“That's right," the maid gave an agreeing smile.
“He said he was in a business meeting." Maria sounded disappointed. “But he never missed dinner or the evening walks because of a business meeting, Sophie. You know that!"
“Yes, he never, Miss."
“So it was not a business meeting," Maria concluded. “It was a date!"
Sophie kept quiet. She overheard that the young master had gone on several dates, but he didn't seem to take them seriously. Each time he returned from one, he'd take a long bath, and Albert would burn the clothes he had worn.
Should she tell the young lady?
“I have no choice, Sophie," Maria continued. “He never explained anything to me. I cannot stop thinking and wondering." She silently added, “And I cannot sleep."
Sophie was astonished. These two were behaving like newl
