«Who is the second lady?» the Duke continues, with no fear nor anxiety. Why would he fear my reaction, anyway?
«I think her name is Bertha. I didn't see her personally, but I heard rumours about you two...» I confess, bowing my head and looking down for a second. I'm feeling horrible about using gossip as a weapon, but I don't have anything else.
«Lady Bertha is a cousin of mine. She went back home two days ago, so I wanted to greet her.»
«Why do people talk, if you two are related?»
«She's a distant cousin, but we grew up together. She's like a sister to me.»
«And I should believe in your word? How convenient that she left, and I can't talk to her by chance.»
«I also asked for her advice.»
«Advice?»
«Yes. I wanted to hear my cousin's ideas on how to make peace with my Duchess.»
«I don't remember we were on odd terms. I thought we reached a compromise, Duke...»
