Delaney held her breath as the messenger walked forward.
"Here she is," Sam announced breathlessly, "This is Lady Delaney Adair, Duchess of Edgewood."
The little ratty man eyed Delaney suspiciously, "You sure? She doesn't look much like a duchess."
"Excuse me!" Delaney exclaimed, offended, "My husband is the Duke of Edgewood, favorite cousin of the King. I would guess that you wouldn't want me to inform him of you insulting me."
The man shrugged, "Why should I believe you're the Duchess? Why aren't you at Edgewood Manor or one of the Duke's other estates? Why are you here drinking wine and playing cards?"
Delaney glared at him, feeling suddenly sober, "I do not have to explain my actions to a messenger. Now I believe you have a letter for me. Give it to me now before I call for my brother-in-law. I assure you he is a much less forgiving person than I am."
