Honestly Caroline’s bath did little to quell her annoyance with Shawn. She was still fuming even when she dried herself off and wrapped herself in her robe until Hope came back to dress her for dinner. Shawn wasn’t typically like this and Caroline certainly wasn’t going to take no for an answer, but she was going to have to try another tactic.

Lost in her own thoughts Caroline was quiet as Hope dressed her in a simple gown and used a charm to gently dry her hair before braiding it back. A look at the mirror told Caroline that she looked rather like a respectable and modest young lady - a sight that might make Shawn more inclined to forgive her in its simplicity. At least she wouldn’t look the part of his imagined reckless younger sister. Confident in her plan Caroline dismissed Hope to go to the kitchens for her own supper and made her way back downstairs.

The water and mud that Caroline and Hope had tracked in had already been cleaned up by the time she reached the foyer, she passed it with sure steps and knocked on the study door, “Shawn?” She allowed concern and contriteness to layer her tone as she leaned into the door. Better to ask than just demand entry. Not like she was going to take no for an answer.

Shawn Delaney