“Thalia,” Seraphine exclaimed, rising from her chair with genuine delight as her friend entered the room.
Thalia crossed the room at once and wrapped her in a warm embrace before leaning back to inspect her face.
“You look dreadful,” she informed her bluntly.
Seraphine laughed despite herself and smoothed a hand over her skirts. “Good morning to you as well,” she replied dryly.
Only then did Thalia turn her attention towards William. “Lord Donmere, I presume?” she said with polite composure, inclining her head slightly.
William sprang toward her so quickly he nearly overturned his chair.
“Your Grace. What an unexpected pleasure,” he said, bowing with exaggerated enthusiasm.
The smile he offered could have illuminated the entire county.
Seraphine nearly rolled her eyes. “May I present my cousin, thenewEarl of Donmere,” she said, gesturing towards him.
“A pleasure,” Thalia replied smoothly, though her expression remained unreadable.
William seized upon the opening immediately. “Please convey my regards to the Duke,” he said eagerly, clasping his hands behind his back. “I have heard wonderful things about Amberhall.”
“I am sure you have,” Thalia replied, her tone pleasant but a tad crisp.
Undeterred, William smiled wider. “We must become better acquainted.”
Thalia tilted her head slightly as she regarded him. “Must we?” she asked.
William blinked. Seraphine hid her smile. Thalia could be terrifying when she chose. The Duchess turned away from him and focused her attention on Seraphine.
“I have lady matters to discuss with my friend if you will excuse us,” she said, moving towards the table.
William's smile faltered. “Oh,” he said.
“Privately,” Thalia added, taking a seat beside Seraphine without so much as glancing back at him.
The single word left little room for argument. To his credit, William recovered quickly.
“Of course! Enjoy yourselves,” he said merrily as he adjusted his waistcoat and prepared to leave. He departed moments later, though not before giving Seraphine one final look.
The instant the door closed, Thalia's attention returned to her friend.
“Now,” she said anxiously, taking the seat beside her, “is everything all right?”
I cannot tell her my own cousin is forcing me to marry in one month or be evicted to a convent. Not yet.
Seraphine summoned her most convincing smile. “The new Earl has been nothing but… good-mannered.”
Thalia visibly relaxed, sinking back into her chair as she pressed a hand dramatically to her chest. “Oh, thank heavens,” she said with a sigh.
Yet even as she spoke, her eyes narrowed slightly while she gave Seraphine another careful inspection. She was clearly not entirely convinced.
Before she could pursue the matter further, however, excitement suddenly brightened her expression. She leaned forward in her seat and clasped her hands together. “I have wonderful news,” she announced.
“Do you?” Seraphine asked, lifting an eyebrow at her friend's sudden enthusiasm.
“A house party,” Thalia declared, her smile widening.
Seraphine blinked at her. “A house party?” she repeated.
