The sun was shining brightly by the time Avaline woke. Stunned, she glanced around her room. How did she get here? She didn't remember walking with her own two feet. That dream, was it real? Had she flown across the sky? Avaline shook her head. No. It was best not to indulge in unfounded thoughts.
"Then, how did I get home?" she whispered.
Avaline ran her fingers through her hair. Memories from the night before resurfaced. Delilah. The fever. Then...A wide grin spread across her lips. With a squeal, she pressed her face into her pillow, kicking her feet. Her first kiss!
She sat up. Did that mean they were courting? She had been too tired and weak to have a proper conversation. At least Avaline knew why he hadn't spoken to her for the past few weeks.
Avaline gnawed on her bottom lip. It was better to talk about these things sooner rather than later. She shook her head. Other tasks required her attention first. She dressed quickly and headed downstairs.
Lottie rushed to her side as Avaline stepped into the foyer. "My lady, you're awake. Shall I bring you a light meal?"
"I'll get it from Marco," Avaline said. "Where is Charles?"
"He's in his office," she replied. "After breakfast, he received a visitor."
Avaline's back stiffened. "Who is it? Is it the bank?"
"I wasn't the one who received him. Jonna took care of it all. As for being from the bank, it's hard to say."
Avaline tapped her chin. "And my sister?"
Lottie bit her lip. "She and the twins are in the garden."
Frowning, Avaline crossed her arms. "What?"
"It seems like they decided to pull weeds out."
Avaline gaped at her. "Vivian did?"
Lottie nodded. "Lady Elaine was surprised, too. However, Lady Vivian was persistent."
Avaline rubbed her forehead. Why would Vivian do that? Even when all the maids left, she was the one who refused to clean until the last moment.
"There's another matter as well," Emily continued. "Marie wants to return to work."
"Is she all better?"
"That's what she said, but Master Stark hasn't approved it."
Master Stark. The late lord would be proud that Charles had taken such good care of the family.
Avaline patted her shoulder. "I'll talk to him." She cleared her throat. "Last night, was there anything amiss?"
As Lottie frowned, Avaline held her breath. She couldn't be too careful. What if she had been spotted?
Lottie shook her head. "No, my lady. Everything was in order. Did you happen to hear something?"
The air rushed out of Avaline's lips. How had the horse returned? Had Lord Nightingale taken care of everything for her?
"No," she said. She cleared her throat. "I'll be in the kitchen if I'm needed."
***
Marco was more than happy to provide Avaline with a light breakfast. She had bread and two boiled eggs. As he chopped the vegetables, she had the urge to ask him about last night. However, she couldn't bring herself to do it. If she asked too many people, they would suspect something was wrong. The fewer people who knew about her escapade, the better.
Half an hour later, Lottie returned, stating Charles was ready to see her. Avaline finished the rest of her tea before going out. Feeling the nervous bubble in her stomach, Avaline patted her chest. Outside his office door, she took a deep breath. This was the moment of truth. She couldn't back out.
Avaline knocked on the door.
"Enter," Charles called.
Wiping her hands on her skirt, Avaline walked into the room.
"Charles," she immediately began. "I -"
Seeing the visitor in Charles's office froze her in her spot. A sun-kissed face broke into a smile. His brown hair sported a recent haircut. His gray suit was well-suited to his tall height.
"Lord Ross," Avaline whispered.
Her stomach twisted uncomfortably. She thought she had more time. Why was he here? Lord Ross approached with a smile. The green of his eyes reminded her of her mother's jewels.
"Lady Stark." He held out his hand.
Hesitantly, Avaline placed her hand in his. As he kissed the back of her hand, her throat closed. She didn't want this. The greeting lasted a few seconds before Lord Ross stepped away.
Charles cleared his throat. "Please sit," he said.
Avaline sat beside Charles on the couch while Lord Ross sat across from them. Her hands clenched her skirt. This was not how she wanted this to go. If only she had dared to speak with Charles before.
"I was telling Lord Stark about my journey," Lord Ross began. "The weather was marvelous, and we didn't lose any cargo."
"Congratulations," Avaline muttered. "Your investors must be pleased."
Lord Ross smiled. "I've brought gifts from abroad," he continued. "My mother insisted, you know. She's very excited about meeting Lady Stark. I had to convince her she could come with me another time. I hope the family enjoys it."
A fist knotted her insides. Madam Ross wanted to come here? How would they host her?
Charles nudged her arm.
"Thank you," Avaline quickly said. "The gifts must be precious. You shouldn't have."
Lord Ross waved her words away. "My mother was blessed with only men. I think she's looking forward to a daughter."
Charles turned Avaline. "What is it you wanted to say?"
Avaline bit her lip. Her courage had stayed behind the door. How could she speak of another man in the presence of the one who wanted to marry her?
"Now's not the time," she said with a faint smile.
Lord Ross stood. "I didn't mean to take too much of your time."
Charles and Avaline stood.
"It's not trouble," Charles said. "I shouldn't have kept you. Your journey must have been tiring."
"Let's schedule a dinner so we can speak more."
"I'll check my schedule," Charles told him. "Let me walk you out."
As the two men walked out, Avaline sat down once more. Her body deflated against the couch. Too much was happening at one time. She and Sebastian had let their feelings be known for each other, but where did that leave them? It wouldn't be right for her to work for him any longer. The meager pay she had earned wouldn't be enough.
When Charles returned, he stared at her posture. With a sigh, Avaline straightened.
"Charles," she said.
He walked toward his chair. "You've made your choice?"
Avaline nodded.
"Oppose, I presume?" He leaned back against the desk.
Again, she nodded.
"That's settled," he muttered.
Standing, she walked up to him. "I know it'll make the partnership with Lord Ross difficult."
He waved her words away. "He's a gentleman, that won't matter to him."
"Are you sure?" She wrung her fingers together.
"Ava, I won't trade you for money." He adjusted his necktie.
Avaline leaned against the desk as well. "He's a good choice."
Charles raised an eyebrow at her. "It sounds like you're trying to convince me to let you marry him."
"I thought you'd convince me to marry him."
"It'll be your choice. I promised Father of that."
Avaline's throat closed. "Then, can I tell you who I'm interested in?"
Charles looked at her with a frown. Her mouth went dry.
"You have someone in mind?" He crossed his arms. "Who?"
Avaline rubbed her back. "Um, marriage is . . . It might not be."
He stepped away from the desk. "What?"
"I... want to court Lord Nightingale."
Charles looked at her for a long time. Avaline's face burned. Why wasn't he saying anything?
"You want to court a vampire?" He rubbed his forehead. "Is that what you said?"
She nodded.
Worry pinched his eyes. "Is this a fling? I hear it's popular with men and women."
Avaline shook her head.
He sighed and rubbed his face. "Avaline, do you understand what you just said?"
"Yes."
"Does he feel the same way?"
Blushing, Avaline bit her lip. "Yes."
Charles pulled the necktie free. "I'll need to speak with him," he said. "Then, Lord Ross will need to be notified." He gave her another look. "Take care of it."
Avaline touched his arm. "I'll handle it."