The carriage rolled to a gentle stop on the gravel of the main courtyard. The sun was dipping low, casting long, fiery shadows across the stone façade of the Thompson estate.
Inside, the silence between them was heavy, but not uncomfortable. It was the silence of two people who had just shared a burden. Derek slowly loosened his arms from around Marissa. He sat back, straightening his coat, but his eyes lingered on her face.
The footman opened the carriage door with a click.
Marissa gathered her skirts and stepped out. The cool evening air hit her face, a welcome relief from the intense atmosphere of the carriage. She turned back, expecting Derek to follow.
But he remained seated. He leaned back into the shadows of the carriage, his face obscured.
"Aren't you coming in?" Marissa asked, her hand resting on the doorframe. "The sun will set soon. Dinner will be served."
Derek shook his head slightly.
