Violet wandered through her rooms, so richly furnished. They were larger than she had ever imagined someone’s rooms being. Her bedroom contained a large bed with elegant, blue curtains and bedclothes. There were two other rooms—all gold and crimson, filled with polished furniture, portraits, and tapestries. Had her family once lived in a place this splendid?
A small knock sounded, and Violet started. She turned as the door opened. “I have brought breakfast, Your Grace,” Emma said.
“Thank you,” Violet replied.
She eyed the silver tray laden with food. Emma crossed the room and placed the tray on a low table. She lifted the teapot and poured the tea into a delicate porcelain cup. Violet stared at the food. Her stomach growled at the sight of the fruit, bread, jams, eggs, and chocolate. Violet’s breath shuddered when she thought of her usual breakfast of bread and butter.
“Is there anything else I might do for you?” Emma asked.
Violet sat before the food. “I do not think so.”
She felt as if she ought to be doing something. Violet was the Duchess of Farnham, after all. Surely, a woman of her position was not meant to simply spend her days in her rooms.
“Is there…is there some task I should accomplish today?”
Emma’s lips twitched, as if she were amused by the query but trying not to show it. “I do not believe so, Your Grace. If you like, I would be happy to fetch Mrs. Gunderson for you.”
“No, that is…fine.”
Emma smiled and clasped her hands before her. Violet looked awkwardly at the lady’s maid. Did Emma expect her to do or say something?
“Shall I stay with you?” Emma asked. “I can converse with you, if you like.”
Violet lifted her teacup and took a careful sip of the tea. She did not recognize what type it was. It was a deep, spice-filled taste, pleasant and aromatic. “If that will not vex you,” Violet said hesitantly.
“Of course, it would not.”
“Sit, please,” Violet said. “I would appreciate the companionship.”
This was strange. She was unaccustomed to having servants who waited for her word to do anything. Violet took another sip of tea, as if she could wash away her discomfort by drinking something.
Emma sat, still smiling brightly.
“Have you eaten?” Violet asked hesitantly. “Would you like to eat any of this? I dare say I cannot possibly—”
Violet’s breakfast was more than her entire family ate each morning, and it seemed disrespectful to leave any portion of it uneaten.
“I have already had my breakfast,” Emma said, “but I am happy to eat this, also, if it will please Your Grace.”
“Do as you wish,” Violet replied.
Liza would have managed this situation with far more grace. Violet silently cursed herself for not paying more mind to how her friend behaved with the staff.
Emma only smiled and took a bit of the jam-covered bread. Violet nearly sighed in relief. With Emma also eating, Violet could almost pretend this was a normal meal.
Violet considered asking about the rumors, but that seemed distasteful. Besides, if they were true, surely Emma would not admit that they were. “Do you know if His Grace intends to see me at all today?” Violet asked instead.
“I do not,” Emma replied.
“Ah.”
“However, if you wish to speak to him, he is likely in his study,” Emma added. “That is where His Grace spends most of his time.”
Violet frowned. “How much of it?”
Emma blinked, looking surprised. “He emerges for dinner sometimes, and of course, he returns to his bedroom to sleep.”
“That seems like a long time to remain in a single room.”
