The very idea was madness. Henry knew his mother. She would not waste such a weapon on anything simple. Theodora thought in grander terms.
A dirty deal. A dangerous deal. If he agreed, it would come back to bite him in the arse.
*****
Livia dropped into the chair and sighed so deeply one might have thought she had personally carried the carriage from London. "Ooooh," she breathed, sinking back against the cushions. "I missed home."
Warmth spread through her chest. It did feel like home now. After London, Kingsmere felt peaceful.
Richard chuckled lightly behind her. "I would love to stay with you and enjoy the moment, but I must see the steward and discuss estate matters before we begin making preparations for France."
Livia turned her head slowly and stared at him. "We have only just arrived."
"I need firm instructions for the staff in our absence. If you will not be here as duchess, we do have to begin planning now."
