The Suspicious Dowry

"All of you, leave." Eleanor spoke irritably. Not a single one of them was useful.

Clarissa and Ophelia, relieved, let out a long breath, curtsied, and retreated. Reginald and Benedict followed suit and left as well.

Once they were gone, the courtyard felt empty.

Eleanor looked around at the desolate courtyard and felt her heart grow equally empty.

Suddenly, a small hand rested gently on the back