You go to the main hall

Leaving the stable yard behind, you made your way back towards the house.

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the courtyard as servants hurried to and fro with the final preparations for dinner. It seemed every member of Lord Ashcombe's household had found a purpose.

Stepping into the entrance hall, you paused to allow several guests to descend the grand staircase.

Among them was the young lady you had noticed earlier that day.

She wore the same blue dress, her easy smile unchanged despite the growing bustle around her.

As she reached the foot of the stairs, a young housemaid appeared carrying an arrangement of freshly cut flowers.

Rather than continue on her way, the young lady stepped aside at once, allowing the maid to pass first.

"Thank you, my lady," the maid said quietly.

"It was hardly an inconvenience," she replied with a gentle smile.

Only then did she notice you waiting nearby.

"I believe we arrived at much the same time this afternoon."

"We did, my lady."

"I hope you're settling in comfortably."

"Very comfortably, thank you."

"I'm pleased to hear it. I’m Charlotte Ashcombe"

“Thomas

Before the conversation could continue, Lord Ashcombe looked back over his shoulder.

"Charlotte."

"I'm coming, Father."

She inclined her head politely towards you.

"I hope you enjoy your stay at Kingsmere Hall, Mr. {reader}."

"And I hope the hunting party proves a success, my lady."

A faint smile touched her lips.

"One can only hope."

With that, she joined her father and the other guests, disappearing through the doorway into the drawing room.

You remained where you were for a moment longer.

It had been a brief exchange, little more than a handful of courteous words.

Yet there had been nothing rehearsed about her kindness.

Many ladies of her standing scarcely acknowledged the servants who worked around them. Lady Charlotte, by contrast, had thanked a housemaid, greeted a valet by name, and spoken with a warmth that seemed entirely natural.

Perhaps it was simply good manners.

Or perhaps there was something quietly remarkable about Lord Ashcombe's daughter.

The distant sound of the dinner bell echoed through the hall.

There would be time enough to wonder another day.