Ines narrowed her eyes. She leaned forward.
"Simmons," she warned. "I have known you since I was in leading strings. You know everything. If Rowan sneezes in the library, you know about it in the pantry."
"I assure you, My Lady," Simmons said. "His Grace has been… very private recently."
Ines sighed. She bounced Harry, who was starting to get fussy.
"I'll have to ask Aunt Margery myself," Ines decided. "If anyone knows the gossip in this house, it is her. Has she arrived?"
"Not yet, but soon," Simmons replied. "Her carriage is expected within the hour."
Ines nodded. "Fine. Then tell me about the house. Is everything prepared? Are the guest rooms ready?"
"Yes, My Lady," Simmons said. "Though the Blue Suite in the West Wing is currently occupied."
Ines paused. "Occupied? By whom?"
Simmons hesitated. This was the delicate part.
"By Miss Kingsley," Simmons said.
Ines frowned. She looked at Carcel, who was busy showing Harry a statue of a Greek hero.
