“Adamantly.”Wait ... John.Realization dawned.Of course. Though he is no stranger.She swallowed. “Who says he saw this?”
“A young page. He is pretty positive. I realize it is awkward, but you see why we felt we must ask.”
“We?”
“Sir Frederick and me. We’ve been interviewing people. To identify anyone whose testimony might be helpful to the coroner’s inquest underway now.”
Sir Frederick had heard of this? What must he think of her! But she couldn’t name John without placing him under suspicion.
Rebecca’s nerves jangled. How she dreaded being summoned to the inquest. It was bad enough to lie in an informal setting, but in a legal proceeding?Please, God, no.
“And what time was this ... supposedly?” she asked.
“Around ten.”
John had arrived earlier, before dinner, though he had also gone out and returned again later. She shook her head once more. “The lad was mistaken.”
A way out flashed through her mind.
“Oh! I know what must have happened. A man did come to my door later that night. He knocked but I did not let him in.”
“Who was it?”
“Ambrose Oliver.”
“What?”
“That must be where the misunderstanding originated. The page must have assumed I let him in. But I never even opened the door to him.”
The constable scratched his head.
“I know it sounds ... odd,” she said in a rush. “I thought it odd and rather disturbing at the time, which is why I did not answer his knock. Oh! Sir Frederick can confirm this. He heard Mr. Oliver knocking and calling through my door and told him to go back to his own room.”
“Did he indeed?”
“Yes. You can ask him.”
“I shall.”
She looked up at him, hoping her face did not reveal her unease. “Anything else?”
“Not at present.” He frowned at her bonnet and cloak as though just noticing them. “You were not thinking of leaving the hotel, were you?”
She raised her chin. “Only to reassure my family. I imagine they have heard about the death and may fear for my safety. I did ask permission, and Sir Frederick said it would be all right if I came back directly.”
The normally friendly man’s eyes darkened. “I shall verify that with him as well.”
———
Rebecca walked to the lodge, full of self-reproach. When had she become such a liar? Yes, she had been trying to protect John, but that did not justify her actions. If she were called to testify at the inquest, would she have to lie again to protect herself? To save John? The commandment ran through her mind,Thou shalt not bear false witness....
God, please help me make this right!
The cook-housekeeper came to the door, wiping stained hands on her apron. “Ah, Miss Rebecca. I am very glad to see you.” Rose looked down ruefully at her red-smeared apron. “I apologize for my appearance. Caught me chopping the last of the beetroot. The first time you came home, the house was as untidy as you’ve ever seen it, and this time you find me covered in red stains. Probably thought I’d murdered someone or at least a chicken.” Rose grimaced. “Sorry, that was an idiotic thing to say, considering what happened up at the abbey.”
“You heard the news, then?”
“Yes. Robb Tarvin brought it. A regular town crier he is. I had just resolved to walk up to the abbey this afternoon to make sure you were all right. Come in, come in.” Rose led the way back to the kitchen. “Just let me wash my hands and I’ll put the kettle on.”
