81 end of the case

"I would like to call the palace maids, my lord"

Norma and Kate walked to the centre, but unlike others, they kept standing. Servants don't have permission to sit in the court session. 

"You may kiss the book"

"Norma and Kate, is it, you both are the personal maids of the duchess Marianne?" asked sir Mathews.

"Yes, sir."

"Hmm, how much time has passed to you serving there."

"It will be a year on 12 August, ten days from now. Sir"

Only then did I remember, my first marriage anniversary was around the corner. And here it feels like, ages have already been passed, and now it's time for separation.

"What are your views about the behaviour of your master, Lady Marianne towards you?"

They both looked at me, and I wondered if the past would repeat itself and they would give their testament against me.