The following morning, I woke up cheerful, eager to dive back into the journal and find out more about what happened to Cecilia, but also anticipation bubbled within me to see Blake. Even though my ultimate goal was to get home, I couldn't help the thrill I felt at the thought of spending time with him.

"You appear quite happy this morning," Sophie remarked, her smile mirroring my own as she observed me through the tri-fold mirror. In response, I offered a nonchalant shrug, though my smile remained intact.

Sophie's eyes lingered on me for a moment, a knowing glint in her expression. "Good days often come with good company," she teased lightly.

I couldn't help but laugh softly, though I looked away, focusing on my reflection. I couldn't ignore the sense of happiness that had enveloped me. It seemed to be fuelled by the anticipation of reuniting with Blake and the mystery of what the day would hold. Although returning home was my utmost priority, I had to admit that I was finding moments of joy in the unexpected experiences I was having here.

Sophie had skilfully styled my hair, pulling back sections on each side and securing them with sliding clip combs adorned with delicate, golden leaf engravings. I had chosen to wear a white dress with red polka dots that cinched at the waist with a thick belt and flowed down to my calves.

As I examined my reflection, I couldn't help but wonder how much I had changed during my time in this past world. The girl who had initially arrived, desperate to find a way home, was gradually becoming more entangled in the lives and emotions of those around her. The thought gave me pause, a flicker of unease threading through my happiness. How long could I allow myself to stay tethered to this place—and to Blake—without making my return home even harder?

Once dressed, I went down to the dining room to meet Blake for breakfast but was taken by surprise to find Charlotte and Gwen seated at the table, Blake in his usual seat. Charlotte's presence sent a wave of tension through the room, and I felt a twinge of discomfort.

Blake hadn't mentioned that Charlotte would be coming round today, but then why would he mention it to me? I told myself not to overthink it, but the thought still lingered, leaving a faint ache in my chest.

"Good morning, everyone," I greeted as I took my seat, offering a polite smile that barely concealed the unease I felt. Charlotte acknowledged my greeting with a tight-lipped smile, and Gwen, who seemed blissfully unaware of the underlying tension, beamed warmly at me.

"Good morning," Gwen greeted cheerfully over a cup of tea. At the same time, Blake muttered the words, his tone void of any warmth or expression.

I took a seat and poured myself a cup of coffee. Charlotte, on the other hand, remained silent, sipping her tea. I avoided looking directly at her, though I could feel her gaze sweeping over me occasionally, sharp and appraising.

Gwen, sensing the awkward atmosphere, attempted to ease the tension. "So, what's been going on since I've been gone? Felicity, are you enjoying your time here?" she asked, reaching for a slice of melon.

Before I could respond, Blake chimed in, "I've shown her the town a little bit, but there hasn't been much to do."

Gwen's eyes flickered between us, and it was clear she sensed there was more to the story. "Is that where you were last night when I got back?" she asked innocently.

Charlotte, who had been quietly observing the exchange, turned in her seat to address Blake. "You weren't here when she got back?" Her tone carried a hint of suspicion, and the tension in the room thickened.

I felt my stomach twist as I noticed the subtle shift in Blake's expression, a hesitation in his response. "We... we were in the library," he replied, choosing his words carefully.

"The library?" Gwen's curiosity was piqued, and her gaze darted between the two of us. "Let me guess—you were boring Felicity to death?"

I exchanged a quick glance with Blake but decided to remain quiet, focusing on buttering my toast instead. I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks, though I tried to keep my expression neutral.

Blake chose his words carefully as he lifted his own coffee to his lips. "I was talking to her about renovations, showing her blueprints, but I believe Felicity left the library at a reasonable time."

Charlotte's lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes narrowing slightly. "I see," she said, her voice cool but laced with something sharper. Her thumb absently rotated the engagement ring on her finger, a subtle motion that sent a pang of guilt twisting in my chest.

Gwen, seemingly oblivious to the undercurrents, chimed in with a grin. "Honestly, my darling brother, that sounds awfully boring. I would have fallen asleep."

I tried to stifle a grin as I continued to spread butter on my toast, but I couldn't ignore the tension radiating from Charlotte. Every so often, her sharp gaze landed on me, and it made my stomach tighten. Why did I feel so guilty? I hadn't done anything wrong—or had I?

"Well," Gwen added with a playful lilt, "it's a good thing you've got Felicity to keep you company, Blake. She must be better company than the architects you usually drone on with."

Blake laughed good-naturedly, though I could tell he wanted the focus off the two of us. "She is," he said simply, but his voice was quieter than usual.

The tension in the room didn't lift, but Gwen's light-heartedness managed to temper it slightly. Charlotte's gaze flicked to me once more, her expression unreadable, and I found myself retreating into my own thoughts, wondering how long this uneasy morning would last.

Blake attempted to divert the conversation away from last night by asking Gwen about her trip. "So, how was your visit to the city, Gwen? Did you enjoy yourself?"

Gwen's eyes lit up, and she launched into an animated description of her visit to the city, regaling us with tales of bustling streets, grand theatres, and fashionable boutiques. As she spoke, I couldn't help but be drawn into her enthusiasm. Her excitement was infectious, and the tension that had briefly filled the room seemed to dissipate further. Still, Charlotte's silence loomed, and I could feel her eyes on me from time to time. Each glance felt like a stone dropped into my chest.

When Gwen noticed I had finished my breakfast, she eagerly asked if I wanted to see all the items she had brought back from London. I agreed without looking at Blake, glad for the excuse to escape Charlotte's heated gaze. As Gwen led me to her room, her cheerful chatter was a welcome distraction, though I couldn't fully shake the weight of the morning's unease..

Gwen was a sweet girl with an air of innocence about her, and I found it refreshing—like a warm breeze in the midst of all the tension swirling around this house. Her enthusiasm was contagious as she instructed me to sit on her ottoman while she showcased her purchases with the pride of someone who had uncovered hidden treasures.

The first was a stunning burgundy dress with a fitted waist and flared skirt that cut below the knee. It had white polka dots scattered across the fabric, and Gwen held it against herself with a delighted twirl. I couldn't help but smile at her infectious excitement.

"I thought this would be perfect for dinners or something formal but not too stuffy," she explained, glancing at me for approval.

"It's beautiful," I replied sincerely, watching as she moved on to the next item—a navy-blue suit with wide-legged trousers and a fitted blazer.

"This one," she said, smoothing the fabric with her hands, "is for when I want to feel sophisticated, like one of those modern women who take charge." Her voice took on a playful tone, and I laughed softly.

The rest of the items were just as elegant: blouses with intricate detailing, pleated skirts, and a string of pearls that she draped around her neck dramatically. She recounted where she'd found each piece, describing boutiques I didn't recognise. It wasn't surprising; they either didn't exist in my time or were beyond my knowledge.

As she chattered on, her words washed over me like a balm. There was something grounding about her easy joy, a reminder that life here wasn't all tension and uncertainty. I envied how she could find such happiness in small things, and for a moment, I let myself be swept up in her world.

"You can borrow them anytime!" Gwen grinned  holding up the string of pearls to my neck with a grin.

"Oh, I don't think I could pull it off," I replied, laughing, though a part of me appreciated the gesture.

A sudden knock interrupted our conversation, and Gwen moved to answer it.  Blake stood in the doorway, his hand resting lightly on the frame. His smile was faint, almost forced, and something about his posture seemed off—like he was bracing himself.

"Excuse me, but do you mind if I borrow Felicity for a moment?" he asked, his tone polite but clipped.

Gwen glanced between us, her brow furrowing slightly. "Oh, of course," she said after a beat, though her curiosity was evident. She looked at me with a playful smirk. "Just don't keep her too long—I haven't shown her everything yet."

Blake gave a small nod, stepping back to allow me through. As I passed Gwen, I caught the glimmer of amusement in her eyes, and my cheeks warmed under her gaze.

"Is everything alright?" I asked once we were out in the corridor, the weight of his silence settling between us.

Blake's eyes flicked to mine briefly before looking ahead. "I just needed to speak with you about something," he said, his voice measured.