“It will be dark soon. Send Toby with a note.”
“I prefer to go myself. Explain things to her and makesure she has no concerns. It won’t take long. I can be back in an hour or two.”
Miss Fitzjohn challenged Mr. Dalby with another pointed look. “Very well. I think we will survive that long, won’t we,dearcousin? Unless you object for some reason?”
“Not at all. In fact, it might be a good idea to keep an eye on her.”
“What do you mean?”
For a long moment, Mr. Dalby held Katherine’s gaze, then shrugged. “Nothing at all. Do whatever you like. It matters not to me.” He straightened his sleeves and turned. “Now, if you will excuse me, I have something I must ... take care of.”
Leaving her cases in the hall, Anne left Painswick Court and set out for Yew Cottage. Nerves jumping at every sound, Anne hurried across the graveyard to the welcome sight of the snug abode with candlelight glowing in the windows.
When she arrived, Miss Lotty wrapped her in a fierce embrace. “Oh, Anne. You’ve been heavy on my heart. I’ve been praying for you.”
“Thank you.”
Anne had barely crossed the threshold when Ursula Birt gave a cursory knock and let herself in.
“Saw you arrive, Miss Anne. Had to come and see how you are.”
“I am ... well enough. Thank you for your concern, Miss Birt.”
“Do come and sit down, Anne,” Lotty insisted. “Have something to eat.”
“Very well, although I promised Miss Fitzjohn I would return in an hour or two. She has asked me to remain a few more days.”
“Why?”
Anne considered. “She says she is not feeling well, butI wonder...” Was Katherine uncomfortable in Painswick Court with Mr. Dalby in residence now that her mother and Jasper were gone, and Rosa and nearly Anne as well? It certainly seemed like it.
The three women shared a simple meal of bread, cold ham, cheese, and fruit, along with sympathetic conversation, which soothed Anne’s beleaguered soul.
“Again, I’m so very sorry about Lady Celia,” Miss Lotty said, eyes downturned. “Passing away during your stay. Most trying, I’m sure.”
“It was. Thank you.”
“And knowing you, my sweet, dutiful girl, you feel responsible at least in part, after your dear mamma...” She patted Anne’s hand. “But remember it is God who numbers our days.”
Around a bit of ham, Miss Birt said, “Unless there’s a killer afoot. Then God has less to do with it.”
“Ursula, please. It’s only a rumor.”
“I hope you don’t believe all the rumors,” Anne said. “I did not give her too much of anything.”
“We know that, Anne. Of course we do.”
“That was one rumor we gave no credence to,” Miss Birt agreed. “Though I heard some of the men from the coroner’s jury talkin’, and it seems you thought someone may have done her in?”
“I did think that, yes.”
“Dr. Marsland said she died of natural causes,” Miss Newland said, expression pained. “Heart failure or the like, and the coroner and his jury agreed.”
“I know.”
“And Dr. Marsland is very knowledgeable, Anne. I’ve known him for years.”
Ursula nodded. “We all have.”
