With a sigh of hope, Annabel grabbed the doorknob.
Her thoughts had been filled with the image of Carson possibly home early, his smile a warm counterbalance to the chill of the day because the knock had been so subtle and purposeful.
A glimmer of happiness ignited in her chest as her fingers encircled the chilly brass. With a gentle click that reverberated throughout the quiet hallway she yanked the heavy door open.
Her heart sank. It wasn't Carson.
Standing in the doorway was a woman whose presence was as stiff and uncompromising as the tall oak trees that bordered the drive.
Her uniform, a plain black dress with a white apron tied at the waist exuded authority and a lack of individuality. Her eyes were a cool steady gray that was neither warm nor welcoming and her face was a ma
