Meanwhile, upstairs, Ivy opened the door after a brief knock. The scent of food flooded the air as the maids entered the room. Ivy's eyes widened in disbelief as they placed the trays by the side of the bed before exiting as quietly as they had come.
*****
Just as she was about to close the door, something warm and alive nosed its way past her legs. A furry golden retriever shuffled into the room, tail wagging. His nose had clearly led him there.
"Oh… who is this little guy?" Ivy bent down and reached for it. The dog's tail thumped wildly against the floor, his whole body wriggling. His big brown eyes locked onto hers, melting her in an instant. He stuck out his tongue and gave his mouth a wet lick.
