William woke to knocking on his door far earlier than he had expected. He dragged himself out of bed, still feeling exhausted from last night's adventure, and opened it to find a servant with a message.
"Master William, Her Grace requests your immediate presence in her private study."
That was unusual. His mother's private study wasn't a place she summoned people casually.
William dressed quickly and made his way through the manor. The study was in the east wing, a smaller room than his father's but somehow more intimidating in it's design. Every book was perfectly organized and every document filed with meticulous care.
Duchess Arabella sat behind her desk, and her expression was serious.
"Close the door and sit."
William did both, wondering if somehow she'd found out about last night's excursion into town.
