CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND TWELVE – STARTING OVER

The manor gates loomed ahead, tall and imposing even in the fading evening light. Charlotte barely paused before banging the iron knocker urgently. After a tense few moments, the burly doorman appeared, eyeing her disheveled state warily. "Miss Charlotte! What's this all about?" "I need to see Mr. Richard," Charlotte said, breathless. "Immediately. It's a matter of grave importance." The doorman must have seen the naked fear in her eyes, for he opened the gate without further question. "Right this way, miss. I'll fetch the young master." The minutes felt like hours as Charlotte waited anxiously for Richard to appear. She couldn't stop replaying her confrontation with Eliza over and over in her mind. The depth of that woman's hatred and obsession was truly staggering. Finally, hurried footsteps echoed down the hall and Richard burst into the foyer, eyes wide with concern. "Charlotte! What's this urgent matter? Are you alright?" She wanted nothing more than to throw herself into hi