For the next few days, Angela prepares. Decides what drinks and snacks she’ll serve. Makes seating arrangements. She’s aware of who’s fighting with who. She has the courtesy to make sure they sit separately, but Lady Jane’s seat is next to hers.

“Are you sure?” Linzie asks. “The other nobles will feel insulted by your choice.”

“They’ll survive,” Angela says.

“They might think you pity her.”

“Is it so black and white for them?”

“Depends on the noble.”

“I guess we’ll find out.”

The clothes Oliver ordered for her before he left arrive as she’s making the last touches to her first afternoon tea. She sends an invitation to Natalie. She declines.

“I’m sorry,” she says. “I’m helping a friend. I can’t wait for you to meet her.”

“A special friend?” Angela says.

“Yes.”

“I’m excited then.”

From her new gowns, she chooses a bright yellow silk one. Beads are sewn into the fabric, forming her name. Libsia’s banner is embroidered on the sleeves, a full moon with open arms.

Everyone arrives on time. Thank the deities. She’s worked too hard for them not to.

The women enter the drawing room with their lady’s maids. Linzie escorts them. The rest of the staff keeps their distance.

“Is everyone okay?” Angela asks Kala.

“Yes, My Lady,” Kala says. “We would rather not be in the way. Nobles can sometimes have a temper.”

“They can’t order you here.”

“We’re aware, My Lady, but we would like to keep as far a distance from them as possible. I hope you don’t mind.”

Angela smiles.

“Of course not,” she says. “Also, please call me Angela.”

“You’re surrounded by nobles,” Kala whispers. “It would be considered disrespectful if I did. Also, you would be the talk of gossip for the next week. You would be all over the society paper as the duchess that allows her staff to disrespect her. You would be considered a weak duchess.”

She wants to make herself belong, but how much loyalty and friendship can she really find with the nobles? All she hears about them is that they have cliques. On social channels, they argue with each other. Revealing sensitive information about those who they don’t like.

She sighs. She’s been looking at this the wrong way. Making herself belong with the nobles requires too much sacrifice. She’ll make herself belong, but not with them. Instead, she’ll make her mark.

She meets Kala’s gaze.

“Angela,” she says. “Call me Angela, even in front of them. That’s what I want. Let the rest of the staff know, please. I’m your friend first.”

Kala nods, uncertain. Angela kisses her cheek.

“I’ll call if I need anything,” she says.

Kala nods and Angela enters the drawing room. She joins the women as their lady’s maids serve them tea and snacks into small plates. She sits at the head of the table.

“Thank you for the invitation, Your Grace,” Lady Jane says.

Angela smiles, admiring the woman’s dark blue dress.

“Of course,” Angela says. “Thank you for coming. I hope you’ve enjoyed everything so far.”

“I have,” Lady Jane says. “Everything is lovely.”

The other women exchange looks. Angela observes them.

“Where is your lady’s maid?” one asks.

“I don’t currently need her,” Angela says. “I’m sure she’s enjoying a break. She doesn’t have much to do this afternoon.”

The women glance at each other with raised eyebrows. They’re going to gossip later. She’ll find out the details through the society paper or forums.

“It seems,” another woman says, “that you have a very skilled lady’s maid.”

“I do,” Angela says. “All my staff is very skilled.”

“Is there a particular reason you don’t have your lady’s maid serve you?”

“I have no need for her to do so. I’m perfectly capable of serving myself.”

The women nod. Jane smiles at her.

“Where is your lady’s maid, Lady Jane?” Duchess Olivia says.

“She’s running some errands,” Lady Jane says. “I need some things at home.”

The duchess nods.

“It’s a new lady’s maid, right?” Duchess Olivia says. “If I’m recalling correctly, you didn’t have one originally.”

“I didn’t,” Lady Jane says. “My lady’s maid is new.”

“I recall hearing you weren’t able to afford a lady’s maid. It would explain why you have such limited staff.”

The women laugh. Lady Jane smiles uneasily. Angela brings up the screen on her side of the table and messages Linzie.

“I–“

The door to the drawing room opens and Linzie approaches Angela as she stands. She must have been sitting outside the room.

“With the exception of Lady Jane,” Angela says, glaring at the women, “please escort everyone out of the house. I don’t appreciate this behavior.”

The women exchange looks.

“My Lady, we–“

“Duchess Olivia began this obviously uncomfortable conversation,” Angela says, “but you could have intervened and didn’t. Instead, you chose to laugh at something that isn’t your business. I will not allow this behavior in my house. Leave. You are not welcome here.”

Lady Jane glances at Linzie uncertainly. Linzie smiles at her.

“We understand that you are a new duchess,” Duchess Olivia says. “It’s nothing more than a joke. I’m sure Lady Jane understands.” She smiles at Lady Jane. “Don’t you? No harm was meant by it.”

“I would rather not get involved,” Lady Jane says. “Our host has her rules.”

Angela gestures them out. The women stand and, without a word, leave the drawing room, Linzie in front of them.

“Well,” Angela says, “at least we have more than enough food.”