As she ate, Rani wondered why she was being treated as an honored guest instead of as a servant. She admitted she enjoyed it, and that brought with it a wealth of guilt. While her uncle had treated her as a member of his family and not as a servant, as a teacher, his was a modest household. He allowed her to serve in his classroom and thereby listen to what he taught his male students. Rani liked to listen.
There was a knock on the door of the adjoining room.
“That will be Eddie letting me know your bath is ready when you are, miss.”
“Oh, yes, yes,” Rani said, dabbing at her lips with the serviette. She rose from the table.
* * *
Rani had just finished puttingher hair into a low bun at the base of her neck when there was a knock on her bedroom door.
“Yes, please,” she called out, as she stood up.
Dot entered. “There is a message come for you, miss,” she said, holding out a cream folded note. “Do you need me to read it for you?” she hesitantly asked.
Rani laughed lightly. “No, no. I read English.”
Dot blushed. “I’m sorry, miss—”
“No, no. I am lucky. Uncle taught boys, and I listen,” she said with a mischievous smile. But then a frown furrowed her brow. “I hope it is good news for Krishan.” She flipped open the note. “Oh, I speak too quick.” She looked up at Dot. “The writing is hard. I read books, not—” she mimicked writing with her right hand.
Dot’s face brightened. “I will help you. Many people have handwriting that is hard to read.” She took the paper from Rani. “It is from Mr. Thornbridge,” she said, glancing at the signature first. “He says he will be here at 11 a.m., and Mr. Martin will come, too.”
“It doesn’t say they find Krishan?”
“No, miss.”
Rani sighed and looked away.
“But I am sure they will!” Dot said. “Do not give up.”
“Thank you. I go downstairs to wait.”
* * *
“John Coachman madegood time driving to London,” Cecilia observed, looking out the carriage window as they drove into the city environs.
“Not as much traffic this time of year,” said James. “And Reuben is good at pacing the horses,” he said, using their John Coachman’s real name.
“I wonder how far behind are the staff that are joining us in London?”
“They travel in a heavier conveyance that’s well laden. You cannot expect them to make the time we did.”
Cecilia nodded as she continued to stare out the window. In some ways she missed London, but not in others. She enjoyed their estate and the time she and James had to be together. However, she enjoyed London, too. She was looking forward to enjoying town life for a brief bit of time—so long as Soothcoor’s nephew could be found swiftly.
As the carriage turned down the street, Cecilia reached back to grab James’s hand. “I think that is Mr. Thornbridge entering our townhouse. He has another gentleman with him.”
James leaned over her to look out the window. “Then I would say our arrival is well timed.”
* * *
“Mr. Thornbridge! Ho there!”David heard from behind him, as Charwood opened the door to the Branstoke townhouse.
“Mr. Martin! Well met! Just in time. I’ve just arrived myself,” David said. They entered the house together. David handed Charwood his beaver hat and the greatcoat he’d donned that morning, for the weather was colder.
“I’ll keep my coat on, thank you,” Lewis told Charwood. “The clothes I have on underneath are not suitable for the parlor of a fashionable house!” he said with a laugh.
David noted the man looked haggard. Most likely up all night. “You have been about the city. Have you discovered anything?” David asked. The door to the parlor opened. “I heard you come in. Have you found Krishan?” Rani asked from the parlor doorway. She squeezed her hands together until her fingers were nigh white.
