"I do not require a great deal of your time, Allison, just your patience in getting the chambers done," said Christopher, who was chattering to his chief maid of the house after she had complained of the revolutionaries in the outhouses. He knew it must not be an easy job for her recently and yet she had so far managed without a bad word to say. He supposed the three extra mouths of his siblings had added to her daily work, wherever they were, but as Christopher implored her to continue without a fuss she finally agreed and scuttled off to sort out the rest of the servants.
If only other things were that simple. After he and Therese had shared that kiss he had no clue where they stood with each other. He realised very much so that his siblings had stayed out of the way - Olivia with her maid, Lucas with his business and Demetri sorting out those blackmailing claims. Christopher did not know where to turn to breathe, and felt in that moment just as Allison must have.
He did not realise Olivia was sleeping in the sunroom or else he would have been quieter. Seeing his sister dozing now he felt quite guilty and walked over to her to see if she was still resting, thinking how precious she looked in the dim light which managed to break through the clouds.