Chapter 26

He closed the door behind them. He looked at Robert.

They had not encountered anyone on the way upstairs; he had been glad of that. Most guests would have left by now, given the hour and the obvious disruption of the household; the family would have stayed, of course, which by definition included Nicholas Herron and some of the cousins, like Miss Elizabeth, which likely meant Lady Rosamond would have also stayed over.

He paused, considering situations. Told Robert, “Stand by the bed, and don’t move.”

A bell-pull and a step out into the hall brought a maid; young Jenny said, wide-eyed, “Oh, Mr. Price—the evening, such an evening, and—oh, Mr. Robert—is he unwell? We’re that concerned about him; I’ll bring tea and toast if he’d like.”

The servants, Anthony reflected, thought well of Robert. Of course they did—he himself did—but he liked hearing so: his lover was also beloved.