When dinner was served, Ulrich was absent once again.
Hermione noticed his empty place before she sat down. She looked toward the doors, waited until Monika came within speaking distance, and made no effort to conceal her annoyance.
"Has Ulrich arranged another private meal with his precious Ceres?"
The sarcasm in her voice left little room for Monika to misunderstand the question.
"My lord is not hungry this evening," Monika replied, concealing her amusement. "Lady Ceres has already eaten on her own."
Hermione glanced at her.
"So he isn't coming?"
"No, Lady Hermione."
Monika's answer should have settled the matter. Ceres was not with him, and Ulrich had simply chosen to remain elsewhere. Yet Hermione found little comfort in it. He had been able to eat with Ceres earlier, but apparently had no appetite when it was time to sit with them.
She knew that was not a fair way to look at it. Knowing did not make her feel much better.
