I found Dowager Duchess Annelise Thorne waiting for me in the west drawing room the following afternoon. Her elegant posture and critical gaze made me instinctively straighten my spine as I entered.
"Isabella," she acknowledged with a brief nod. "I've been waiting to speak with you about something important."
"Of course," I replied, taking the seat across from her. "What can I help you with?"
Her eyes swept across the drawing room, lingering on the furniture that had belonged to generations of Thornes before me. "I've been meaning to discuss the state of the household with you."
I resisted the urge to sigh. Despite our conversation yesterday, it seemed we were revisiting familiar territory.
"The furnishings in this room alone are at least fifteen years out of fashion," she continued, gesturing to the heavy mahogany pieces surrounding us. "And the draperies in the main hall haven't been updated since before Alaric was born. It simply won't do for a duchess of your standing."
