Livia stopped. To the woman's credit, she had left her alone the previous night.
"My lady," Tabitha greeted.
"Tabitha."
For a moment, the corridor was very quiet.
"I realise I owe you an apology," Tabitha said.
That had not been what Livia expected. She had prepared herself for instructions about breakfast. She had not prepared for Tabitha Crowe admitting fault.
This day was already behaving strangely.
"I have been overbearing," Tabitha continued. "I wrongly assumed that because of your youth, you would be incapable of handling the duties and scrutiny that come with becoming a duchess."
Livia's shoulders eased a little.
"His Grace was right," Tabitha said. "You are not a child. I should not have treated you as one. I apologise, my lady."
