Rebecca blushed. “I admit there has, my lady. One of the upstairs maids says she overheard Sir Richard and his valet discussing plans to return to the Many Kingdoms tonight once dinner is over, but he wants to speak to you first.”

Lady Tremaine flushed, even as a sense of dread went through her. Why was he leaving? And why must he speak with her? She had hoped they would have more time together, and she couldn’t imagine it was his plan to ask her to marry him if he was leaving this evening. She suddenly felt rather foolish for decking herself out in red velvet and letting Rebecca adorn her hair in sparkling rubies to match.

It was the first time she hadn’t worn mourning colors since her husband’s death. She had even fastened the jade brooch her husband had given her right in the center of her bodice, making it the crowning piece of her gown. Before Rebecca had told her of Sir Richard’s plans to leave, Lady Tremaine had felt like a new woman who respected and cherished her past but chose not to be lost in it, because she was very much looking forward to her future. But now she didn’t know what to expect. She had been so excited and so looking forward to this new love affair, and now she felt foolish and adrift once more.

“Everything will be just fine, my lady, I’m sure if it,” said Rebecca, helping Lady Tremaine with her long white gloves. “In fact I know it. I often get feelings about how things will turn out, and I think you and Sir Richard are destined for each other.” She went to the door. “Are you ready to go down?” she asked, holding it open with a smile.

“Yes, Rebecca, I suppose I am as ready as I ever will be.”

Lady Tremaine felt nervous milling around the drawing room, waiting for everyone to assemble for dinner. Sir Richard hadn’t arrived yet, and she was starting to wonder if he had just gone straight back to the Many Kingdoms, deciding not to speak with her before leaving after all.

But then she saw him. He looked as if he had stepped out of the pages of Mrs. Bramble’s book of fairy tales. He was far too dashing for his own good, and she felt her face flush again as she wondered what he wanted to discuss. She felt slightly dizzy as he made his way over to her, not even stopping to make polite conversations with those he passed. She was in his direct path, his eyes were fixed on her, and she couldn’t help but feel like hunted prey. He had such a serious look on his face, which made her heart flutter, because she was sure he was about to disappoint her. Men often looked serious when they were about to disappoint a lady.