At the estate, Riley followed instructions exactly as Ethan had told her. She said word for word, I'm here to see Clara, and the guard immediately let her in as he walked her to the entrance where Maryam was already waiting.
"Good day, Miss Riley," Maryam greeted warmly, then pointed. "You're here to see miss Clara, she said you wait in the study, it is right there."
Riley greeted her back, then, without wasting a second, walked straight to the study, unsure what awaited her inside.
Maryam watched as Clara neared the study, then she went back to the kitchen. She wondered why the younger Mr. Ashford had told her exactly what to say to Miss Riley, but she din't dwell on it as her mind immediately shifted to dinner for the day. Robert and Margaret were out visiting friends.
At the study, the door was slightly open, and the moment Ethan spotted Riley standing there, as though reluctant to enter, he signaled for her to go in.
