"Is it a secret tryst?" Sarah asked boldly, her tone half-teasing, half-serious.
Emma smacked her arm lightly. "Hush, you'll embarrass her." She turned to Jean, lowering her voice. "But truly, something in your eyes has changed. You carry yourself differently. It is… lovely."
Jean lowered her gaze, trying to compose herself, though the corners of her mouth trembled with a smile she couldn't quite suppress. "Whatever it may be, it is not for gossip."
The maids all groaned in protest, stamping their feet like children denied a treat.
Jean laughed again, this time freer. "Enough of this foolishness. Tell me instead—where is my lady? Where is Princess Salviana?"
The question sobered the room. The three maids looked at each other, hesitating, before Sarah answered with a little smile. "She is not here, my lady. The princess has gone to a tea party with the other wives and princesses."
"A tea party?" Jean repeated, brows lifting.
