After the excitement of the musicale, Lizzy had trouble sleeping. She tossed and turned until the early hours. She must have drifted off eventually, for the sound of the curtains opening awakened her.
“I beg your pardon, miss,” said Barnes. “Your sister suggested I bring you a breakfast tray—there’s toast and eggs and that tea blend you like. Miss Bennet and Mrs. Morton have gone out for morning visits.”
“Goodness, what time is it?”
“It’s half ten, miss.”
Not so late, then, for town hours—but well past the time she normally rose.
Once dressed, Lizzy picked up a couple of books to return to the library. As she stepped into the hallway, the faint sound of piano music greeted her. It was light and brisk—the perfect accompaniment as she started her day.
She walked towards the sound. The
