Kevin-the-Boyscout

Eve did not mind when the walk to Temple House took longer than expected. Nor was she concerned when her mistress proceeded to ignore her once they stepped inside. *Mistress* - the term had sprung unbidden into Eve’s mind, lodging there. The rest of her thoughts were drifting, unmoored: the tea she was to prepare at home, the discovery of her father’s watch, the dance at Lord James’ mansion, Lord James himself…usually his handsome face was enough to make her heart beat a little quicker. Now it was just another fragment of memory in the grey fog enveloping her brain. *I am here* came one thought. *Why am I here?* came another. *I should not be here.* *I am glad I am here.* Was she? Of course she was, stupid girl. “Your time has come, Eve,” Lady Sylvia said, breaking Eve somewhat out of her stupor. Slightly more alert, Eve took note of her surroundings: a hall, the walls of which were lined with ornate statues and other antiques – knickknacks, her mother used to call them – though