The doors of the Carson drawing room opened, and Philip entered with Anne on his arm. They moved with a confident grace, their faces arranged in matching smiles. It was the kind of entrance designed to command attention, and it did. Elena and Lyra both looked up, a silent question hanging in the air.
"Grandmother," Philip said, his voice smooth and pleasant. "We have some wonderful news to share with you."
He led Anne to the sofa opposite Elena's chair. They sat together on a plush velvet sofa, a perfect picture of a united, devoted couple. Opposite them, in two high-backed armchairs, sat the two most powerful women in their world: the Dowager Duchess Elena, her back ramrod straight, her expression stern and questioning; and Duchess Lyra, her face a calm, unreadable mask, her intelligent eyes missing nothing.
Philip had requested this meeting two days ago, stating only that he and Anne had a matter of the utmost importance to share with the heads of the family.
