C18 Not even her life will be enough to stone for her sins

A jarringly cheerful melody trilled from unseen speakers as Lydia and Clinton descended the stairs.

Constance, a vibrant splash of red against the muted morning light, greeted them with a chipper, "Finally! I thought you were going to make an old woman wait forever."

Clinton's jaw clenched. He knew full well she was aware of his late arrival, a silent accusation hanging heavy in the air