CHAPTER 26 A WRONG FOOT

Mary sat alone in her room, the silence like a weight on her shoulders. She had expected Frederick to come, to say his goodbyes and perhaps even whisper sweet promises of love. But the minutes turned to hours, and still he didn't appear. Her heart sank as the clock ticked closer to noon. Had he changed his mind about her? Or was he simply too busy to spare her a thought? When the knock came at the door, Mary jumped to her feet, certain it was him. But it was only a servant, calling for her to join the family for brunch. Brunch was a lavish spread of fruits, pastries, and assorted meats, but Mary couldn't bring herself to eat. The clatter of silverware and murmured conversation filled the dining room, but Mary heard none of it. All she could focus on was the empty chair next to her, where Frederick should have been. She looked up to find the Duchess watching her with an inscrutable expression. When Mary asked after Frederick, the Duchess simply shrugged and said, "He is occupied wit