Ava descended the staircase more slowly than usual.
Not because she was tired, her body felt rested enough, but because there was a strange sense of anticipation humming beneath her skin, the kind that made her aware of every sound, every movement, every shift of air around her. Any sound of him...
Halfway down the stairs, she heard voices.
She paused instinctively, one hand resting lightly against the banister.
"…it came in earlier than expected," Clara was saying, her tone clipped and efficient.
"Yes, miss," Charles replied. "I was surprised myself. I didn't think they would..."
"They always do," Clara cut in quietly. "Especially when they want to be seen."
Ava leaned slightly toward the curve of the staircase, careful not to make a sound. She wasn't trying to eavesdrop, at least, not intentionally but curiosity had a way of anchoring her in place.
Charles cleared his throat. "Shall I inform Mr. Cross?"
