Chapter 124 An Invitation

• *Isla*
• Sitting in the garden usually helped me clear my mind, but today I am struggling. With Maddox back at the front negotiating the terms of the surrender with his enemies and the rooms upstairs being prepared for the women who would be arriving in a week or two, I’m not sure what to do with myself. Occupying space on a bench beneath a tree, watching butterflies and birds flutter by seems like a royal waste of time, but I have no idea what would be a more constructive use of my time.
• Poppy isn’t with me. She decided it would be better for both of us if she continues to “help” the other maids so that she can find out what’s going on. So she’s in there, and I’m out here—by myself.