Mess (2)

Sally pressed her ear against the door to listen for any movement on the inside of the Duke and Duchess's bedroom. "Why hasn't the Duke left yet so I can tend to the Duchess? Did he leave long before I arrived? Should I just take a risk and see if he is in there or not? It's way past the time for breakfast. Isn't anyone else curious?"

"I am," Alfred whispered right behind Sally.

Sally smacked her hand over her mouth as she screamed to avoid waking up Alessandra. Turning around, she found the butler with his ear pressed against the door. "How did you sneak up on me? I didn't hear you coming."

For someone with a lot of years behind him, Sally found Alfred to be quick and light on his feet. She was certain the butler must be a ghost with the way he always popped up unexpectedly.