"Who's there?" Daniella snapped, voice thin from sleep and surprise.
A heavy hand found the door. A shape shoved inside, smelling of cheap wine and the cold outside. He lunged before words finished forming.
"Get off me!" Daniella barked and shoved with both hands. The man staggered, hit the edge of the dressing table, and reached for her. Her fingers closed on the candlestick by reflex.
"Gina!" she hissed.
Footsteps answered—quick, close. Gina Beck slipped through the curtain like a shadow and slammed the chamber door shut behind her.
"You drunk fool," Gina spat. She grabbed the intruder's arm and twisted. "Who sent you?"
The man laughed, breath reeking. "Third Miss, quiet. Mistress wants a scene. Be nice and—"
His hand went for Daniella. Daniella stepped aside and raised her knee.
The knee hit the man's stomach. He doubled and fell backwards with a groan, dragging a low stool with him. He hit the floor and tried to scramble up.
"Stay down," Daniella said. Her voice was steady. "Who sent you?"
"Matron said—" He tried to point. The word came out slurred and useless.
"Matron?" Daniella repeated, then spat a laugh. "Which matron? Name her."
The man blinked. "Lady Sarah's—Sarah's matron."
Silence hung for two breaths. Then the courtyard erupted with distant voices and a door banging.
"Noise!" someone shouted from the corridor. Footsteps surged nearer.
Gina's grip tightened on the man's wrist until his fingers whitened. "You planted wine on
