Investigate some commotion nearby

You had just finished carrying another crate of clean linen upstairs when raised voices drifted down one of the quieter corridors.

As you rounded the corner, you caught sight of Emily standing near an open window.

Nathaniel Blackwood stood a little too close.

Emily clutched a folded tablecloth against her chest.

"I'm afraid I really must return to my duties, sir."

"Nonsense."

Blackwood smiled slyly.

"Surely Lord Ashcombe's household can spare one maid for a few moments."

His tone was perfectly courteous.

Yet Emily's smile had become noticeably forced.

"I would rather not keep Mrs. Wilcox waiting."

"I'm certain she'll forgive you."

He took a slow step closer.

"I was only hoping you might tell me a little more about the house."

"I don't really know very much, sir."

"Oh, I suspect you know rather more than you realise."

Emily lowered her eyes.

Her fingers tightened around the folded linen.

You had seen enough.

"Mr. Blackwood."

Both turned towards you.

Blackwood's expression betrayed the briefest flicker of irritation before returning to effortless politeness.

"Mr. Thomas."

"I've been looking for Miss Carter."

Emily looked at you with unmistakable relief.

"You have?"

"I have."

You nodded towards the staircase.

"Mrs. Wilcox was asking after the fresh linen for the drawing room."

Emily understood immediately.

"Oh."

"Of course."

She gave a small curtsy.

"If you'll excuse me, sir."

Blackwood's smile remained fixed.

"I wouldn't dream of delaying the household."

Emily stepped quickly to your side.

Together, you walked away without another word.

Only once you had turned the corner did she let out a quiet breath.

"I'm sorry," she said softly.

"You've nothing to apologise for."

"I just..."

She hesitated.

"I didn't know how to leave without seeming rude."

"You don't owe anyone your company just because they ask for it. No matter who they are"

Emily looked down for a moment.

"I know. I only wish it felt that simple."

The two of you continued walking.

After a while, she spoke again.

"Thank you."

"There was no need for thanks."

"There was."

A faint smile returned to her face.

"I couldn't very well ignore it."

She held your gaze for a brief moment.

"I'm glad you didn't."

Before either of you could say more, the house bell rang somewhere below, calling the servants back to their duties.

Emily adjusted the bundle of linen in her arms.

"I suppose we'd better get back."

You nodded.

As you watched her disappear down the corridor, your thoughts lingered not on Emily, but on Nathaniel Blackwood.

There had been something in the way he looked at her that left you with the uncomfortable certainty that this would not be the last time your paths crossed.