It wasn't the duchess with a low alcohol tolerance that got the women in trouble that evening, surprisingly.
The conversation flowed smoothly after the first glass or two. It flowed even better after three and four, but Leonor began to pace herself, feeling her face was hot and body heavy.
The women were at it so long that Desmond and Herbert eventually made their way to their wives when it was past dinner.
"Will the two of you be joining us for the evening meal?" Herbert asked the women.
Letizia had gotten more haughty the more she drank and, the moment her husband finished speaking, she responded with a huff.
"I don't believe I will," she said. "I'm comfortable where I am."
Leonor silently apologized to Desmond in the way her eyes communicated with him. She smiled faintly.
"I will follow our gracious hostess' lead this evening," Leonor said. "We've been having an easy conversation."
