Seated comfortably in her chaise lounge near the warm, crackling fireplace, Eleanor draped a fur-lined shawl over her shoulders. The dimly lit room, illuminated only by the gentle flicker of firelight, cast soft shadows against the cream-colored walls. She had deliberately turned off the crystal chandeliers— their harsh brightness grated on her already weary senses.
Tina had initially offered to turn them back on, surprised that her lady had chosen to stay awake rather than retire for the night. But Eleanor had refused. If her bedroom lights shone brightly at this late hour, Alger—whose study was also on the third floor—would undoubtedly notice that she was still awake.
And if Alger realized that, he would storm into her room to scold her, as he always did when she neglected her health. Worse, he might catch sight of the documents Eleanor had received from Ralph, and everything could crumble before she even had the chance to put her plan into motion.