Chapter Seventy Seven

"Ma'am, there's someone here to see you," Fred announced as he approached Camilla, who was meticulously trimming the stems of the roses laid out on the table before her. The flowers had been freshly picked by the maids from the garden, and Camilla was preparing to arrange them in a vase.

"I'm not expecting any visitors, Fred," she replied without lifting her gaze from her work. "Who is it?"

"Miss Mallucia Goldstein, Ma'am," Fred answered.

Camilla's head jerked up in surprise, and the pruning scissors slipped from her hand. "Mallucia?" she asked, incredulously.

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Let her in," Camilla instructed.

With a bow, Fred turned and exited the room. Camilla returned to her task, though her mind briefly wandered, wondering why Mallucia had come. It had been months since they'd last seen each other, though Camilla remained in touch with Mallucia's mother.

"Good afternoon, Aunt," Mallucia greeted as Fred ushered her in.

"Afternoon," Camilla responded, gesturing to the sofa. "Sit."

Mall