By the time the clock struck ten, the estate had begun to quiet. One by one, the guests said their goodbyes, and left. Ella had assumed they would be leaving as well but Amelia suddenly reached for her hand.
"Not so fast," she said with a knowing smile. "Come have tea with me, you too Cass."
Before Ella could respond, Amelia was already pulling her and Cassandra away, Amelia's voice trailing down the corridor toward the sitting room.
Alexander watched her go, a faint smile tugging at his lips, but the tight settling in his chest remained. He turned and headed outside, the cool night air brushing against his face as he walked along the garden path.
"What's going on with you?" Henry asked, falling into step beside him. "You look bothered."
Alexander let out a quiet breath. "Is it that obvious?"
"Very," Henry replied. "Even the old man noticed. And since it's clear you and Ella aren't having issues, it only made it more worrisome."
Alexander stopped walking.
