Dr. Worcham nodded his understanding as he again drummed his fingertips on the arm of his chair. “Badly done,” he muttered. “Badly done all around.”
“I beg your pardon?” said Cecilia, leaning closer.
He frowned as he shook his head. “Nothing for you ladies to be concerned about.—Lady Branstoke, have you sent word to The New Bell Inn concerning the jar of honey?”
She nodded. “I did so before dinner.”
His lips pulled to one side, then exhaled sharply. He slapped his hands against the chair arms as he stood up suddenly. Cecelia wondered if that was in approval or disapproval. There was something about the doctor’s manner that bothered her. And what did he mean byBadly Done.What was badly done?
“Dr. Worcham, why was it put about that Mr. Montgomery died two years ago?” Cecilia asked.
He shook his head “I have to go now. Did you get the information you required about Mad Honey?”
Before they could answer, he hurried out of the library. The ladies looked at each other in concern and confusion for the doctor’s hasty departure.
“Is there something going on I don’t know about?” Mrs. Vance asked.
“Can we tell her?” Julia asked.
“I think we should, as I believe Mr. Montgomery’s will might soon become a matter of great importance,” Cecilia said. “And I believe it is time for a chat with Mrs. Worcham, as well.”
“She’s probably in the strawberry parlor at this hour,” Mrs. Vance said. “Let’s check there.”
She stood and Julia and Cecilia followed her.
“Strawberry parlor. I haven’t heard of that room,” Cecilia said as Mrs. Vance led them down the length of the library toward the windows. Just before they reached the windows, Mrs. Vance turned to the right and pressed a hidden latch inthe shelves, releasing a door into a cozy parlor decorated with strawberry-patterned wallpaper and fabric with other pieces in solid strawberry red or leaf green.
Mrs. Vance had been correct. This was where Mrs. Worcham sat alone, working on her sewing.
“Excuse us for bothering you, Mrs. Worcham, but might we talk with you?” Cecilia asked. Behind her, Julia carefully shut the door leading back to the library.
CHAPTER 16
THE LADIES CHAT
Mrs. Worcham laid her embroidery work for the hem of a new gown down beside her.
“Of course. How may I help you, ladies?” Mrs. Worcham smiled happily, her cheeks like little rosy apples. Her wig was an attractive dark brunette. It looked so natural on her, Cecilia wondered if it was close to her natural hair color.
“We’ve come to talk to you, if we might,” Cecilia answered as she and the other two ladies took seats near Mrs. Worcham.
“How luscious! But you know—or at least Mrs. Vance and Lady Stackpoole know—Mr. Turnbull-Minchin does not like me to associate with the patients.”
“Why not?” Cecilia asked.
Mrs. Worcham shrugged. “Control, I suppose. Mr. Ratcliffe suggested Thaddeus hire him to help get Camden House expenses under control, but I dare swear,” she said with a laugh, “sometimes he wants to control everything, not just what has a monetary impact.”
“That doesn’t bother you?” Cecilia asked.
“Not particularly,” she said airily. “My dear Thaddeus has been so much more relaxed since he hired Mr. Turnbull-Minchin. Things were so at odds for him. His anxiety wasterrible. As much as I do not care for Mr. Ratcliffe, I commend him for recommending Thaddeus hire a superintendent.”
“I know Mr. Ratcliffe was Mr. Montgomery’s cousin and guardian—” Cecilia began.
“I didn’t know that!” Mrs. Worcham exclaimed.
“Nor I,” said Mrs. Vance. Next to her Julia nodded, her expression perplexed.
“Mr. Mongomery seemed to hate the man! He always hid when Mr. Ratcliffe came to Camden House,” Julia said.
