Mielle did her best to remain quiet and blend in with the furnishings like she was a fixture of the room. The Duke could tell she was unsettled and wondered why she was still there.
He glanced up at her from his dinner plate. "You know your duties are finished here. You may leave."
Mielle fidgeted restlessly with her fingers and gave a single, knowing nod. "I know, but…" she hesitated to finish her sentence.
"I know… what? Sterling asked in a curt voice, his words coming out stronger than he had intended, making her flinch.
"It's nothing." Mielle said with a discouraged sigh. Her eyes averted his gaze. She collected the empty serving tray on her way out of the room.
Faye nudged Sterling with her foot under the table. He turned and recognized the worried expression creasing her brow.
