,” I explained. “However, as well as you may know liars, Mr. Evergreen has been nothing but honest with me, and from the start. I must declare that he is a man of great character, and while the Derby may be a large, open-classed social affair, there is no guarantee he will be there to enjoy my dress. And if he’s not there, what’s the point of my frolicking about in evergreen, if not to enticeMr.Evergreen into talking to me?” I asked. I sighed and slumped into the bed as I got dressed.
“Of course, Miss Svana,” Josie agreed. “There is absolutely no guarantee, at all, that Mr. Evergreen, the man who loveshorses,should appear at Chalke’s grandesthorseaffair, where his best friend is known to bet. No. That seems too difficult to predict now, doesn’t it?”
“Well,” I started, but she gasped.
“Oh! But perhaps I misheard the Prince when he was discussing his wagers with his valet? I see, His Highness must have bet someoneelsenamed Cyrus Evergreen. Yes. Alright then, you win, Your Highness. Go back to bed. I’ll attend in your place and report back what I find.”
“Wait,” I said. “Hold on.”
“No. No. Don’t fret, I can handle it.” She moved to the vanity and admired herself. “Though if I am to pose as you, it will be difficult to explain the hair. I suppose I could tell them I’ve spent too much time in the sun this season. Or perhaps I used lemons? I heard that can lighten auburn. I’m sure the ladies would envy this ginger if they believed they might obtain it.”
I stood, casually leaning against the post of the bed. “You heard Mr. Evergreen discussing bets?” I asked.
She handed me a shoe, and I slid it on.
“I heard the Prince heatedly explaining his design against Mr. Evergreen’s bets,”she said.
“Then someone must warn him,” I thought. “Mr. Evergreen.”
“Oh, but he won’t be there, dear,” she said.
I scoffed.
Josie laughed.
