21

Duncan served breakfast to Adrian and Isabelle who both sit at opposite ends of the table. Isabelle's hair has been cut into rhythm. She parted it in the middle and her coronet stood gently on her head.

"Where is Lydia?"

"She is ill," a court maid answered.

"Ill?" She asked. "Where is she?"

"In her quarters."

"Is the physician there already?" She asked the maid and she nodded. "Duncan," she called and he looked at her. "Please make some porridge for her."

Spencer arrived at the table and sat down. They all ate silently with Adrian occasionally stealing glances at his wife. Isabelle stood up and went to Lydia's quarters.

"What will you do?" Spencer asked Adrian.

"About what?"

"Your wife, will you let her slip away?" He sighed. "Just tell her the truth."

"No," he said and continued eating. "She has to hate me for a while. That way, her grudges shall be let go."

Isabelle soaked a towel in cold water, wringed it out and placed it on Lydia's head. Her temperature would boil water. She wip