With the same discretion the Duke had asked, Thomas abided by his order, taking his leave smoothly to prepare the desserts the Young Lady enjoyed.
As he made his way outside the room and as he executed his mission, the elderly Butler walked around with a fond prudent smile which was hidden under his groomed moustache.
'My Lord is happy... And Little Miss Marianne... The lovely and kind lady has not changed at all... That precious child..... How wonderful to see her again... The one we all knew, that is...'
The thought he had after closing the door to the office had established that grin on his expression and, delighted to recall her cute attitude when she was a child, Thomas cheerfully went to get the tea, pondering on which of all her favourite sweets should he bring.
Meanwhile, the Duke stared with amusement at said child, who seemed busy observing the hidden paper.
'She didn't even notice when Thomas left... Does she know I am still here? Haha'
