Verity returned from the powder room humming softly under her breath as she walked past the rows of books until she reached the section where she had left Rosalind when she stopped abruptly...
Her eyes landed on the footman. He was adjusting the book in Rosalind's hand with careful movement... But the way he looked at Rosalind after doing it didn't feel entirely ordinary.
Verity's eyes narrowed slightly, watching as he stepped back into place behind and stood still. When his gaze shifted and met hers, she quickly looked away as the brief exchange passed in silence.
They both exchanged slight bows as Verity returned to her seat without comment, although her attention lingered a little longer than usual before she lowered her eyes back to her book.
Rosalind was still asleep, unaware of what was happening around her.
