Chapter 128: Efficient Lady In Waiting.
The morning in the garden was crisp, and the faint hum of birdsong filled the air as Salviana sat in the garden, her delicate hands fidgeting with the embroidered edges of her gown. She hadn’t touched her breakfast, her heart heavy with the possibility that Alaric had already left for war without a proper farewell.
Miss Goliath, her obviously soon to be ever-efficient lady-in-waiting had come and she sat nearby, her posture straight and composed as always, but her sharp eyes held a touch of understanding.
"Your Grace," Jean began softly, breaking the silence. "The ladies of the castle are gathering for tea tomorrow. It’s also a kind of... bonding period for wives in the absence of their husbands. If you could attend, I think it’d be nice."
Salviana blinked, trying to focus on the words rather than her lingering anxiety. "Of course, I’ll attend. Thank you, Jean."
Jean gave a polite nod, her tone professional. "I’m merely doing my job."
"And you do it well," Salviana replied with a faint smile, her fingers relaxing just a little.
Jean hesitated for a moment, then added, "If I may, my lady..."
"Go on," Salviana encouraged, her voice soft but curious.
"I’ve taken the liberty of inviting a tailor—a dressmaker—to the castle," Jean said with a measured tone. "He might be here any minute."
Salviana’s brows lifted. "He? I don’t think Alaric would like that very much... I mean, not at all."
Jean tilted her head, puzzled. "What do you mean, Your Grace?"