"Did you choose me to spy on Lady Clara?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
The Duchess's eyes widened slightly behind her mask, and I immediately regretted my boldness. I had only been in her service for less than an hour, and already I was questioning her motives. Before I could stammer out an apology, she shook her head.
"Not exactly," Isabella replied, her voice calm and measured. "I didn't choose you to spy on my sister or as some tool for revenge. I chose you because I knew you wouldn't willingly report back to Clara."
I frowned slightly, confused by her reasoning.
"You fear her," she continued, "and from what you've just told me, you have good reason to dislike her as well. That makes you less likely to betray my confidence."
Her logic made sense. Still, I couldn't help but feel there was more to it.
