Startled by the thud of the diary hitting the floor, the maid who had been making the bed on the left side turned toward Anna, her brows drawn in confusion.

She studied Anna’s stricken expression. “Is everything okay?”

Anna didn’t answer. 

Shock clouded her mind, making the maid’s question barely register.

Her hands shook, and her heart pounded so hard she could feel it in her throat. 

Each breath came in shallow, ragged gasps as she struggled to process the words she had just ...