Chapter 28

The ride to the baron’s estate had been short, and they had welcomed us inside a vast manor.

A footman took our coats and showed us to a lavish room where sumptuous curtains draped the tall windows surrounding us, and the sofas had gilded wooden frames that exuded wealth. I wondered if the entire house had furniture like the ones we were in the presence of.

Multiple paintings were hanging in the room. Most seemed like family portraits. While we waited, I passed the time by looking at them.

The biggest one was a man with dark blond hair, thinning lightly at the top. His dark honey-brown eyes were severe and made me feel like they were scolding me. I surmised that this was Baron Mallard.

He didn’t look familiar, which slowed down the blood pumping through my veins.

I was nervous about meeting anyone who had ties to Osprey. My past experiences had been awful.

The same man was in multiple paintings, often accompanied by a small girl. She was stunning, with beautiful blond hair, pink