"Oh, yes. The duke's recommendation." The woman said.
"Yes, my lady."
The older woman rose carefully. "Wait here. I will get her for you. She's probably fallen asleep somewhere in the house."
"Thank you, my lady," Livia said.
The older woman left. Livia remained near the doorway for a moment, unsure whether to sit, stand, vanish, or pretend she had suddenly remembered a very urgent appointment.
The younger woman kept her face turned away, dabbing at her cheeks with a handkerchief. It was useless. Her eyes were red and swollen, her nose pink, and her attempt at dignity had a miserable fragility.
The silence was quite awkward.
"I used to do that too, you know," Livia began gently.
The woman stiffened slightly. "Do what?"
"Hide my tears."
"Isn't it what we are taught to do?"
"Yes," Livia said. "But why?"
That made the woman glance at her. Livia stepped farther into the room, careful not to come too close.
