“That’s Grandfather...” Kate breathed, surprise and concern in her voice. “But who is he talking to? I can’t make out the second voice.”
“I’m not sure,” Sophie whispered. “What are they talking about?”
“I don’t know, but it doesn’t sound good.”
Kate eased open the timber, slipped out easily, and held it for Sophie. She wriggled out, stumbling as she did so, and her shoes scraped the floor.
“Shh,” Kate warned, then inched open the hidden priest hole door. From the corridor came the sound of rapidly retreating footsteps. “Uh oh,” she whispered. “Do you think they heard us coming?”
“Probably, if we heard them.”
Kate led the way to the colonel’s door, still ajar. She knocked once, and opened the door wider. “Grandfather?”
Behind her, Sophie could only glimpse the top of his head over Kate’s shoulder.
“Hello, Kate. What a surprise. What are you doing up this late?”
“I was worried about you. I... heard voices. And footsteps leaving your room.”
“Did you? That’s strange. One of the housemaids, I’d wager. Or perhaps I was talking to myself again.”
“Are you all right?”
“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”
“The conversation sounded... strange. Threatening.”
“Threatening? No,” he chuckled. “No one’s threatening anyone, Kate. Just a little good-natured teasing. You know how I like to tease.”
“Yes... Well, if you’re sure you’re all right.”
“Perfectly sure. Good night, Kate.”
“Good night.” She shut the door.
Sophie whispered, “Did you see anything?”
“Not much. He was sitting alone at his tea table. I thought I saw him hide something in his lap, but I can’t be sure.” Kate looked up at Sophie with wide eyes. “Do you think someone is extorting money from him?”
“I doubt it. He didn’t seem upset,” Sophie pointed out, another theory forming in her mind.
Kate countered, “Maybe he just didn’t want me to know.”
“Well, let’s leave it for now,” Sophie said. “It’s late. And he’s a grown man—and a colonel in the bargain. I’m sure he can take care of himself.”
“You’re probably right.” But Kate didn’t look convinced.
The next afternoon, the family relaxed together in the white parlour. The colonel had gone out riding and Wesley to check on a tenant, for which Sophie was privately relieved. As the women knitted and Mr. Overtree perused the newspaper, Thurman appeared and announced Mr. Harrison’s arrival.
Kate brightened immediately, and Sophie set aside her knitting, grateful for the reprieve.
The young man entered the room and bowed in greeting.
“Mr. Harrison,” Mrs. Overtree acknowledged stiffly. “What a surprise.”
“A pleasant surprise,” Kate added with a smile.
“I had an appointment with Mr. Overtree,” Mr. Harrison began. “To talk about his family history, but—”
