“I did not see it. Maybe it’s still there.”
Looking first to make sure the corridor was quiet, he held the door for her and locked it behind them. After returning the lamp to its place on the passage table, they walked through the long gallery to the night stair.
“There it is.” He jogged to the bottom of the stairs, bent to retrieve the small stringed bag, and brought it up to her.
Accepting it from him, she noticed it felt suspiciously light. She looked inside. Her few coins and hairpins were still there. But that was all.
“My room key is missing.”
Another shaft of terror pierced her. Had Mr. George taken it ... for later?
“Perhaps someone returned it to the front desk,” he suggested. “Or to your room. Shall we look there first?”
Turning toward the door of number thirteen, which was still unlocked, she opened it and glanced inside, glad Frederick was with her.
“Has anything been disturbed?” he asked.
“No, but I don’t see the key either.” She looked up at him. “You will think me foolish, but I don’t want to stay here tonight. I think I will walk back to the lodge.”
“All that way at this time of night? And in the pouring rain? I would offer you a ride, but all I have here is a horse, and Tarvin’s fly is not covered. I believe the other rooms are occupied except for number three. I hesitate to suggest it with its unsecured second entrance, but if you want, we could ask to have it readied for you.”
She shook her head. “I don’t want to trouble anyone. I just want to be safe.”
He considered a moment, then said, “Gather your things and come with me.”
She blinked up at him in mute surprise, then collected the rest of her belongings into her partially packed valise. “Where are we going?”
“I know it is not the done thing, but you can have my room. I will share with Thomas next door.”
“That is kind of you, but—”
“It will likely cause tongues to wag, I can’t deny. If you prefer not to... ” He looked at his pocket watch. “Perhaps I could take you to the dower house. It isn’t as far as the lodge, and Mamma has a guest room.”
“Heavens, no. Your mother retired long ago, I imagine. I would hate to disturb her.”
“True.” He paused, then said, “But I agree with your decision to sleep elsewhere. I don’t like the thought of you being alone in this room off by itself. So what’s it to be? Wake my mother or take my room?”
“Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“Not in the least. I wouldn’t sleep otherwise, worrying about you.”
He led her down the corridor. As they passed the door to number twelve, her skin prickled as though she were being watched.
When they reached his room, Sir Frederick unlocked the door and quietly ushered her inside. He closed the door behind them, though he stood with his back against it. “You will be safe here. Thomas or I will be right next door. The sheets are fresh. I did lie on that pillow for a short rest, but otherwise, all should be clean for you.”
“Don’t you need to gather your ... night things?”
“Yes. Pray pardon me as I do. It will take just a minute.”
“You needn’t clear out everything. I will likely go to the lodge tomorrow, now the inquest is over.”
“Very well. That would be quicker.” He gathered what looked like a nightshirt and his toiletries.
“That should tide me over.” He returned to the door. There, he pressed his lips tight as he considered. “Before I go to bed, I am going to find Mr. George, let him know you are safe, and make sure he means you no harm. I will not mention your change of rooms but will make it clear you are under my protection, just in case. I won’t be gone long, and in the meantime, I shall ask Thomas to remain vigilant. After that, I shall be next door the rest of the night. All right?”
She nodded.
“I hope you will be able to sleep.” He handed her his key. “Secure the door when I leave, and don’t hesitate to knock on the wall or to call out if you need anything.”
