Godric left Cedric alone in the drawing room to check on Emily. She'd looked decidedly pale and he was worried.

I'll read to her! She'll like that.

His eagerness surprised him, the temptation to abandon his friends and seek her out was great. But she probably needed some time alonewomen often did; they were quite mysterious creatures. Knowing this didn't make him miss her any less. He snatched a book from his study and hurried upstairs.

On his way to her room he ...