Chapter Hundred And Fifty Six

The carriage finally rolled to a stop in front of a grand, imposing castle. "Carleton," Cassandra heard someone murmur, though she wasn't sure who. She stepped down from the carriage, her legs a little shaky. A man with a neatly trimmed beard and a kind smile approached them.

"Welcome to Carleton," he said warmly. "His Grace has been eagerly awaiting your arrival. I am Bradford, his Grace's butler."

Count Edmund, Cassandra's father, returned the smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Thank you, Bradford. We encountered a small mishap on our journey here, but nothing of consequence."

Mr. Bradford nodded politely. "I'm glad to hear it. Please, come this way. His Grace is expecting you in the drawing room." He gestured towards the castle entrance.