The morning light in the dining made Richard’s head ache. He taken some extra time to sooth himself and his erection before coming down for breakfast. He sat at the head of the table, his hot cup cooling in front of him. Amelia entered, carrying a plate of food. She set it down quietly.
"Where is Giselle?" Richard asked, his voice gravelly.
"Mrs. Hemingway said she won't be joining you for breakfast, sir," Amelia replied, smoothing her apron. "She said she isn't hungry."
Richard’s brow furrowed. He set his spoon down with a soft clink. "Why? Is she unwell? That’s not even the question because I saw her about thirty minutes ago"
"She didn't say, sir. She just seemed... distant. She told me not to disturb her."
"Distant," Richard repeated. A knot of anxiety tightened in his gut. He thou
