Mr. Overtree rose. “Ah yes, for your history of the county. With all the excitement, I nearly forgot.”
“I don’t wish to disturb you, sir. I know you are celebrating the wonderful news about Captain Overtree.” The young man held out a glass jug of ruby liquid. “My mother sends her good wishes and famed cherry cordial.”
“How lovely,” Kate murmured, meeting his gaze.
When Mrs. Overtree said nothing, her husband stepped forward, accepted the jug, and examined it approvingly. “Very much appreciated. Thank you, and thank your mother for us. Now, let’s go into my study.”
Mrs. Overtree frowned. “Is this really a good time, my dear? Perhaps later, when you are better rested?”
“Don’t worry. I feel perfectly well. I have been looking forward to this interview. Our family has played an important role in the county’s history, and it should be made known.” He lifted the bottle with a twinkle in his eye. “And Mrs. Nelson’s cordial should be enjoyed.” He gestured for the young man to precede him from the room.
As the men left, Sophie dutifully reached for her half-finished baby bonnet. Noticing Kate stare after Mr. Harrison with soft eyes, Sophie hid a smile.
Later that night, Sophie lay in bed in nightgown and shawl, reading. She intended to stay awake until eleven, suspectingsomeonemight pay another clandestine visit to Colonel Horton’s room, since she and Kate had interrupted them the night before.
But suddenly she jerked awake, and realized she had fallen asleep. She hoped she wouldn’t be too late. Quickly climbing from bed, she wriggled into slippers and stole into the corridor. She tiptoed around the corner to the colonel’s room. Sure enough the door was ajar again, and she heard voices.
“Tomorrow night,” the colonel said. “Remember. Can’t let Janet find out.”
“Janet? What about the vicar?” a female voice replied.
“He took a pony from me last week. He won’t say a word. Our secret is safe.”
“Very well. Good night.”
Too late to hear more, Sophie pressed herself to the wall as the door opened. Sure enough, Winnie emerged, dressed in her usual blue frock and white collar, and quietly closed the door behind her.
She and the colonel were of an age, Sophie supposed. But it was still somewhat shocking. No wonder he’d said he didn’t want his daughter to find out.
Sophie was almost certain Winnie would not extort money from the colonel, but she wanted to make sure she was not somehow taking advantage of the lonely widower, or preying on his sympathies.
“Hello, Winnie.”
The nurse started. “Miss Sophie! What are you doing up and about this time of night?”
“Couldn’t sleep. You?”
“Oh, em. I sometimes walk through the house at night. Take a bit of exercise, go past each of the children’s rooms to make sure everyone is settled. Old habits from the past, I suppose.”
“And do you check on the colonel as well?” Sophie asked, surprised at her boldness but feeling oddly protective of the old gentleman. He was her grandfather by marriage, after all, and she was fond of him.
“The colonel?” Winnie glanced toward the door she had exited as though just noticing it there. “Oh. Well. Sometimes. He is part of the family as well.”
Sophie narrowed her eyes. “Winnie, what are you up to?”
The elderly woman looked at her in surprise, silvery brows raised high. “Up to? Nothing diabolical, I assure you.”
“Then why sneak around? And what doesn’t he wantJanetto find out?”
The nurse winced. “Heard that, did you? I told him we ought to shut the door all the way, but he insists on leaving it ajar for propriety’s sake. Worried about my reputation—at my age! But yes, he would prefer his daughter didn’t know of our late-night... conversations. You won’t tell, will you, my girl? I’ve kept your secret after all.”
Which secret?Sophie thought but didn’t voice the question. Remembering Stephen’s assessment of the woman’s foresight and seeing her knowing look, Sophie didn’t doubt for a moment that Miss Whitney knew every last one of her secrets.
“And I appreciate it, Winnie. But Kate is suspicious too. I can’t guarantee she won’t say something, in hopes of protecting her grandfather.”
“Protecting her grandfather?” Winnie hooted. “It will take more than a mere slip of girl to protect the colonel from me!” She grinned like a mischievous girl herself.
And with that unexpected pronouncement, Winnie turned and climbed the attic stairs, giggling as she went. And at that moment, Sophie thought she understood why uncharitable people sometimes questioned the woman’s mental state.
