She had fallen asleep almost as soon as she lay down after Daniel had returned her to her chamber early that morning. Rose had been sleeping soundly and hadn’t stirred when Lily came in. Rose got up and went to the door. A housemaid stood there, feather duster in hand. “Yes, what is it?” Rose asked. “I beg your pardon, milady. Your parents want to see you and Lady Lily in the private sitting room of their chamber right away.” Rose yawned. “Why? What time is it anyway?” “It’s half past nine, milady, and I don’t know what they want. They bid me to fetch you and your sister. A servant is fetching your brother at the bachelor house.” “What on earth?” Lily stumbled out of bed and joined Rose at the door. “Mummy and Papa want to see us in their sitting room,” Rose said. “I don’t know why.” “Yes, I heard,”
