The butler ushered the man in and to the parlor where Amelia sat with a small group of people all dressed in livery. They were all somber-faced as they stood or sat in a semi circle. It was clear that the will was being read to staff and not family. Amelia in particular was the main focus, which confused her so. Why had she been the one contacted by the court? The young miss found herself staring for a moment too long at the handsome man who entered the room.

"You are Mister Appleton, I presume?" asked the young woman. Without waiting for him to answer, she said, "Please just... get it over with so we all know what we are to do." They would likely find new jobs, she thought.