Outside, the sky was a dreary shade of gray and raindrops pattered steadily against the pavement. I pulled my jacket closer, bracing myself against the chill as I left. I paused by the curb, debating whether to call Darrel, but against my better judgment, I dialed his number.
A soft, high-pitched voice answered on the second ring.
“Oh, hello! You must be Mrs. Darrel,” she said in a voice dripping with false sweetness. “Mr Darrel just finished helping me unpack and he’s a bit tired—he’s taking a bath right now. But if there’s anything you need to pass along, I’d be happy to help!”
My stomach twisted, a wave of nausea tightening my throat. Without a word, I hung up, fingers trembling as I set my phone down. I began searching for a cab, but before I could book one, a text message notification flashed across my screen.
“Mrs. Darrel, please don’t misunderstand my intentions or Master’s. I’m just a young girl struggling to get by and Sir Darrel has been kind enough to help me settle in. Once things are in order, I’ll make sure to clear up any confusion between us.”