"I'll take my leave now," James said, after a little while, his voice polite but distant. His movements were stiff, and Emilia could feel the disappointment lingering in his eyes.
Emilia nodded, feeling sad as she watched James leave the room. She hoped that their friendship would survive this awkward moment.
As soon as his back disappeared, Emilia let out a sigh and slumped back in her chair, feeling a bit drained from the emotional conversation.
Just as she was starting to collect her thoughts, Mrs Jenkins appeared with a warm smile. “Did the young Earl leave already?” she asked, eyeing the remains of the meal on the table.
“Yes, he did”, Emilia sighed.
“Oh, I didn't know he’d leave early”, Mrs. Jenkins replied, her voice low and calm.
Emilia sighed again, this time drawing Mrs.
