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“We need to wash your hair today and get you outfitted before the sun sets,” the woman rattled off, already fluffing up her hair. “Master, would you have a room for all that we require…?”
“I have plenty of spare rooms,” Matthew replied. “And you are most welcome to them.”
“I’m sorry, but why are we doing all of this at House Chatterley?” Winter asked, mystified.
“Because Nathaniel has sent out the announcement to everyone awake, so the news is spreading like wildfire, and other houses will be flocking to your wing the whole day to try to get acquainted with you.”
“What announcement?” Rebekah asked.
“Her engagement to the second son of the crown family.”
Her stomach clenched, stunned. Nate had done it and the wheels were in motion. Soon people would be approaching her more as she was no longer dispensable in their eyes. A smile bloomed from Rebekah’s lips as she wrapped Winter in a hug, offering the comfort that House Chatterley would stand by them no matter what.
“I don’t mind getting acquainted,” Winter said.
Matthew nodded. “I’m sure you don’t. But you can’t entertain them today, not when you have a very important dinner to attend soon.”
“Let me guess. An engagement party?”
“No. Dinner with the crown family at their request.”
Whatever she expected, it wasn’t that. Panic flared in her chest, but she tamped it down and squared her shoulders, remembering what she had signed up for. It just had to happen sooner.
“Oh. That’s lovely, then.”
Hours later, Hilda confirmed Matthew’s words as the woman got started with her hair.
“Maddox reported that fifteen houses have visited the wing looking to introduce themselves to you.”
“I’m not sure whether that’s good or bad.”
“It depends on who has visited, but I suppose that’s for the master to decide.” There was a pause. “How do you feel?”
She looked at Hilda in surprise. “It’s nothing new, I guess. Just bigger players and those who want to talk to Nate using me as a stepping stone.”
The woman nodded as if approving how Winter thought of it. Winter observed her.
“How doyoufeel?”
Now Hilda met her gaze, puzzled before she understood what Winter was asking about. A flare of vulnerability came and went. “Good. That’s not the first time it happened.”
“What? When was the last time?”
“Not to me. I meant in general. The house protects us because we have a good master. And Maddox.” Pink tinged the woman’s cheeks at the mention of the latter, but there was no elaboration. Instead, Hilda’s tone grew no-nonsense and firm. “Tonight is important, and you have to make a good impression.”
“Any tips?”
“Answer questions asked. Be respectful no matter how you disagree with them. Do not put the master in a bad spot. Do not correct the king when he forgets something. Do not cross the crown prince or upset him.”
It was a tall order, but Winter nodded. “Done and done.”
The sight of Nate in a silk shirt that emphasized his muscled chest had her staring for a long minute before she snapped out of it—just in time, too, as Nicola entered the dining room looking rebellious in another all-black ensemble. But the woman lit up at the sight of Winter, marching over to squeeze her hand before they took their places at the long dining table. Seconds later, Nicholas strode in by himself, wearing the fur coat he had on the last time and a scowl on his face.
“I take it that’s your reaction to the engagement, brother?” Nicolas asked, unwittingly helping Nate and Winter out.
Nicholas shot her a dirty look. “It’s my reaction to being ordered to attend a family dinner when I have other important matters to deal with.”
“And what are those matters?” Nate asked.
