The Duchess quickly untangled herself from Claire's arms. Her face was aflame with embarrassment. The mystery of how she found herself entwined with Claire eluded her.
The light from the rising sun filled the room. Violet's eyes narrowed. There was still an uneasy hush that permeated the space. Claire cleared her throat, trying to think of anything to say about the strange circumstance.
The Duchess hesitated, her unease visible in the slight color that lingered on her cheeks. "I...I apologize," she stammered. "I didn't mean to... I mean, I don't know how this happened."
As the words hung in the air, Claire slowly sat up, her tousled hair framing her face in a disheveled yet charming manner. She brushed her disheveled hair from her face as the Duchess moved away. She was left feeling rel
