Chapter 3

Charles watched the snoring, sleeping form for a moment before turning on his heel. Pretty indeed.

* * * *

Charles sat down to dinner, alone as always. Coulson delivered him a fine-looking plate of rabbit with buttery potatoes and cabbage. He poured a fragrant gravy over the plate and sipped his elderflower cordial. A particular favourite of his. His guest had remained firmly within his chamber for the remainder of the day, and Coulson reported that as of an hour ago, he was in exactly the same position they had left him in, so Charles felt safe to dine alone. Of late, his appetite had been poor, but he found that today he was quite hungry. He cut a piece of meat and scooped up some gravy, but before he could get it to his mouth, the door opened. He remained poised, fork halfway to his mouth. Coulson bowed and stood aside to admit his guest.

Charles put the fork down and his deeply ingrained manners made him stand.