Rosamund
"Good evening, everyone," I kept my voice clear. "I know this introduction is long overdue, but I wanted to make sure I was in the right position before I could do this."
I waited, half expecting snickers or smirks, but nothing came—just those blank, unreadable faces.
"It's such an honour to be married into this family," I continued, losing my nerve slightly under their collective stare. "And I know we find ourselves in an unusual situation. His Grace is unwell, and until he recovers, I'll be overseeing the household, which I believe is the core part of my duty as Duchess."
I paused, letting that settle. A few younger maids in the back exchanged nervous glances. It wasn't much, but it was something at least. I wasn't addressing dead people.
