Rosamund
The Queen's brunch was held in a sunlit morning room on the palace's south side, with tall windows thrown open to the gardens and a long table set with white linen, crystal, and more food than the twelve women present could consume.
First, I didn't want to get out of bed. Although I'd practically fallen asleep the minute my head hit the pillow last night, I woke up this morning feeling as though I hadn't slept in a week. I dragged myself upright only when the maids arrived to dress me, their cheerful efficiency making it impossible to burrow back under the covers without looking pathetic.
Second, I'd expected a crowd. There weren't only twelve women at court. So either this brunch was more exclusive than Jennifer had let on, or most of the noble wives had better things to do with their mornings.
