An invitation came the next afternoon, by one of Katherine's maids.
"Her Majesty requests your company for tea in the garden," the girl said with a polite bow.
Daphne hesitated only a moment.
She glanced down at Nathaniel who was fast asleep in his cradle, then at the two nannies standing nearby.
"He's just been fed," one of them said softly. "We'll watch him."
Daphne nodded. "Thank you. I won't be long."
Winter sunlight filtered through the corridors as she made her way outside. The palace garden had been trimmed back for the season.
Katherine was already there.
She sat at a small round table near the fountain, wrapped in a thick shawl, a teacup warming her hands. When she looked up and saw Daphne, her face brightened immediately.
"There you are," she said, smiling. "I was beginning to think you wouldn't come."
Daphne returned the smile, settling into the chair across from her. "I wouldn't do that. I just needed to make sure Nathaniel was settled."
