Evelyn could hear Lenora’s padded footsteps on the carpet as she hurried down the hall and stopped to knock once on her door before entering. The young mistress watched her enter and curtsy from her bed, not bothering to sit up when she spoke to her.

“Oh good, you remembered this time. To curtsy, I mean,” she drawled lazily. The covers were drawn up close to her chin and her head was cushioned in a valley of soft pillows. Her hair lay tumbled about her face like a halo of gold. She looked perfectly at ease.

“Were you sleeping well? I hope the room is comfortable?” she asked casually, as if she had woken up the girl in the middle of the night and sent her scurrying to her side just to ask this simple question. Evelyn beckoned her closer with a wave of her hand. “I’m glad you were so quick. The room is frightfully cold and I can’t sleep.” She pouted and pointed to the fireplace. “It’s gone down to just the embers. Can you stoke it a little for me?” 

She watched her, suddenly feeling more and more sleepy. Somehow having another person in her presence made her feel more relaxed. After a moment of watching her maid, she said, “Lenora? Come here.” She pulled back the covers next to her. “The bed is so cold with just me in it. Lay down next to me until I fall asleep.” Despite the drowsiness in her voice, it was still a command. She looked at her expectantly, snuggling further into her pillows and crooking her finger at her.