Leonie props herself up against a pile of pillows. She's wearing a transparent white satin nightgown; her hair is messy, and her cheeks are flushed. Fresh hickeys cover her neck. Avery wishes she could look at Leonie with indifference, but the sight of the hickeys makes her feel awful. She takes a deep breath and reminds herself to keep her calm.
"Miss Summers, Mr. Howel is coming," a panting maid runs into the room as she announced the news.
She's running so fast she almost knocks Avery over. Instead of apologizing, she swears under her breath.
"Didn't you see me?" the maid snaps, "Don't you know that a good dog never gets in the way?"
Avery stays standing by the door. She looks cooly at the maid and recognizes the woman as Leonie's servant.
"I'm sorry I got in your way," Avery says softly, "What's your name? Next time I see you, I'll give way."
