Back at the Briedis estate, a very frazzled Allerton clutched two books under his arm as he burst into the office of the Marquess.
Startled, the Marquess lifted his head, and his annoyance turned into confusion as he saw Allerton's panicked expression.
"Allerton? You look like you've witnessed a ghost. Compose yourself. What has you out of sorts?"
Taking a few deep breaths, Allerton straightened himself and fixed his hair. "Apologies, my lord. I was just caught off guard by my findings."
"Your findings? What are you talking-" Brow furrowed, it was only when Allerton placed the spellbook and its ornate lettering on his desk that his eyes widened and the Marquess flinched away from it as if it was something repulsive.
"Is that-!"
Nodding his head, Allerton felt a twinge of pity. "Yes. While retrieving the book I lent the young lady, I noticed this spellbook lying on the floor of her closet."
Fist tightly clenched, the Marquess slammed his fist down on the table. "This is unacceptable! I thought her curiosity was odd enough. But to go against the ways of our ancestors!"
"When she arrives back, I want you to bring her here immediately!" Rubbing his eyes, the Marquess scoffed and waved his hand in dismissal. "Make sure my son and the Marchioness are present as well!
Allerton bowed and stepped out of the room, closing the door behind him. Letting out a heavy sigh, the Marquess pushed back his hair and glanced at the spellbook with a look of apprehension. Honestly! How has that woman been raising our children?!"
Leaning back in his chair, the Marquess reaches out and opens the uppermost drawer, revealing a stack of reports. "As if I don't have enough on my plate already…"
…
Something was off when Horatia and Mabel arrived back at the estate. As she walked through the entrance, Horatia noticed the nervous expressions of the servants and furrowed her brow.
It's so quiet. Where is everyone?
Not even seconds after setting foot inside the manor, Allerton came down the hall with hurried steps and a stern expression.
"There you are! Your presence is required immediately, my lady."
Confused, Horatia could only allow Allerton to usher her down the hallway with Mabel right behind them.