CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY – THE MISSING PIECE

The double doors swung open, and Lady Griffith swept in, her expression inscrutable. Charlotte braced herself for the onslaught, but to her surprise, the formidable woman merely gestured for the platter. With a deft flick of her wrist, Lady Griffith whisked away the linen cloth, revealing the perfectly golden scones. She inhaled deeply, her eyes fluttering closed in pleasure. "Exquisite," she murmured, the faintest hint of a smile playing on her lips. Relief flooded through Charlotte as Lady Griffith glided from the room, scones in hand. She had faced the fire and emerged unscathed, her reputation – and her position – intact. As the maids dispersed, exchanging weary grins, Charlotte felt a gentle hand on her shoulder. She turned to find Richard gazing at her with undisguised admiration. "You never cease to amaze me, my darling," he murmured, brushing a stray lock of hair from her flour-dusted face. Charlotte managed a tired smile, leaning into his touch. "All in a day's work, my