Chapter 220 - Sibling reunions
Later in the evening, following Scarlett’s meeting with The Gentleman and Empress and some time spent familiarising herself with the Loci’s development, she had returned to her office. The interrupted reports were spread out in front of her, with the completed ones to her left and the remaining few to her right.
As the clock approached ten, Scarlett was wrapping up her tasks for the day. Her typical routine often involved staying up later than this, and it had become somewhat of a challenge for her to fall asleep before midnight, but recent events had taken their toll, leaving her body more tired than usual.
A knock on the door interrupted her focus.
“Scarlett?” Evelyne’s voice filtered through the wood. “Are you there?”
“I am,” Scarlett replied, setting aside the document she was reviewing. “You may enter.”
The door opened, and Evelyne stepped inside. The younger Hartford sister was dressed in a rich burgundy velvet blouse with subtle embroidery on the sleeves, her mostly auburn hair falling just above her shoulders.
“Garside told me you were back,” Evelyne said as she crossed the room. “But I wasn’t sure if you would still be awake.”
“You will seldom find me asleep at this hour,” Scarlett noted, observing the faint shadows under the woman’s eyes, a blend of tension and relief visible in her expression. It seemed she had headed here straight after returning to the mansion.
“Really?” Evelyne stopped by Scarlett’s desk, pulling out the chair set for guests. “I didn’t know that. Feels like I can barely ever find any time to sleep myself, but I didn’t realize you were the same. Mind if I sit down?”
Scarlett gestured that it was fine, and Evelyne settled into the chair, leaning forward with her elbows on her lap, seeming to collect her thoughts.
“I suppose most of our interactions have been confined to the dining hall and the occasional discussion regarding fief matters,” Scarlett mused. “Regardless, I presume you are here to talk about recent happenings?”
A solemn nod from Evelyne confirmed Scarlett’s words. “I am, yes.”