The husband and wife were still asleep in their bed. Alfred's embrace seemed too comfortable or indeed the effect of the drugs Ella was taking. So her eyes were still closed.
That morning Beatrix had intended to wake her master. It was rare that Alfred or Ella had not arrived when breakfast was served. Little Ella even kept asking where their parents were.
"Ahh..? They are still sleeping." Beatrix opened the door to Alfred's room slightly, peering through the gap in the slightly ajar door.
Beatrix had been trying to be careful, was taken aback by the action of little Ella, who suddenly appeared beside her. Her tiny hands were tugging on Beatrix's skirt tightly.
"Miss Ella! You have surprised me," Beatrix said in a low voice, and her eyes widening at the worried little Ella.
"Granny? What are you doing?" asked the innocent little Ella. She joined and trying to peek from behind the gap in the door that was still open.