“I’ve never lived in a place as grand as this one.” I opened the dining room door for us. The smell of food wafted across my face and made my stomach growl. “It’s been interesting to learn some of its secrets.”

“Did you know that there used to be a servants’ quarters behind the stables?” She took a seat next to the head of the table. Avoiding the ornate chair, I sat across from her instead. The last thing I wanted was for my father to walk in and see me sitting in the duke’s spot.

“I did! You can still see where the original foundation sat.” I poured some tea into my cup. “Supposedly, the place was burned down by a rival.”

“Yes, just before the Thysmer family left.” She shifted food on to her plate. “It was during all of that terrible mess with the would-be usurpers hundreds of years ago. Thankfully all of the servants were unhurt and it is said that the duke left them each a sum of money before he left. The Thysmer family treated their workers well.”

“It still must’ve been hard for them to find themselves homeless and jobless.” I frowned thinking about it. “And the township could have fallen into disrepair.”

“The crown saw to the townships, appointing stewards and finding jobs for those who were left without anything.” She shrugged her delicate shoulders. “It was a terrible time for many, and no one could blame the families for leaving to protect themselves. If your children are in danger, you drop everything and find a way to shield them.”

“Yes, I suppose you’re right.” I frowned. Wouldn’t I do anything to protect Marty? Even if it meant giving up everything we’d been given? Damn straight I would. We’d find a way to make it work.

“Anyway, I’ve always heard stories about Thysmer Manor and its grounds. Supposedly some of the best gardens in the country.” She turned to look out a window.

“It’s beautiful in the spring.” I glanced out the window. “Marty loves the backyard. He can catch all kinds of little critters to play with.”

“Is there a pond back there? I bet there are frogs aplenty.” She grinned.

“Frogs, bugs, lizards. You name it and it’s back there.” I shook my head. “I never know what he’s going to come back with.”

“It’s good for them to play outdoors. Fresh air for their lungs. Have adventures.”

“Do you have children?”

“Oh yes, three. All grown now with their own young ones.” She smiled fondly. “But I remember when they were bringing me their own frogs.”

“Mom!” The door pushed open and Marty walked in. He was still wearing the rumpled clothes he had fallen asleep in last night.

“Hungry?” I turned to look at him and tried to not smile. His hair was sticking up off the top of his head.

“Starving.” He sat down next to me and I put his preferred breakfast on his plate.

“Good morning.” Rachel smiled at Marty. “Did you sleep well?”

“Yep.” He shoved half of his Pop-Tart in his mouth.

“Marty.” I leveled a glare in his direction and he hurriedly chewed what was in his mouth.

“Sorry.” He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Thank you.” I bumped him with my arm. “Ms. Rachel is here to help with some things I have to take care of today.”

“Is that why you’re all dressed up?”

“It is. I have to go speak in town.”

“Speak? Like a speech?” He frowned. “Do I have to go?”

“No, you can stay here, but don’t bother your grandfather and take it easy on the nanny.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He bit into his food with a big smile. The boy had not inherited my love of the spotlight. Though to be fair, I wasn’t exactly looking forward to doing this particular speech.

“Is your father not joining us?” Rachel watched me with a calm face.

“No, I’m afraid it will just be me.” I stomped on the anger that flared up. It was better this way. I’d rather people remember my granddad, not the way my father slurred through a speech.

“I suppose that he is taking the death of his father very hard.” She sighed. “Don’t worry, though, you’re in good hands with me.”

“Thank you.” I nodded my head. “I hate to be a burden.”

“Nonsense! When one of our own is suffering, we all pitch in to help.” She set her fork down. “I’m not here to take over, just to help. This is not the first royal funeral I have planned.”

“You were a great help yesterday. You had everything planned out.” I sighed. “I had no idea what all went into a funeral.”

“Lots of details to take care of, but then I’m a detail-oriented person. That’s why they sent me.” She reached out and patted my hand. “Don’t you worry, dear. We’ll make sure you’re well taken care of.”

“Thank you.” The rest of our breakfast consisted of small talk and questions for Marty. It was sort of peaceful, like having a long-lost grandmother show up. She obviously knew her way around the royal scene, but her demeanor was so comfortable I was able to relax. Even the day before had been painless, with the exception of what happened with my father.

When Marty had finished his breakfast, he disappeared with the nanny to get dressed and find something to do.

“Have you thought about what you would say to the township?” Rachel sat down on the chair across from me in the sitting room.