George came to the Ellington manor, his heart a heavy stone of dread in his chest. He was stopped at the main gate by two stern-faced guards.
"State your business," one of them asked, his hand resting on the hilt of the short sword at his belt.
"I… I came to see Anne… Lady Anne." George replied, his own voice sounding weak and unfamiliar to his ears. "Please, just tell her that it is Lord George Pembroke, and that it is extremely urgent."
The guard in charge gave the other man a slight signal with his head. That person disappeared inside the manor gates. George was left to wait in the dusty road, feeling like a common beggar. He looked up and saw the sun beginning the dip as he let out an exhausted sigh. Moments later, the guard came back.
"Lady Anne will see you," he said, his tone still cold and formal. "She wants you to join her in the garden pavilion."
