As the carriage came to a halt before the grand mansion, Valeria's mind raced. Despite her composed exterior, she couldn't suppress the twinge of nervousness gnawing at her. 'An audience with a Marquis,' she thought, smoothing a crease in her travel-worn cloak. 'I should have prepared for this.'
Maynter seemed to sense her hesitation. "Lady Valeria," he began as he stepped out of the carriage, turning to offer his hand to her. "The Marquis has arranged for everything. You need not concern yourself with the particulars."
Valeria nodded, taking his hand briefly as she stepped down, her gaze sweeping over the estate's opulent gardens and gleaming stone facade. Despite Maynter's assurances, she knew better. Even if she hadn't come to Andelheim with the intention of seeking noble favor, basic etiquette dictated that she present herself properly—especially when the host was a Marquis. Her current attire, functional as it was, wouldn't suffice.
