//CLARA//
The mansion swallowed me whole the moment I crossed the threshold. A breathing kind of silence seemed to wait for me to trip.
I climbed the stairs, my hand trailing along the polished banister, and found Hattie inside my room, waiting by the window. Her fingers twisted the edge of her apron, her eyes scanning me the moment I came into view.
"You missed dinner," she said quietly. "I saved you a plate. It's on the warmer."
"I'm not hungry."
She didn't argue. She just crossed to the wardrobe and pulled out my nightgown, then moved to the vanity to unlace my corset. Her fingers were gentle, practiced. She'd done this a hundred times.
"The water's still hot," she said. "If you want a bath."
"Tomorrow."
She nodded. Didn't push. Just helped me undress and watched me eat a few bites of cold chicken before I pushed the plate away.
When I was finally in bed, the covers pulled to my chin, Hattie dimmed the lamp and paused at the door.
"Goodnight, Hattie."
