I bustled off to alert the Wickeds of whom was standing in our foyer as fast as I could. Luckily, Margarete was in Cristyne’s room when I found them. I informed them of our guests with my head bowed respectfully and I heard Margarete almost fall off her chair. I figured Cristyne’s shock would be more masked but if the way she rushed off to get her mother was any indication, she was as shocked as the rest of us. I went and got Elsebeth, even though I knew she wouldn’t actively participate in the conversations. Her sisters would never allow her into “topics for worthy people,” but she was still a lady of the house. Then again, so was I…

“Monsieurs, Roguer! What a wonderful surprise!” Adelind greeted with a grand smile from the landing at the top of the stairs.

“Ah, Adelind! It is lovely to see you as well, and still looking as young as ever,” the pompous messenger replied.

“Oh, Monsieur, I am susceptible to flattery.”

“I would hope so,” Roguer gave her a lecherous wink and I was nearly sick where I stood.