"Oh my! My dear, what's wrong?!"
If she could only turn back time, she would never take a sip from the teacup they served for her. She never had a tea as salty as seawater.
"Please, take a sip of your coffee."
Spitting the kidney-wrenching beverage was expected from anyone.
"This was unacceptable! Forgive me, my dear. "
"Please, let it slide. Everyone gets anxious whenever I visit."
The woman shook her head. "Was it normal for them to feel it? They would serve their future Duchess."
Maxine drank the glass of water served alongside her tea.
"Mom, we did not understand each other. When I said everyone was anxious, you were not an exception."
She let out a nervous cackle. "Dear, of course. I did not want to upset you."
Maxine promised herself not to cry, yet the emotions s
