Sanch

Sanch

ing gaze, I showed not an ounce of fear or anger. Inste

of art. "Good heavens. Is this a sacred tradition of House Beaumont? It is trul

or a split second before puffing out her chest with greater arroga

ined in military forts and know nothing of noble etiquette. This ritual must be incredibly delicate, is

ly. She shot me a disdainful glance.

n might I beg you to demonstrate it for me? I wish to learn the

e. I knew better than anyone the weight t

e had only come to humiliate me on Weston's orders

he most senior, most respected housekeeper in the entire manor. Your demonstrat

r eyes fixed squarely on her. Cornered by her own pride

haughtily. "A noble ritual like this is likely o

and lifted her foot to step over the brazi

leg hung suspended in midair-her body at its most u

e toe of her newly planted shoe. "M

et that was precisely what made it effecti

caught off guard, her head jerked downward,

eflex to steady herself, her right hand slammed st

AAH

anor's quiet courtyard. The stench of bur

ho had stood above everyone seconds earlier now lay crumpled on the

with tearful urgency in my voice. "Mrs. Perkins! What has happen

s if I were the frightened, innocent young lady overwhe

ed to assist Mrs. Perkins, others sprinted

ding voice boomed from the manor st

n stood overlooking us, a carved cane in her hand and silver hair

housekeeper before settling heavily on m

timidity, lowering my head as

ed crisp orders to the servants. "Remove Perkins to her quarters

lly to me, her tone unreadable, neith

The title was both courteous and intimate, b

correct my address. She simply nodded and turned toward the

ome inside. The te

I had not merely passed this

ound. With Clara at my side, I lifted my chin and ste

tare piercing into my back from one of the second-floor

was officia

did not

had only