CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY ONE – THE SECRET AFFAIR

The afternoon dragged by in a blur of scrubbing floors and battling dust bunnies. Finally, as dusk painted the sky in hues of bruised purple and fiery orange, Charlotte found herself back in the echoing foyer. Stealing a peek towards the library once more, she saw Richard emerge, a book tucked under his arm. Their eyes met. Richard's lips curved into a mischievous grin. He slipped a note into the pocket of her maid's uniform, a silent promise of stolen moments. With a quick glance around, Charlotte tucked the note into her sleeve, her pulse quickening. Later that night, after the rest of the household had retired, Charlotte crept down the grand staircase, the worn floorboards creaking a familiar lullaby. The library door yielded silently to her touch. Richard stood by the fireplace, a fire crackling merrily, casting dancing shadows on the walls. "Richard," she whispered, her voice barely audible. He turned, his face softening as he saw her. "Charlotte. You made it." He pulled her