The sun was setting as Emily returned to Whitmore Manor, her mind still buzzing from her day at the Haven of Hope. The warmth and gratitude she'd experienced there filled her heart, but as she approached the grand family home, her thoughts turned to her sister Sarah and the business outing with Victor Mallory.
Emily had asked Sarah to go in her stead, knowing that her presence at the Haven was crucial. Now, as she entered the manor, she felt a mix of curiosity and apprehension about how the day had unfolded for Sarah and Victor.
"Sarah?" Emily called out as she made her way through the grand foyer. Her voice echoed in the expansive space, met only with silence. Frowning, she made her way to Sarah's quarters, expecting to find her sister preparing for dinner or perhaps already changed.
Making her way to Sarah's room, Emily knocked gently on the door. "Sarah? Are you there?" When no response came, she frowned slightly. Sarah should have returned from her outing with Victor by now.
"Sarah?" Emily called again, pushing the door open slightly. The room was empty, the bed still neatly made. A flutter of worry stirred in Emily's chest. Where could Sarah be?
"Miss Emily," a voice called from behind her. She turned to see Higgins approaching with his usual dignified gait.
"Ah, Higgins," Emily said, trying to keep the worry from her voice. "Have you seen Sarah? She was supposed to be out with Mr. Mallory today on business."
Higgins shook his head, his expression neutral. "I'm afraid not, Miss Emily. Miss Sarah has not yet returned to the manor."
A flicker of concern passed through Emily. It wasn't like Sarah to be out so late without informing anyone, especially on a business matter. But then, a thought occurred to her that made her heart skip a beat.
Perhaps Victor took her to dinner, just as he did with me.
The idea sent a confusing mix of emotions through Emily. On one hand, she told herself it was a perfectly reasonable explanation. Victor was nothing if not courteous, and taking a business partner to dinner was hardly unusual. And yet...
Emily couldn't ignore the twinge of jealousy that accompanied the thought. The memory of her own dinner with Victor was still fresh in her mind - the intimate atmosphere, the engaging conversation, the way his eyes had seemed to sparkle in the candlelight...
Stop it, she chided herself. You're being ridiculous. It's just a business dinner, nothing more.
Still, she couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that had settled in her stomach. She tried to rationalize it away, reminding herself that Victor was a consummate professional. He had treated her with nothing but respect during their dinner, and she had no reason to believe he would act any differently with Sarah.
And even if he did, a small voice in her head whispered, what right do you have to be jealous? You barely know him.
Glancing at the ornate clock in the hallway, Emily realized how late it had gotten. Her stomach rumbled, reminding her that she hadn't eaten since lunch at the Haven.
"Higgins," she said, turning back to the butler. "I think I'll change and then have dinner. Is Father dining in this evening?"
"Yes, Miss Emily," Higgins replied. "Lord Whitmore is in his study but has requested dinner be served in the small dining room at eight."
Emily nodded her thanks and made her way to her own rooms. As she changed out of her work clothes and into a simple evening dress, she tried to push thoughts of Sarah and Victor from her mind. They're fine, she told herself firmly. Sarah will be home soon, and everything will be as it should be.
At eight o'clock sharp, Emily joined her father in the small dining room. Jonathan Whitmore sat at the head of the table, his imposing figure softened somewhat by the warm light of the chandeliers.
"Good evening, Father," Emily said, taking her usual seat. "I didn't expect to see you here. I thought you'd be working late in your study."
Jonathan looked up from the papers he'd been perusing, a small smile softening his usually stern features. "Good evening, Emily. I decided a change of scenery might do me good. Besides, I was hoping to catch up with you and Sarah about your day."
As the first course was served, Emily felt a flutter of nervousness. Should she mention that Sarah wasn't back yet? She decided to wait, hoping her sister would make an appearance at any moment.
As they moved on to the main course, Jonathan glanced at the empty seat beside Emily. "And where is your sister this evening? I thought she was joining Victor Mallory for a business outing today."
Emily felt her heart skip a beat. She took a sip of water to buy herself a moment before responding. "Oh, I'm sure she'll be here shortly," she said, trying to keep her voice light. "You know how these business meetings can run long sometimes."
Jonathan nodded, seemingly satisfied with her explanation. As they continued their meal, Emily found herself growing increasingly distracted. Where was Sarah? It wasn't like her to be so late without sending word.
By the time dessert was served, Emily was struggling to maintain her composure. She picked at her chocolate mousse, her appetite gone. Jonathan, engrossed in a discussion about the family's latest business ventures, didn't seem to notice her distress.
As the clock struck ten, Emily could bear it no longer. "Father," she said, interrupting his monologue about emerging markets, "I'm feeling quite tired. Would you mind if I retired for the evening?"
Jonathan looked surprised but nodded his assent. "Of course, my dear. You've had a long day. Rest well."
Emily bid her father goodnight and hurried up to her room. Once inside, she began to pace, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios. Should she call Victor? But what if everything was fine and she was overreacting? She didn't want to seem clingy or overprotective, especially given the awkwardness of their last encounter.
"Get a grip, Emily," she muttered to herself. "Sarah is a grown woman. She's probably just lost track of time."
Despite her attempts at self-reassurance, Emily found sleep elusive. She tossed and turned, her mind conjuring up increasingly outlandish scenarios. What if there had been an accident? What if they spend the night together ?
Emily must have finally dozed off, for the next thing she knew, she was being shaken awake by one of the household staff.
"Miss Emily," the maid said urgently, "I'm sorry to wake you, but Lord Jonathan is asking for you in his study. He says it's urgent."
Blinking away the fog of sleep, Emily glanced at the clock on her bedside table. It was well past midnight. A cold dread settled in her stomach as she hurriedly donned a robe and followed the maid to her father's study.
The halls of Whitmore Manor seemed eerily quiet at this late hour, the portraits of long-dead ancestors watching Emily's progress with solemn eyes. As she approached her father's study, she could hear the low murmur of voices from within. One of them was clearly Jonathan's, his deep baritone unmistakable even when muffled by the heavy oak door. The other voice was unfamiliar, but its tone was grave.
When she reached the study door, Emily took a deep breath to steady herself before knocking softly.
"Enter," came her father's voice, sounding strained and tired.
Emily pushed open the door to find Jonathan Whitmore standing by the window, his back to her. The room was dimly lit, with only a single lamp on his desk providing illumination. It cast long shadows across the book-lined walls, giving the usually comforting space an ominous air.
"Father?" Emily said hesitantly, stepping into the room. "You wanted to see me?".
Jonathan turned slowly, and Emily felt her breath catch in her throat. Her father's face, usually so composed and authoritative, was etched with worry. His eyes, when they met hers, held a mixture of concern and something that looked unsettlingly like fear.
"Emily," he said, his voice low and controlled. "You know it's past midnight."
It wasn't a question, but Emily nodded anyway, her heart beginning to race.
Jonathan took a deep breath before continuing. "Your sister has still not returned."