Fifty-four:
Lady Zoe
Being called into my father’s office was never a good thing. It was Lotte that delivered the message too. “Zoe,” she said, standing in the entrance to my room, “Father wants to see you.” Her eyes were puffy as if she’d been crying.
“Lotte,” I said, “what is it? What’s happened?”
Lotte swallowed. “I can’t tell you. I’m not supposed to. Father wants to deliver the news himself.”
“Lotte, you’re scaring me.”
“Come on. Let’s go. The sooner we get this over with…. well….”
Swallowing, I stood up and I followed her. Silently, she led me to my father’s office. “Lotte,” I said, “is it bad?”
All she would do is shake her head helplessly. Lotte opened the door and stepped inside. She closed it behind her. I heard her talking with my f
