Alice stood in the estate room in front of Alex. Alex’s head popped up from his ledger. “Keep still, woman.” John admonished in a low voice. She looked up at him, fear in her eyes. Alex looked from one person to the other. The woman was wringing her hands. He closed the book and sat back. “What’s amiss?” Her lips trembled. “I can’t find her. I’ve looked everywhere.” Her voice was a whisper. “Her bed has not been slept in.” The room was silent. “John, what’s Alice talking about?” The burly man hesitated. “Lady Lisbeth, sir. We can’t find her. When Alice went to help her dress this morning she found the room empty.” Alex sprang to his feet, knocking the book from his desk. Startled, Alice let out a yelp. Tears filled her eyes. “It’s the curse.
