I shall never speak to him again. How can I?
Chapter Eleven
Seraphine entered the breakfast room and joined her sister Rosaline.
Rosaline's eyes narrowed as she set down her teacup. “Something is troubling you,” she said, leaning forward in her chair.
“It is not,” Seraphine replied, reaching for toast and avoiding her sister's gaze.
“It is,” Rosaline insisted, folding her arms atop the table.
“It isn't.” Seraphine spread jam across her bread with perhaps more force than necessary.
Rosaline tilted her head. “You are using your stubborn voice.”
“I do not have a stubborn voice,” Seraphine protested, lifting her chin.
“You absolutely do.” Rosaline pointed her butter knife at her accusingly.
Seraphine sighed and set down her own knife. “You are impossible.”
“What happened at the ball?” Rosaline asked, studying her carefully over the rim of her teacup.
“Nothing happened,” Seraphine replied quickly, lifting her cup to her lips.
Rosaline lowered her cup. “Then why do you look as though you've been sentenced to hard labor?”
“It was simply exhausting,” Seraphine said, setting her teacup down with deliberate care. “There were many dances.”
“And?” Rosaline prompted, holding up a second finger.
“There were people,” Seraphine replied dryly, gesturing vaguely around the breakfast room.
Rosaline gasped theatrically and pressed her hand to her chest. “The horror.”
A reluctant smile tugged at Seraphine's mouth. “I knew you would understand.”
“I am a very compassionate sister,” Rosaline declared, straightening proudly in her chair.
Seraphine was relieved that her sister was dropping matter.
I cannot tell her about the kiss. It was nothing more than a drunken moment.
She tried to convince herself to stop thinking about Damien and all that had happened the night before. Rosaline was married to Damien’s brother, and she did not want to burden Rosaline with keeping a secret from her husband.
“Good morning, ladies.” Lord Everend approached and bowed.
“My lord,” Seraphine replied with a graceful incline of her head.
Rosaline smiled sweetly. “Good morning, Lord Everend.”
Lord Everend offered another polite nod before turning his attention towards Seraphine. “I hope you are enjoying your stay at Amberhall,” Lord Everend said as he clasped his hands behind his back.
“Very much,” Seraphine replied, setting aside her napkin. “The hosts have been wonderfully generous.”
“They have indeed,” Lord Everend agreed with a smile.
He hesitated briefly before clearing his throat. “I was wondering, Lady Seraphine...”
