Lily looked down, picking at a loose thread on her apron. Her cheerful demeanor faded slightly, replaced by a touch of sadness.
"Besides," Lily spoke, her voice quieter. "It's a one-sided thing. I don't think he feels the same way about me. Ian is so serious. He is always busy protecting the Grand Duke. He probably doesn't even notice a maid like me."
Marissa just nodded slowly, her mind already drifting back to the carriage, to the way Derek had held her.
Lily watched her mistress. She saw the distant look in Marissa's eyes, the faint flush on her cheeks. She took a step closer, choosing her words carefully.
"Is this about His Grace?" Lily asked gently. "Do you have feelings for him, Your Grace?"
Marissa snapped back to reality. She became defensive instantly. She sat up straighter, her spine stiffening.
"No!" Marissa said, perhaps a little too quickly. "Of course not. Don't be ridiculous."
But her mind screamed at her.
