Austin's chair at breakfast was empty. His study was locked from inside. He had even instructed the staff to not let her in, no matter how much she requested.
Alina noticed, and a terrible idea came into her mind.
She waited until breakfast ended, then went straight to the corridor outside Mr. Harrington's office. He was just stepping out.
"Mr. Harrington. I need a favour," she said.
"Miss Ashworth?" he asked in surprise.
"I need you to take the day off."
He stared at her like she had asked him to murder someone.
"I don't take days off."
"You'll take one today. You've a backache and you can barely walk."
"My back is perfectly…"
"Mr. Harrington," she took a step forward, and whispered. "His Grace is avoiding me, and I need to talk to him. The only person he can't avoid is his steward. If you're unavailable, he'll need a replacement. And I'm volunteering."
"He will be furious."
"He is already furious."
