Lady Aldarius brought out a tray of snacks.
Sylvester was surprised she did it rather than sending a servant to do it as his mother would. If his mother even thought of it.
Ashford grinned up at her. A real smile, not the shy grin he hid behind.
Lady Aldarius asked all the children questions, as if she really was interested in what they were doing. Like she cared.
She soon had them all talking, telling her all they were learning.
Cole seemed to think nothing of it, as if such a thing happened all the time, but Sylvester and Ashford eagerly waited for the duchess and the tray she carried.