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He shrugged. “I couldn’t say.”

“You couldn’t say, or you don’t know?”

“He does not tell me where he goes, Your Highness.”

Victoria smoothed her skirts. His servants, although very small in number, were extremely devoted to him. And although Matthew had taken a liking to her, as had the other grooms, she had a sneaking suspicion that they would not betray him even for her.

She decided to change the subject. “I spoke to William, and we agreed to start inviting Gertrude to our house. I would love to have her as my companion.”

Matthew turned his head toward her, and she could see a smile on his lips. He cleared his throat. “Would you like me to drive her to and from the house?”

“Yes, that would be a perfect arrangement.”

Matthew turned back to the road, his shoulders loosening, and he looked a lot more relaxed than before.

Victoria smiled. Even if she couldn’t fix her love life, at least she could do it for someone else.

A few minutes later, they had stopped in front of the Roth townhouse. A groom helped her down from the carriage, and she was greeted by her uncle’s butler, who welcomed her with a warm smile.

Victoria smiled back as she ascended the steps toward the house. “And how are you feeling today, Mr. Brimmings?”

“Lovely to see you, Princess Victoria.”

“Is Lavinia home?”

“Yes, she is. She is in the parlor.” He started to turn, ready to escort Victoria, but she stopped him with a gentle touch to his shoulder. “No need to announce me. I know the way.”

She was already rushing down the hall when she heard Mr. Brimming’s weak protest. “She is entertaining visitors.”

It didn’t matter. Whoever she was entertaining certainly wouldn’t mind the interruption. If they did, Victoria could always blame her impetuous nature.

She reached the door and listened to the sounds of merriment coming from within. It seemed like Lavinia was having a great deal of fun.

Curious to see what was going on, Victoria pulled the door open and walked inside.

Victoria’s smile died on her lips at the picture before her. Lavinia and Frau Elinor were laughing merrily, holding onto their stomachs, while sitting across from them was none other than her husband!

“Victoria!” Lavinia exclaimed as she noticed Victoria’s entrance. Her eyes grew wide, a guilty look on her face.

“A lovely surprise, Kindchen!” Frau Elinor said enthusiastically.

William turned slowly toward her and stood. “My dear wife,” he said with a bow.

“What are you doing here?” Victoria addressed her husband.

“I had… um… some documents to bring to Roth, and your dear cousin-in-law invited me for a cup of tea. I couldn’t refuse, not to such enchanting company, surely,” he said in his usual charming way.

Victoria directed her seething gaze toward Lavinia, who uncomfortably folded her skirts.

“But I should go,” William added solemnly. “I have already overstayed my welcome, I am sure.” Then he turned toward the seated ladies. “Lady Roth, Frau Elinor, a pleasure.”

“Oh, but you didn’t finish the story about the Duke of Maine’s body,” Frau Elinor protested.

Victoria folded her arms across her chest and raised an eyebrow.

William pursed his lips. “I was telling them about the grave-robbing incident that led to my arrest in France. So, it’s about the Duke of Maine’s dead body, not—” He faltered as Victoria’s look turned even more disapproving. “Never mind. It is a long story, one I shall continue telling some other time.”

He bowed low and walked toward the door, only to pause right beside Victoria, sending shivers dancing all over her body. He sketched a shallow bow and walked out of the room.