In the warm yellow, suggestive glow, the two looked at each other for several seconds. The head maid kept her gaze fixed on Shade's eyes, but her hands slightly lifted the hem of her skirt, allowing him to see the pair of black low-heeled leather shoes held neatly together beneath it, as well as the thin black fabric above them. The shoes were both practical and dignified, while the fabric was a product of Miss Sylvia's—and a very high-end one at that.
Before Shade, whose heart was pounding wildly, could continue observing, she bent down without moving her legs. With two soft clicks, her fair hands undid the magnetic clasps of her buckled low-heeled shoes, then she straightened again. Her hands hung before her body in an exceptionally elegant maid's stance. One leg after another lifted beneath her skirt, allowing her covered feet to slip free of the shoes in turn, and she took a step forward.
Her toes touched the red carpet beneath the sofa set first. Shade even felt as though he could hear the fabric brushing against the wool carpet. She then stood with her legs together on the carpet diagonally in front of the shoes, while the two black low-heeled leather shoes remained on the floor outside the carpet.
Under the gas lamp's light, both her feet and the two shoes maintained that elegant, closed-together posture. Every graceful movement and detail-conscious pose displayed the refinement and etiquette of Miss Galina's maids.
She turned, bent down once more, picked up the two black leather shoes, and placed them at the side of the sofa where Shade could not see them. Then, facing Shade, she gave a slight bow. Raising both hands, she untied the white lace ribbon in her hair, letting the long black hair that had