At Calder's home, the caretaker moved toward the door after hearing a knock. She had expected to see Viscount Calder, already preparing her words. "Sir, you forgot your..." Her voice trailed off the moment the door opened to reveal a young woman instead, her smile bright and untroubled, as if nothing in the world weighed on her.
Then her gaze shifted past her to the man standing just behind, and she paused again. There was something about him that seemed compelling even in a servant's uniform. Behind them, two guards stood with grim expressions, watching silently.
"Hello, Mallory," Rosalind greeted warmly.
"Miss Rosalind." The caretaker blinked, snapping out of her surprise before her face softened into a smile. "You're welcome." She stepped aside at once, allowing Rosalind to enter.
"How is Mother?" Rosalind asked immediately as she walked inside. Rowan followed quietly behind her, the door closing as the guards remained outside.
