Geoffrey paused. “Already addressed on the schedule, sir.”
“I prefer it done weekly.”
Geoffrey’s eyes flicked toward me. “Very good.”
Belle adjusted her bag on her shoulder. “Weekly study. Noted.”
They moved again. I followed. Why was I following?
Geoffrey stopped outside the library. “Surfaces only. Books remain precisely as arranged.”
Belle made a note and nodded.
“Good.”
Silence stretched.
Geoffrey cleared his throat. “The upstairs hall is restricted beyond the west landing.”
“Yes,” I said.
Belle’s gaze shifted to me. “Mysterious.”
“It’s private,” I replied.
She held my eyes a fraction too long. “Understood.”
Geoffrey gestured toward the stairwell. “Shall we continue?”
“Yes,” I said.
We all continued, even though my presence was completely unnecessary. Chandler appeared at the end of the corridor, watching openly now.
“You giving tours these days?” he asked with that irritating smirk.
“I’m ensuring standards,” I said.
Belle’s mouth curved slightly. “How very hands-on of you.”
Geoffrey stopped again near the base of the stairs. “That concludes the orientation.”
It did not require my presence. And yet. “If you have questions,” I said to Belle, “you may direct them to Geoffrey.”
“Not to you?” she asked lightly with a hint of playfulness I almost wanted to engage with. Almost.
“No. I do not waste my time in the running of the estate.”
“Good to know.”
A pause.
Geoffrey looked between us. Chandler folded his arms. No one moved. I became aware that I had followed them the entire length of the corridor without a clear justification.
Belle tilted her head slightly. “Am I being evaluated,” she asked, “or escorted?”
“Evaluated,” I said.
“Ah.” She nodded once, thoughtful. “Then I’ll try to be very impressive.”
