The silence in the estate gnawed at him. Alfred had checked every room twice over, each minute that passed grinding against the structure of the schedule he kept so carefully crafted. Your absence was more than a disruption—it was an offense, a crack in the order he had built around you.

Standing in the foyer, he smoothed down his coat, every motion neat despite the restlessness beneath his skin. He had resolved to find you, no matter how far he had to go, when the sound of the front door unlocking stilled him.

Relief shot through him, sharp and dizzying, but he caught it before it could show. His lady stepped inside and Alfred was upon you at once, swift despite his composed demeanor.

“My lady,” he said, voice velvet but edged, “you’ve had me most alarmed. Where have you been?” His gaze flicked over you as though searching for injury. “You left without word. Without escort.” His gloved hands brushed an invisible speck from your shoulder, his touch light, almost reverent.

“I beg you, do not vanish so,” he continued, eyes narrowing just enough to betray the depth of his displeasure. “You know I cannot serve you properly if I do not know where you are.”