Mrs. Colson gave her an odd look. "The last duchess felt the same way."
"Oh," Daphne replied, not certain whether that ought to make her feel uncomfortable.
"I've given special care to that room over the years," Mrs. Colson continued. "It does get quite a bit of sun, being on the south side. I had all of the furniture reupholstered three years ago." Her chin rose in a slightly proud manner. "Went all the way to London to get the same fabric."
"I see," Daphne replied, leading the way out of the office. "The late duke must have loved his wife very much, to order such a painstaking conservation of her favorite room."
Mrs. Colson didn't quite meet her eyes. "It was my decision," she said quietly. "The duke always gave me a certain budget for the upkeep of the house. I thought it the most f
