“Why?” Mr. Dalby asked.
“Said he wanted to discuss something with her. Maybe he’s thinking of selling out.”
“I doubt that. Told me he’s being dishonorably discharged, which means he’ll have no commission to sell. Instead he’ll be cashiered in disgrace.”
“Oh no. What did he do?”
“Something about a duel, I gather. Probably shot someone in a fit of pique, knowing that hothead.”
“I can’t believe that. Jasper is not violent.”
“Not to you, perhaps. But when we were lads, he was quick to mete out physical justice if he disliked something Idid. Bad temper, that one. Probably loved being in the army. Ordering soldiers about. Killing people.”
“Don’t say that. Jasper has always been honorable.”
“Not anymore, at least according to the British Army.”
Anne tiptoed away and up the stairs. Learning Jasper was having dinner with Lady Celia—and perhaps a delicate conversation as well—she decided not to intrude. She let herself in through Sir Herbert’s room, intending to wait in the dressing room until he departed.
She’d left the door to Lady Celia’s room ajar, as was her habit, and so unintentionally overheard some of their conversation.
Lady Celia said, “Jude mentioned it, by the way, so no need to beat about the bush.”
The colonel swore under his breath. “Should have known he could not keep his mouth shut.”
“What did you do?”
“You will think me a coward, as you have never been one to suffer fools gladly.”
“No. But I rule the roost here, and woe to anyone who challenges my authority. Last I looked, you did not rule the British Army.”
“As my superior officer never let me forget.”
“Tell me what happened.”
He sighed. “Very well. I ...”
As curious as she was, Anne slowly and quietly closed the door to give penitent and confessor their privacy.
Whatever he’d done, she hoped it wasn’t as bad as Mr. Dalby had said.
When Jasper finally left, Anne let herself into Lady Celia’s room and found her feeding a few choice morsels to Louie, who was sitting on his haunches next to her on the bed.
“I do hope you ate some of your dinner yourself, my lady. You need to keep up your strength.”
“Received some bad news and lost my appetite. Tired me out too.” Lady Celia leaned back against the pillows and closed her eyes.
“I am sorry to hear that,” Anne said. Sorrier than Lady Celia knew.
Anne carried the woman’s dinner tray into the passage and set it on the small table there. She quietly closed the door and inserted the goose feather into the keyhole as a signal for visitors to stay away while the woman rested.
As Anne straightened, whispers reached her from somewhere nearby. Leaving the tray where it was, she tiptoed to the top of the stairs and peered down. There at the next landing stood Rosa and Dr. Finch, talking in terse whispers. Both appeared agitated, perhaps even angry.
Curiosity and suspicion flickered. What were those two arguing about now?
The housemaid, Jane, came up the stairs and the two quickly stepped apart. Rosa said, a bit louder than necessary, “Yes, thank you, Doctor, I shall be sure to pass along your instructions to the nurse.”
“Uh ... very good, Miss Stark.”
