CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND ONE – RESIGNATION

Charlotte stood in the grand foyer of Griffith Manor, her hands clasped tightly in front of her apron. The polished marble floor reflected the soft glow of the chandelier above, a stark contrast to the knots in her stomach. Lady Griffith sat regally in a high-backed chair, her piercing blue eyes fixed on Charlotte. "You wish to resign, Miss Emerson?" Lady Griffith's voice was cold, tinged with a hint of surprise. Charlotte nodded, her voice steady despite her nerves. "Yes, my lady. I'm grateful for the opportunity you've given me, but I believe it's time for me to move on." Lady Griffith's eyebrow arched. "Move on? And where, pray tell, will you 'move on' to? Surely not back to America, given your... unfortunate circumstances." Charlotte flinched at the thinly veiled reference to her past. "No, my lady. I plan to stay in Wales. In fact, I've found employment in the nearby town." "Employment?" Lady Griffith scoffed. "What kind of respectable establishment would hire a former maid?