'Step step'

Victoria's footsteps echoed against the gravel floor, each step showing a steadiness she wasn't feeling.

"Miss Victoria's back," one maid murmured to another, their voices carrying across the vast space.

"About time," the second replied, not bothering to lower her voice. "Look at the state of her."

Shutting off the voices, she continued down the drive towards the Blackwood residence.

The grand estate stands majestically, its stone façade weathered to a warm, golden ...