the duchess’s guests, she was more hopeful about convincing Luke she could be an asset to him. The ladies had been kind and gracious, and seemed to like her.
Because they don’t know the truth about you. She shut out the damning voice and tried to retain her cheerful mood.
Her maid entered her chambers balancing a tray laden with food. “Today is something of a celebration in the kitchens,” Winnie said as she placed the hand-painted tray on the table.
A slender vase held a single red poppy. Vivi gently plucked the flower from its container to admire the delicate petals then replaced it with a sigh. “A celebration. How so?”
“Everyone is talking about your betrothal.” Winnie buzzed around her, shaking out the napkin and placing it across her lap then bustled to the wardrobe and flung the doors open. “I have a special gown in mind for your audience with the duke.”
Vivi swiveled in her chair to peer at her maid. “How do they know about our meeting?”
“How do servants know about anything, milady?” She laughed and selected a pale blue gown. “This color draws notice to your eyes.”
She crossed to the bed to lay out the garment and continued her animated chatter. “The duke’s man of business was present when His Grace received the marriage settlement your brother sent. And the duchess’s maid overheard His Grace requesting her presence to witness the signing.”
“What a lot of gossips there are at Irvine Castle. I must watch my step from this moment forward.”
Winnie chuckled. “You have nothing to fear, milady. Everyone is pleased the duke has chosen you. The cook says she never thought His Grace would claim his seat. She believes you are a good influence on him.”
Vivi scowled. “I don’t wish to hear any such talk about the duke. He is a good man and he will be an excellent leader.”
“Aye, milady. That’s exactly what I told the busybody.” Winnie whisked toward the chamber door with the gown draped over her arm. “I must press this before beginning your toilette. You should look your best today.”
She was gone in a swish of fabric.
Vivi turned back to her poached eggs and picked up her silverware. A rolled-up piece of foolscap rolled out from under the edge of her plate. She smiled and set her fork aside. Had Luke hidden a message to her on her breakfast tray? He was full of surprises.
She unrolled the paper, momentarily confused by the unfamiliar script.
Lady Vivian, I must speak with you. Please meet me behind the stables at eleven. Your humble servant, O.
She stared at the message mutely. Owen’s spelling and penmanship had improved a great deal since his departure from Brighthurst House. Vivi had taught several of the servants to read and write to help occupy her days, although she had only offered her services to Owen in an effort to get closer to him. What a silly girl she had been.
She dropped the note back on the tray and started on her breakfast again, her mood more somber now. No doubt word of her meeting with Luke had reached Owen, too, but he had no reason to fear for his position. She had already assured him that he was safe, and his lack of faith in her rubbed her the wrong way. Still, he had been through quite the ordeal because of her in Dunstable. She supposed she could understand his anxiety.
Perhaps there would be time to put his worries to rest before she met Luke and his family to sign the agreement. She quickly finished her meal and brushed her teeth before Winnie returned with her gown.
Once she was dressed and her maid had satisfied the need to fuss over her, Vivi smiled at her. “You may go now. I wish to read until it is time to meet with the duke.”
“Of course, milady.”
She adored her maid, but she didn’t know if Winnie was a passive participant in the servant gossip mill or an instigator. And since Vivi had promised to protect Owen’s secret, she must make every effort to keep her word.
When Winnie stopped to retrieve her tray, Vivi’s heart leapt. She had forgotten to destroy Owen’s note.
“Leave it. I didn’t finish my chocolate.”
Her maid lifted the cup and sniffed. “Wouldn’t you prefer a fresh pot?”
“No, it’s fine.”
Winnie shrugged and left the tray undisturbed.
When she was certain her servant had cleared the corridor, Vivi donned a bonnet, grabbed a parasol, and then headed downstairs. There weren’t many guests stirring yet at