Chapter 13: Cinders

Rushing home was cut down to the wire. I practically jumped from Levi’s carriage, rushing into the house from the back garden. I hurried inside and went to my room to change into my previous outfit before rushing the rest of the staff to bed as I heard Cora, Cyrus, and Matthias arrived home.

“Josiah!”

Cyrus’ voice echoed through the house; followed by the sounds of his and Matthias’ feet all but scuffling across the floor and into the kitchen. I went into the kitchen and started making them some tea as they all sat down at the table.

While Cyrus and Matthias were running my ear off about their time at the ball; I could see Cora staring me down as if I had secretly stolen from her.

“And all of a sudden, this penniless viscount waltzed into the ballroom, stealing the attention of the prince.” Cyrus started whining. I had to bite my lip to refrain giving myself away. For as much as I wanted to tell him that I wasn’t ‘penniless’, I was no viscount.