chapter 38

Welcome, gentlemen," Poppy murmured. "I will leave you to your discussion. May I send for refreshments?"

"Why, thank you—" Sir Gerald began, but Kinloch interrupted.

"That is very gracious of you, Mrs. Rutledge, but it won't be necessary."

Sir Gerald's jowls drooped in disappointment.

"Very well," Poppy said pleasantly. "I will take my leave. I bid you good evening."

Harry showed the visitors to his library, while Poppy stared after them. She didn't like her husband's visitors, and she especially didn't like the subject they intended to discuss. Most of all, she loathed the idea of her husband's diabolical cleverness being applied to improve the art of war.

Retreating to Harry's bedroom, Poppy tried to read, but her mind kept returning to the conversation that was taking place in the library. Finally, she gave up the attempt and set the book aside.