Chapter 51

Scarlett A sharp knock came while we were in the study–with Lucien to read the bill and revise the things that needed to be revised so that there would be no problem or complications if we presented it to the council. “Come in.” I said without lifting my head. “I knocked this time.” I heard Kathleen’s voice, making me pause with my work and put down the documents and looked at her. She entered with a silver tray, a silver envelops resting on top. “What is it?” I asked. “A council courier delivered this,” she said quietly, setting the tray down. “It’s marked as urgent.” Lucien walked across the room in two steps and broke the seal of the wax more violently than need be. He turned his eyes upon the parchment, his jaws tightening. “What is it?” I asked, though I already knew by the way his expression darkened. He handed the notice to me. “A reception. Tonight. Attendance mandatory.” “Mandatory?”And I repeated, glancing over the fancy writing. The words dripped with courtesy bu their meani