Eliza fully expected to part ways with Colin at the ballroom's French doors, allowing her to dash off and make herself presentable. But as they stepped inside, she was stunned to see a fully dressed Margaret leading an unfamiliar woman through the space, one arm raised as if giving a grand tour.

"There you are," Margaret declared, irritation evident in her tone, as though she had been searching for them.

Colin stiffened beside Eliza. "Mother, you're here much too early," he said, his surprise barely masked.

Eliza instinctively tugged Colin back a step, heat rising to her cheeks. This was hardly the way she had envisioned meeting her future mother-in-law—clad in a simple cotton walking dress, the remnants of their afternoon stroll evident in the light sheen of perspiration at her hairline.

"Yes, yes, I am frightfully early," the Duchess said airily, striding forward with an effortless grace. "But your father had estate matters to tend to, and it required us to arrive sooner than expected."

Eliza's heart lurched into her throat, her stomach twisting in knots. This was hardly ideal.

Colin's mother was shorter than Eliza had expected, and her attire was nothing short of astonishing. When she stepped forward to kiss her son's cheeks, the movement revealed a daring split in her frock. It was only then that Eliza realized the Duchess was wearing Harem trousers, neatly tucked into a flowing silk blouse, giving the illusion of a long, gold-patterned gown. Her dark curls were pinned simply atop her head, absent of elaborate adornments, and she wore no ostentatious jewels or gilded accessories.

All the opulence and grandeur Eliza had imagined of the Duchess evaporated in an instant, leaving her utterly unprepared for such casual elegance.

"Eliza, my love, meet my mother, Alexandra," Colin said warmly. "Mother, this is my beautiful fiancée, Lady Eliza Winter."

The Duchess regarded Eliza with keen, light brown eyes, sweeping her gaze over her appraisingly before breaking into a broad smile.

"My goodness. You are darling," she declared. "I knew you would be beautiful if my son was so determined to have you." She let out a deep, throaty laugh before leaning in and pressing a kiss to Eliza's flushed cheeks.

"I'm so honored to finally meet you, Your Grace," Eliza stammered, dropping into a quick curtsy. "Though I must admit, I had intended to present myself more properly. Not standing before you with muddy shoes and wind-swept hair. Please accept my apologies."

The Duchess waved a dismissive hand, her expression warm. "No apologies needed, my darling. I see you were enjoying a stroll in this glorious weather." She gestured gracefully toward the sunlit patio beyond.

"I was just telling her of the legends of the forest," Colin interjected, his hand settling reassuringly around Eliza's shoulders.

"Ah, yes," Alexandra mused, a knowing smile playing at her lips. "Margaret was just informing me of your woodland adventure, Lady Winter. It seems it required something of a rescue mission."

Eliza's cheeks burned as Alexandra's smirk deepened, making it clear she was thoroughly amused.

"She is now well acquainted with the property line," Colin added, his grin as mischievous as his mother's. He let his arm fall from Eliza's shoulder before turning toward Margaret. "Have you eaten? Did Margaret ring for tea?"

Margaret, who had been observing the introductions with a knowing expression, interjected, "Of course I rang for tea, nephew. I know your mother gets fussy when she's hungry."

The Duchess let out a low chuckle before turning her gaze back to Eliza. "Has your stroll worked up an appetite? Shall you join me?"

Eliza had thought she'd have a few hours to collect herself—to prepare her manners, rehearse polite conversation, and compose her nerves. Instead, she was being swept directly into tea with her formidable mother-in-law, entirely unprepared.

Colin glanced down at her, just as her mouth parted in hesitation, searching for a proper reply.

"I believe Eliza was hoping for a proper bath before dinner," Colin offered, granting her a graceful escape. "Why don't you go prepare for the evening while I join my mother for tea?"

Grateful for the reprieve, Eliza nodded. "Yes, my maid was expecting my return. I shall meet you in the dining hall."

Colin pressed a soft kiss to her cheek, and Alexandra gave her a warm smile before slipping her hand through her son's arm. As Eliza strode off between the tables scattered around the ballroom, she exhaled, eager to retreat to the comfort of her room.

Just as she crossed the threshold into the hallway, Alexandra's voice rang out, light and teasing. "I didn't mean to catch your bride by surprise. She looked positively horrified when she realized who I was."

Eliza hesitated, curiosity tugging at her feet. Colin's response was too low to make out, but Alexandra's laughter followed, rich and unbothered. "Oh, she'll soon learn that I don't play by the rules. I haven't the faintest regard for royal customs when we're at home."

Eliza wanted to snort but she kept the sound to herself as she continued walking toward the main staircase. There was nothing casual about this castle or her title. Margaret was sure to remind her of that. 

Eliza slipped back into her room unnoticed, releasing a slow breath as the door clicked shut behind her. Across the room, Lucy was carefully hanging a royal blue silk gown onto the dressing partition. At the sound of the door, the maid startled, her eyes darting over her shoulder.

"My lady, you're back," Lucy said, her hands still poised mid-adjustment.

Eliza leaned against the door, palms pressed firmly against the wood, as if steadying herself.

"I just met the Duchess," she blurted.

Lucy froze, her fingers curling around the fabric as her wide eyes locked onto Eliza's.

"You're in your walking dress."

"I know. And she seemed to know I got lost in the woods. The smile she gave me made me think she's aware I socked Cecilia too," Eliza confessed, both women pausing in thought.

"Do you think she knows you're investigating a murder? Or that you've been snogging her son in a secret closet at night?" Lucy asked bluntly, though genuine concern for Eliza's reputation flickered in her eyes.

"Honestly, the impression I got is that she wouldn't care," Eliza replied, finally pushing herself off the door. She slid her straw hat off her wild curls and removed her gloves, sinking into the vanity chair. "She's not nearly as intimidating as Margaret."

"Did you meet the Duke as well?" Lucy asked as she began to unpin Eliza's hair.

"No, luckily His Grace was away on business already," Eliza replied, still a bundle of nerves. She had hoped to meet Colin's parents looking like a proper lady. Her reflection showed her that she had failed.

"Well, then we still have a chance to put our best foot forward," Lucy encouraged, scurrying off toward the bath to start filling it with water. She called out, "How did it go at the Duprees?" Eliza slipped out of her cotton frock and walked toward the steaming water.

"We may be hosting another séance," Eliza admitted before slipping into the water. "Depending on how The Duchess feels about it."

Lucy's hand flew to her chest, eyes wide. "Why are you inviting restless spirits into the castle, my lady? Isn't it haunted enough?"

"Lady Dupree wants to communicate with Rose directly. She's hoping to have a private audience with Madame Bouchard and she thinks the medium will agree to it if the future marchioness asks." 

"Lord Bradshaw has never needed a conduit to solve a murder before. Can't he find the truth without witchcraft?" Lucy asked in fear, clearly uninterested in inviting the French woman back to the castle. 

"I don't think this is murder, Lucy. This all seems like trickery to me. I just can't figure out why." 

"Nasty trick to play on the Duprees."

"Unless there is a motive," Eliza murmured softly, more to herself than to her maid. She slid further into the rose water, dipping her head beneath the surface, letting the warmth block out the noise. The morning replayed in her mind, as she digested everything Lady Dupree and Colin had confessed. She had thought she'd be fully consumed by her engagement ball and meeting her future family, but the mystery of Rose lingered in her thoughts. She stayed submerged until her chest ached, then pushed herself upright.

Sliding her wet, stringy hair from her face, she asked, "Lucy, how close are you to Cook? Or any of the kitchen staff?"

A puzzled look crossed Lucy's face before she responded, "We've only been here a few days. I can't say I know anyone well."

"I mean back in Scarborough. If something fishy were going on with Cook or Maisey, would the rest of the house staff know about it?"

Lucy nodded while handing Eliza the bar of soap. "There aren't many ways to keep secrets among staff. Someone always knows something and is itching to tell someone else."

Eliza held the soap above the water, not yet sliding it over her arms, as she absorbed Lucy's answer."That's what I thought. So how would a young woman get murdered in the larder without anyone seeing anything, hearing something, or knowing something? How can an entire household miss an intruder during broad daylight?"

"The kitchen is never quiet. There is always a bustle going on, it's the community gossip room I'm afraid." 

Eliza nodded, finally beginning to wash herself as she spoke. "Someone is trying to turn this accident into a murder. If you hear anyone talking about Rose or the Duprees, let me know immediately. This rumor is spreading through town, and we need to know who started it."

Lucy thought for a moment before replying, "The séance has certainly been discussed, but in this house, Lord Bradshaw's brother's appearance has been the main focus. Not many are speaking of Rose."

Eliza dipped her arms into the warm water, rinsing off the remaining suds. "I fear that's what's causing Colin's hesitancy about hosting another. He doesn't want to be tricked."

"The Duchess may not appreciate her son being used as a pawn or entertainment either," Lucy observed, gathering Eliza's robe into her arms. "Your mother would crumble if someone turned Master Evan's death into a parlor game."

"I know," Eliza replied, stepping out of the tub and into her robe. "Which is why I'm determined to get to the bottom of this... after I survive dinner with the Duke and Duchess."

"Yes, my lady," Lucy said with a smile. "One life-changing event at a time, please."