Monday mornings at Ashford Manor were always busy.
Housekeepers hurried through endless hallways.
Gardeners trimmed the rose hedges.
The kitchen smelled of fresh bread and coffee.
Life moved with quiet precision.
Liora had begun to feel at home.
---
She walked into the dining room carrying a stack of restoration sketches.
"Morning."
Mrs. Agnes smiled warmly.
"Good morning, dear."
Caelan folded his newspaper.
"You have an inspection today."
"The old east wing."
He nodded once.
"I'll be at the Foundation."
Breakfast passed comfortably.
Small conversations.
Soft smiles.
The kind that came naturally now.
When Caelan stood to leave, he paused beside her chair.
"Don't work too hard."
She smiled.
"I could say the same to you."
His fingers brushed lightly against her should
