“Good morning, Your Ladyship,” Jane said brightly before turning to Sophia. “Ma’am, the duchess wondered if you had time to approve a few sketches of floral arrangements this morning.”

Sophia grimaced adorably. “We already approved all the flowers for the ceremony.”

“Yes,” Jane admitted, knowing enough to look mildly chagrined as she held out a folder full of drawing paper. “These are for the processional route and the back of the carriage, of course.”

“Of course. How could I have forgotten those?”

Vic heard the laughter in Sophia’s voice and stepped in to accept the parcel for her. “We don’t have a shred of time to spare at the moment, but I promise to review the proposals on our way to the set this morning.”

“May I inform the duchess you’ll have an answer for her when you meet tonight to go over the canapés for the rehearsal dinner?”

“Yes. Thank you, Jane.”

Jane smiled brightly. “Thank you, ma’am, and I hope you have the most wonderful day of movie making.”

Then she backed out the door with a little bow.

“When it comes to her timing, she’s no less maddening than James,” Vic said as the door closed behind her. “But she’s much nicer about it.”

Sophia shook her head, though her eyes held nothing but affection.

“What, you miss James? I’m sure he’d come back from his long overdue retirement if you asked nicely.”

Sophia snorted softly. “No, I still owe you for pressing the issue on that one. I much prefer Jane, and I think your mother is warming to her as well. My mystification was in response to the idea of having to choose flowers for the back of the carriage on my wedding processional. Or the idea of lady’s maids interrupting my morning make-out sessions. Or even the casual way she mentioned our plans to taste canapés with the duke and duchess after work this evening? Oh, and by the way, my work is directing a major Hollywood star in a movie produced by my heiress-fiancée. How is this my life?”

“Well, if you hadn’t proven so adept at juggling it all, it might not have been,” Vic teased. “You’ve only yourself to blame, but I’m afraid you’re indispensable now, which reminds me, we’re late for work.”

“Shite,” Sophia muttered as she pushed some papers into a folder, tucked it under her arm, and snagged the coffee on her way toward the door.

She turned and caught Vic trying unsuccessfully to smother a grin.

“What are you laughing at?”