“You’re missing the party,”
Lady Tremaine’s touch had not found its way to this room, and for that, Ella was glad. She had spent countless hours cuddld up on the chair, reading while her father worked. It was a peaceful space and now a source of refuge.
“You’re missing the party,” Ella said, walking into the study.
Ella’s father looked up and smiled wearily. “I imagine it is much like all the others. And I’m leaving first thing.”
“You’re hardly back from the last trip,” Ella said, her voice quavering. “Do you have to go?”
“I’m afraid so,” her father replied. HE gestured at the piles of papers. “with a larger household, more bills. I must provide for you all, even if it means a little travel.”