*I placed them there the night before the gown was locked away.*

*If they have taken the dress, you must find it before they discover what lies inside the bodice.*

*Do not trust Beatrice, Vivian.*

*She knows the truth about your father’s death, and she will destroy Aster Hall before she lets you have it.*

*With all my love, Clara.*

The letter ended there, her signature a faint, elegant flourish at the bottom of the page.

“The dress,” I said, my voice barely audible.

“Sloane had it,” Matteo said.

“Harrison took it from my studio and gave it to her for the gala.”

“Where is it now?” I asked.

“It must be in the master suite,” Matteo said, looking toward the ceiling.

“Or in the dressing rooms near the conservatory.”

“We have to get it before Sloane realizes what is inside the lining,” I said.

“If she finds the key, Harrison will have everything.”

A sudden, heavy thud sounded from the floorboards directly above us.

We both froze, Matteo immediately shutting off the flashlight.

The pantry plunged into complete darkness, save for the pale grey light from the rain-streaked window.