“There are many holes in his story—however, nothing we can prove to press charges for. Buying apprentices is common practice, and the new apprentice does not need to be willing.”
“Disgusting. James, we really need to bring this forward.”
James nodded. “We’ll discuss it with Soothcoor. He would be the one to advise us on whom to approach.”
“I should like to talk with Christopher when his initial trauma has worn off and he is more comfortable. He may have overheard names or seen things that are important.”
“I should prefer to wait until after Dr. Seeton has seen him again.”
“I understand—however, consider. Someone wanted to separate Christopher from Soothcoor and was not afraid to make that a permanent separation. Luckily, so far, the hired resources have not been inclined to murder a child. We cannot take it for granted that all will be so loath.”
Cecilia stared off across the room, her mind running in circles. She knew little about children, had not had the opportunity to learn anything of children. What was the correct action?
A shiver ran through her. “You think someone would go to murder?”
“They already have, else Muriel Patterson would still be alive.”
* * *
Cecilia ledthe way to the nursery and quietly pushed the door open. Rani yet sat by Christopher’s bed. She’d been singing softly to him in her native language, but broke off when Cecilia, James, and Lewis entered.
“Is he awake?” Cecilia asked.
Rani looked down at him, then shook her head as she rose from her chair. She glanced at Mrs. Dunstan who waved her on to talk to Cecilia and Lewis.
“No,” she said as she walked over to them. She looked back at Christopher again, then came out into the hall with them.
“I need to speak with him,” Lewis said.
Rani glared at him. “He is but five, a child, a child in pain.”
“I know, but even an innocent child hears things.”
“No, you cannot wake him.” She placed her hands on her hips, her posture stiff, and her brow pulled together. The fierce protectiveness in Rani’s eyes and manner caused Cecilia to smile.
“Mr. Martin, could you not tell Miss Rangaswamy the questions you would ask? She can ask them when he wakens, and he is more likely to truthfully tell her the answers to your questions than he would to you.” Cecilia suggested.
He cocked his head. “Yes, that would be appropriate.”
“Then let’s go to my sitting room to discuss the questions you have. That way, Miss Rangaswamy will not be far from Christopher, and that will help her relax as well.”
“Thank you, my lady,” Rani said, her face clearing. She sighed heavily.
Lewis smiled at her. “I do not mean to be a trouble, Miss Rangaswamy,” he said gently. “I, like you, only want what is best for the child and believe fiercely we need to capture those involved in his kidnapping.”
“I know,” she said, almost shyly. She smiled slightly and looked down.
Cecilia, noting her reaction, raised her eyebrows and compressed her lips, but said nothing. It appeared Miss Rangaswamy was taken with Lewis. Interesting. And what a tangle if Mr. Thornbridge was truly enamored with her!
She led them to her sitting room.
Cecilia sat in the upholstered chair, which left her sofa for Lewis and Rani. “Mr. Martin, what would you have from Christopher?” she asked.
“Quite a bit I’m afraid,” he admitted to her. He turned to face Rani. “I understand you may not be able to ask him all of my questions at once. And you may divine other questions that should be asked, based on his responses.”
She nodded and pressed her clenched hands into her lap while staring at him intently. “Yes, yes,” she said eagerly.
“I would like to know what he remembers the men said who took him from the woman. Did they mention any names? Did they say anything to him about their plans? When he was locked in the room above stairs at the tavern, how did that come about? What did they say or do then? Did he try the door to prove it was locked?”
