Soft footfalls echoed on the staircase as Ivana Bennett, now dressed, descended the stairs.
The butler rushed to greet her, "Miss, your breakfast is ready."
"Thank you." Ivana replied politely and walked into the restaurant.
The servant delivered breakfast and exited the restaurant, leaving the butler standing by her side.
Ivana picked up her cup and took a sip of milk she glanced at the butler, "Do you have something to say?"
After a slight hesitation, the butler replied, "If... if the Duke said something that upset you, I apologize on her behalf, I hope... you won't tell the Earl about this."
"If he doesn't ask, I won't mention it." Ivana picked up her cup again, "If he does, I will not lie."
She knew all too well that exposing this matter would only worsen the relationship between mother and son.