The rumble of hooves cut through the morning stillness as the registrar's carriage approached the streets of Greydock, and finally - Grantham residence. A second carriage trailed behind it, holding two of his clerks, each clutching the official royal- sealed scroll.
Marianne was already setting the kettle on the hearth when Maeryn opened the front door. Her brows lifted in surprise at the sight of three well- dressed, stone faced- men.
"Good morning, madam," the registrar greeted with a tight nod. "We are here to see Miss Elowen Grantham."
Maeryn blinked. "Elowen? For what purpose?"
The registrar hesitated. "By order of House Ravenshade, from the registry."
That alone sent a chill skimming up her spine. She stepped aside trying to appear calm at best. "Please, come in.".
The men entered with polite nods, but the air changed. It thickened, like clouds before a summer storm.
Marianne joined Maeryn in the corner of the sitting room whispering urgently.
"What could Lord Ravenshade want with Elowen?" Marianne's voice trembled.
"I don't know," Maeryn murmured. "But we've done nothing wrong. Neither has she.".
"We're just common folk."
Maeryn nodded sharply. "Then we have nothing to fear. Hold your spine straight."
Maeryn turned and called up the stairs. "Elowen! You're wanted in the sitting room."
There was a purse, the shuffle of slippers on wood, then Elowen appeared, brushing a curl behind her ear. She froze at the sight of men.
"Miss Grantham?" the registrar asked.
"Yes," she said slowly.
He bowed stiffly and handed her a scroll sealed with the Ravenshade crest. "I've been instructed to deliver this to you personally."
She broke the seal, her eyes scanning quickly.
Miss Elowen Grantham,
You are hereby offered employment as a personal Assistant to Lord Julian Ravenshade. Report to the Ravenshade Estate by dawn tomorrow.
Elowen blinked. "A… job?"
The registrar cleared his throat. "It is a position of favor, Miss Grantham. You may accept or decline."
He said, although praying in his heart that she chooses not the latter.
Maeryn stepped forward, concern etched into every line of her face. "But why her?"
"That, madam, is not for me to question."
He was calmer now. "I am here based on strict orders."
Elowen hesitated, then looked up. "I accept."
Maeryn gasped softly. "Are you sure about this, Pumpkin?"
"Yes," Elowen said slowly, still holding the parchment. "It's a good opportunity."
The men bowed once more. "Then we are dismissed. The carriage outside will now retire with your signed response."
With that, the men turned and exited, their boots thudding across the floor like a fading omen.
After they were gone, the house erupted.
"You accepted?" Maeryn gasped, still wringing her apron.
"It's an offer form a Lord, Maeryn," Elowen said, trying to sound brave even though her heart fluttered. "Do you know what I earn at the theatre? This could change everything."
"But its the Ravenshade's," Marianne whispered. "The Devil of Eldhollow! What does a man like him need with a personal assistant?"
"Maybe he's not what the rumors say," Elowen offered weakly.
"Or maybe he's exactly what the rumors say," Maeryn muttered darkly. "Dark- haired devil with a silver tongue and secrets in his eyes."
Elowen exhaled. "Well, I've already accepted."
Marianne straightened. "Then we celebrate. No need mourning something that hasn't bitten us yet."
Maeryn's shoulder sagged. "Blueberry pie it is, what do you say Elowen?"
"Hmmm, blueberry pie, it is!" Elowen said.
The pie was warm and tart and reminded Elowen of simpler days. As they clinked chipped cups filled with elderflower tea, they laughed and joked more nervously than joyfully, but it was celebration nonetheless.
Elowen sat at the end of the table, the letter beside her, and wondered what she had truly signed up for.
That evening, at Ravenshade Manor, Julian leaned back in his high- backed chair, swirling dark wine in a crystal glass. The candlelight licked his features, throwing his sharp cheekbones into flickering relief.
Tomas entered quietly. "Dinner has been cleared, my Lord."
Julian nodded once. "Good. I'll need you early tomorrow."
"Yes, Master Julian."
"I'll be receiving a new assistant. Elowen Grantham."
Tomas looked up, surprise softening his neutral expression. "The same Miss Grantham from Greydock Street?"
"The very one," Julian said, smirking.
"Shall I prepare the east wing's office for her? The one closest to yours?"
"No," Julian said smoothly. "Give her my office."
Tomas blinked. "Your office, my Lord?"
"Yes." Julian's grin widened ever so slightly. "Let's give wildflower some trouble."
Tomas said nothing. He bowed and stepped back into the shadows.
Julian sipped his wine, eyes flicking toward the window. Outside, the moon hung like a silent witness. Something stirred inside him- not quite joy, not quite anticipation.
Wildflower would arrive tomorrow. And with her… the story would truly begin.
His amusement will now reside in his very before.