“Piltz!” he bellowed. “Get down here immediately!”
She opened her mouth to speak once more, but the baron held up his finger. “Don’t say a word,” he commanded.
Lord Frederick’s aide appeared at the door. “My lord?”
“See this woman out, Kasper, and make sure she never darkens these halls again.”
Kasper Piltz looked on in sympathy. “Of course, my lord. Madame, if you’ll come with me, I’ll show you the door.”
“Very well,” Charlaine managed to squeak out. She followed him, leaving the baron alone with his indignation.
Ludwig was still pulling on his shirt as he descended the stairs. The practice had gone well, and he had been thoroughly exhausted, but now, after a quick wash and fresh clothes, he felt reinvigorated. With a spring in his step, he entered the great hall, but that spring ev
