Her uncomfortable thoughts refused to leave her alone entirely. Richard sought her out several more times that evening while stepping out only one additional time with Abigail Cottonwood. At midnight a light supper was served, and most of the guests departed soon after. Only two couples who lived a bit farther spent the night and they left after breakfast the following morning.
By mid-morning, only Richard, his aunt, Elizabeth and the servants remained in residence. Richard told her he needed to spend the rest of the morning attending to business. He asked if she’d be willing to help direct the remaining preparations for the Christmas celebration as his aunt found it all too exhausting. He nodded when she agreed. Then he requested she join him for a ride that afternoon. Despite her qualms
