Beth wanted to query the maid who was putting up an aura of naivety. She had instructed everyone that she did not wish to entertain and so far only Albert seemed to be adhering. The Butler would send her calling cards the moment they arrived and invitations as soon as they were received. While Anna would, in passing, tell of the ball happening that day, or the luncheon being held at a particular moment. She wished they would let her be.
"I do not wish to entertain. Tell her I had an engagement to attend to in town and had left the mansion all day." The Dowager Duchess had been by many times and on all occasions she had told them to send her off with the excuse of her being away from home. This would not be different.
