I stand and let the baths blood run down my long legs. “Will you hand me my robe, luv? There’s a letter for Victor in the pocket. It came while you were out.” I smile as I begin to towel off. My baths always leave me feeling refreshed and energized. Edmund watches my motions as he always does (it pleases me that he finds me so desirable) before he does my bidding. He reaches into the pocket and retrieves the note, then holds up the robe for me. I slip it on, then turn to kiss him passionately.

He returns my kiss, but I can tell his mind is on the paper in his hands. I softly break off the kiss, then pad over to the vanity I have set up in the room with my lotions and powders.

“I don’t believe it!” Edmund cries after reading the letter. “A Delbeath in the village? And one so anxious to meet Lord Victor.” He taps the paper thoughtfully against his leg and turns to me. “What do you make of it?”

“What do I make of it? Well for one, it’s very odd for a Delbeath to acknowledge a Godwinson much less seek one out. They’ve blamed each other for generations for every blight to hit their families. Lady Amalie must need something pretty bad for her to come back to Drakesheath. Pretty bad indeed.” He nods in agreement and I step behind a dressing screen, my toilet done. I make sure I bring a candle with me, and I place it on the short table behind me so the light casts my shadow upon the screen for Edmund’s benefit. “Shawn says he got the note from her servant, and that it was like childs play. I am sure he'll be able to get more information for us from her if we ask. As to the party, I will go and see The Prince. I am sure I can talk him into putting it off for a couple of days so it can be done properly. Besides, the town folk are so superstitious they probably wouldn’t come up to the Hall during the full moon anyways.”

“Good. I will send John Spindler down to take care of your latest girl while you are gone.”

“Edmund, you take such good care of me,” I say as I come out from dressing. “Hopefully Felix wouldn’t need me long, and I can show you just how much I appreciate it.” I smile and go out in search of Felix. I just hope he listens to reason better than last time he was home.