A/N:This chapter is from Haisley's point of view and revolves around the time when Adeline returned to her world.
As we returned to the manor, Her Grace retired to her room to rest while I made my way to Abelard's office. I had a sinking feeling in my gut—my instinct told me they were planning to treat her terribly at the tea party, to make her feel unwelcome and to remind her of her "place."
But I already knew better. Even though we had only been together a short time, I had seen the real Her Grace. She was nothing like the warm, gracious figure Laura and Her Majesty described, or like the rumors whispered in hushed corridors.
No—the Her Grace I knew was cold, reserved; she rarely spoke and her eyes, unnervingly empty, always seemed to look right through you. When she did smile, it was as if she were forcing an emotion, a feeble attempt to seem less heartless. I have never seen her laugh naturally without looking awkward or as if she were simply mimicking what others expected.
