A Mightnight Dance

Dr. Altez

I don't remember falling asleep. However, I remember Tori waking me. It was near noon, and lunch had been served. I quickly washed up, dressed, and went into the dining room. The conversation from last night replayed in my head.

A flare of hope bloomed in my chest. I was finally taking my first step in being accepted. With Lady Owen by my side, I could keep my promise to Sebastian.

As I ate my meal, Mr. Timmons walked into the room. "

"Lady Vivian sent a message this morning," Mr. Timmons said. "She's requesting your presence at the house. I've prepared the carriage for you."

I smiled gratefully. "Thank you."

Vivian hadn't called for me for a long time. With the twins coming between the houses, they were usually the messengers. What could be going on?

Fear gripped my heart. Had something happened to Mother? The thought made me lose my appetite.

I wiped my mouth. "I'm ready."

Standing, I walked to the door. Wait, could I leave Delilah alone? Lady Owen was resting. Nothing should have happened while I was gone, right?

"I will inform Lady Delilah of your absence if need be," Mr. Timmons said.

"Yes, please do. I hope I won't be long."

The carriage couldn't move fast enough. I silently urged the horses to go faster. When we arrived at the manor, I nearly jumped out of the carriage. Jonna opened the door for me.

"Is everything okay?" I asked breathlessly.

"Lady Vivian is in the office. She's been waiting for you."

Thanking him, I practically ran to the office. I grabbed the door handle, only to remember to knock.

"Come in."

When I entered, Vivian stood from behind the desk.

"What's wrong?" I demanded. "Did something happen to Mother?"

Vivian put her hands on her hips. "We haven't heard from you in days. Can't I call for a simple greeting?"

The breath rushed out of my mouth. "So, Mother's alright?"

Vivian walked up to me and hugged me. "It's good to see you, too, sister."

I sighed. "Sorry. I thought something had happened."

"Nothing didn't happen," she began.

I stepped back. "What?"

"That doctor you messaged. They've arrived. Lord Ross contributed to their hasty journey."

"That's good news," I said.

"They're tending to Mother now. I thought you should know in person rather than in a letter."

"Thank you."

She hooked her arm around mine. "Now, let's go visit the family. We haven't seen you."

"The twins," I began.

"Elaine and I miss you, too."

"Yes, alright."

We went up to Mother's room. Elaine waited outside the door, though, by the way, she was nearly kissing the door, I knew she wanted to know what was happening.

Vivian cleared her throat. Elaine immediately straightened.

"Ava," she exclaimed. "It's good to see you."

I smiled. "It's good to see you, too. Any news from Charles?"

She shook her head. "No. The journey is long. What about you? Has Lord Nightingale messaged the manor?"