Everyone loved hearing praise, and Mrs. Lewis was absolutely elated to hear it. However, a moment later, she became filled with worry. For over a week now, her mistress had been sleeping in the young miss's nursery. How could a young couple sleep in separate rooms? Sleeping apart would surely cause their feelings for each other to fade...
Having a sudden thought, Mrs. Lewis suggested, "Mrs. Winslow, Mr. Winslow hasn't come back for dinner today, nor has he called. Why don't you give him a ring and ask if he'll be returning to eat?"
"There's no need. If he hasn't returned by now, he probably isn't coming back to eat. I'm done eating anyway, so you can go ahead and clear the table. I'm going upstairs to check on Carrie." The moment she heard Mrs. Lewis mention Julian Winslow, Shalma Hughes instantly lost her appetite. She stood up, gathered the shawl draped over her shoulders, and walked upstairs.
