Author’s POV
As Eleanor sat on the white leather sofa, legs crossed, wine glass balanced in her manicured fingers, Brittany paced slowly in front of the fireplace, arms folded.
The door opened and the two people they were expecting entered.
Dax showed first, broad shoulders filling the frame, followed by a young woman—Lila. She was small, dark-haired, dressed in plain clothes that carried the faint scent of the packhouse and the clean linen she handled every day. Her eyes darted nervously between Brittany and Eleanor, but her chin lifted slightly when Brittany looked at her.
“Sit,” Eleanor said in a smooth but commanding tone.
Lila obeyed, perching on the edge of the armchair. Dax remained standing near the door, arms crossed.
Brittany stopped pacing and faced the maid directly.
“Y
