The morning air was cool as Brenna walked slowly through the gardens behind the Princeton mansion. The rows of white roses reminded her of the small flower beds she used to care for with her grandmother.
She paused beside a stone fountain, closed her eyes, and let the sound of the flowing water quiet the thoughts that had followed her since breakfast.
Inside the mansion, Mrs. Princeton watched from the sitting room window until Brenna disappeared beyond the hedge.
She turned toward the two housemaids waiting nearby.
"Mrs. Princeton won't be returning for a while," she said calmly. "You may begin."
The maids exchanged nervous glances.
"Madam are you certain?"
Mrs. Princeton's expression remained composed.
"I don't enjoy repeating myself."
Without another word, the maids bowed and
