Eric's POV

The maid served tea to Pear.

She had made a very angry phone call early this morning. Although I knew she was obviously not likely to treat me kindly, or even purposely come to add to my misery, I still told her I had time and could even meet in person if it was convenient for her.

Pear took a sip of her tea and looked up to survey the room.

This was my study, a little more private than the parlor, and I thought Carina and I had a story that deserved to be told here. All four walls of the room were bookshelves filled with books...