Mary's POV:
Everyone chatted happily and sipped their wine, waiting for the clock to strike midnight.
Norah caught my eye, though. She was asleep in the corner, curled up into a tight ball on an old chair, nuzzled closely to Isis, our dog. I smiled. She has told me she'd wanted to stay awake past eleven, but it was only quarter past ten. I placed down my wine glass and glided over to her. Bates got there first, with Anna by his side.
"Thank you milady, but we're off now." He smiled.
"Why not stay? It's just a while longer. Norah can be moved to a bed, it won't cause a fuss." I offered.
I was very close with the Bates'. And besides, papa wouldn't be bothered by it. Norah was a darling girl; everyone loved her.
"Norah would be more comfortable in her own bed, milady. And Anna is a bit sleepy herself." Bates said.
"Oh, alright. Have a happy New Year, we'll see you all in the morning." I smiled.
But, I would not see them in the morning. In fact, I'd never see Mr and Mrs Bates ever again.