Chapter 50

“She’s in the back parlor,” Lucy said helpfully.

Nick stopped on the stairs. “Aren’t you going with Nellie when she takes Cedric for his airing, Lu?”

“We’ve already been.” Lucy frowned, likely already suspecting that he didn’t want her present when he spoke to Charlotte. “Do you want me to see if Violet will come out?”

“I’ll speak to her myself. Go up and help Nellie, please.”

Lucy studied him for a moment, then sighed and reluctantly turned to go back up the stairs.

Nick let out a sigh of his own, relieved not to have to fight with Lucy as well—it was almost a foregone conclusion that he would be having one with Charlotte.

“Will you tell me what’s happened, Nicky?” Lucy paused on the landing.

Knowing how difficult it must be for such an inquisitive girl to be constantly kept in the dark, Nick nodded. “As much as I can,” he promised.

“Good. I should hate to have to listen at the door—I imagine it’s not very ladylike.” With that parting shot, Lucy hurried up the stairs.