The carriage wheels skidded on the loose gravel as it came to a halt in the main courtyard. The horses snorted, their breath forming white clouds in the biting winter air.
Marissa didn't wait for the carriage to stop fully. She didn't wait for the footman to jump down from his box and open the door. She pushed the heavy door open herself, almost stumbling as her boots hit the ground hard.
She looked around frantically. Her eyes scanned the empty courtyard, searching for the dark hair, the broad shoulders, the handsome face and warm smile she had dreamed of for months.
"Where is he?" Marissa asked. Her voice was tight with panic, a high, thin sound in the cold air.
She looked at Lily, who had followed her out, her face pale.
"Where is he?" Marissa repeated, her voice rising. "Where is he? He should have been here by now."
