Damian summoned the head of the maids, Lady Cyrene. He felt it was high time to reprimand her for failing to manage her staff's conduct and discipline.
"Cyrene, how many times must I instruct you to stifle the gossip among the maids?" he asked. "It seems you have grown old, and perhaps it is time for your retirement."
Roman looked back and forth between his father's stern expression and Lady Cyrene, who stood with her head bowed in a humble silence.
"Roman, come. We are going to ride," Sylvian intervened, ushering the boy away to spare him from the tension in the room.
"Forgive me, Your Grace. I will make sure this does not happen again," Cyrene stated, keeping a steady voice despite the reprimand.
"This is the last chance I am giving you," Damian muttered, his fury barely contained. "My son heard such gossip among the servants, even when the Duchess and I had not even fought. It is unacceptable."
"Forgive me," Cyrene apologized once more with a deep bow.
