(Livia)
I watched the red car from my bedroom window, hoping the driver would step outside. The guard remained beside the service entrance, occasionally looking toward the vehicle. I couldn't understand why Rachel would wait there when she knew I was locked upstairs. Perhaps Thomas had told her something I didn't know.
A delivery van approached the entrance a few minutes later. The guard opened the gate, and the red car followed it inside. I recognized Rachel behind the wheel as she passed beneath my window. I hurried toward my bedroom door.
I knocked several times before Mr. Collins answered. I told him I wasn't feeling well and needed to go downstairs. He asked what was wrong, but I couldn't think of anything convincing. I finally told him I needed to speak with Miss Duvall.
"She can
