Anna woke with a jolt, remembering that the doctor could tell Vincenzo about her pregnancy at any moment, since the time the doctor had given her to tell him herself had already passed.
Fear immediately coiled in her chest. She swung her legs off the bed and forced herself to follow her usual morning routine, moving quickly but silently through the motions.
After getting ready, Anna went downstairs, scanning the house for Lucy, but she did not see her anywhere. She joined the staff in greeting Vincenzo, keeping her eyes on every hallway and doorway, but Lucy was nowhere in sight. After they had greeted Vincenzo, the staff quickly dispersed, returning to their tasks.
Anna leaned slightly toward a passing maid and whispered, “Have you seen Lucy?”
The maid shook her head. “No, I haven’t
