Maurice stepped out of the carriage after the coachman opened its door. He had a lantern in his hand. Maurice looked at the cottage's gate before him and then walked ahead. The night was colder and the sky was thundering. It appeared rain would occur anytime soon.
Maurice showed the parchment to the guard present there. He asked Maurice to wait and went to the chief to show the parchment since he was illiterate. After a few minutes, the guard returned with the chief, who greeted Maurice.
"Open the gates!" The chief guard instructed and within seconds, the gates were opened.
"Please follow me, Lord Turner," the chief guard humbly said and took Maurice inside.
As they reached the living room of the cottage, he asked a female servant to inform Consort Ariane about her elder brother.
"Please have a seat, Lord Turner," the chief guard motioned his hand to the sofa.
"It's alright," Maurice refused to sit and looked at the broad staircase.