Relief washed over her like a balm. “I understand, and thank you,” she said. “Though I don’t believe for a moment that Samuel is dangerous.”
*
Despite the coolertemperatures, several of the residents of St. Giles House were seated outside, all suitably attired. Samuel was not among them, but Louisa recognized young Tom Ellis from her previous visit. He was seated in his bathchair beside one of the garden benches, a rug tucked around his legs. Tom apparently recognized her too and raised a hand in greeting. A lady sat on the bench beside him, obviously keeping him company. One of the volunteers, Louisa assumed. “I’m just going to have a quick word with Tom,” she said to the others. “I’ll meet you inside.”
Lifting her skirts slightly, she padded over the thick, damp grass. “Good day to you, Tom,” she said, as she drew near. “It’s a pleasure to see you again. How are you?”
“I’m quite well, thank you, Mrs. Harlow. It’s a pleasure to see you again as well.” He cast a fond glance at the woman beside him. “This is my mother, Dora. Mam, this is Mrs. Harlow.”
“Oh, how nice!” Louisa regarded the woman seated on the bench. Of middling years, she was slightly built, her blue woolen coat well-worn, but neat, her blond hair edged with silver around her bonneted face. “Tom told me about you the last time I was here, Mrs. Ellis. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
The woman’s cheeks reddened slightly as she dipped her chin. “Likewise, ma’am, I’m sure.”
Tom’s face lit up with a smile. “Mam lives in Knaresborough now, Mrs. Harlow,” he said. “Got a live-in job as chambermaid at the Bridge Hotel, so visits me often.”
“Now that isverygood news.” Louisa returned the smile. “I’m so pleased. Well done, Mrs. Ellis.”
“’Twas naught I did, ma’am,” Dora said, shaking her head. “’Twas all arranged by some kind soul whose name was nevertold to me. But being able to visit my son like this is the answer to a prayer, for sure. The answer to a prayer.”
“I did wonder if you and your husband had something to do with it, Mrs. Harlow.” Tom cocked his head. “Mam getting the job, and all? If you did, we’re very grateful.”
“No, I…” Frowning, Louisa glanced over her shoulder, seeing no sign of Maxwell. Could it be? Had he arranged this without telling her? He did have a penchant for keeping certain things to himself. “I don’t believe I can take the credit for it, Tom. But, like you, I’m grateful to whoever it was.”
After saying her farewells, Louisa went off in search of the others. The front door at St. Giles House opened with a groan, and she stepped inside, nostrils flaring as she inhaled the indelicate air. From the kitchen came the hollow rumble of voices, one of them Maxwell’s.
Louisa paused and shifted her gaze to the corridor, specifically the direction of Samuel’s room. The sound of voices faded away when, like a portent, the same feeling she’d experienced on her previous visit crept over her. A touch of breathlessness, and a tingle of raw anticipation that set her nerves on end. This time, however, she couldn’t blame it on too much sun.
“Louisa.”
Startled, she turned to see Maxwell standing beside her.
“Is something wrong?” he asked, frowning as he peered at her.
“Um, no.” She shook her head. “I’m perfectly fine.”
“Then why didn’t you answer me?”
“I…” Confused, she shook her head. “Forgive me, I never heard you approach. My mind was elsewhere.”
“Hmm.” Maxwell looked down the corridor toward Samuel’s room. “Despite your earlier reasoning, my love, I’m still notconvinced this is a good idea; my concern being more for you than Samuel.”
Louisa tut-tutted and made an exaggerated show of adjusting her gloves. “I’m quite well, Max, I can assure you,” she said. “Actually, I was thinking about the chat I had with Tom Ellis just now. The lady sitting with him is his mother, Dora, who told me she recently secured a live-in position as a chambermaid at the Bridge Hotel here in town, which means she can now visit her son regularly. She also admitted none of it was orchestrated by her, which makes me wonder if you might know something about it.”
Maxwell grimaced and rubbed the back of his neck. “I couldn’t really say. I might have made a couple of recommendations here and there, but I wasn’t sure if they’d actually accomplish anything.”
Louisa gave a soft laugh. “Maxwell Benedict Harlow, you are a wonderful man.” She grabbed his lapels, stood on tiptoes, and planted a kiss on his mouth. “Truly wonderful.”
From nearby came the exaggerated sound of a man clearing his throat. Louisa let go of Maxwell’s lapels and turned to see Charles and Jane standing outside the kitchen door. Jane looked decidedly amused. Charles, perhaps not quite so much. Louisa blushed. Maxwell merely smiled and threaded his fingers through hers.
“If you’re ready,” Charles said, moving past them, “we can go and see Samuel. He’s on his own.”
Louisa’s heart sped up. “I’m ready,” she said.
As before, the door to Samuel’s room stood slightly ajar.
“Go ahead, Louisa.” Charles pushed at the door, its hinges creaking as it swung open. “We’ll stay back but will remain in full view. If Samuel shows any sign of anxiety or agitation, you will leave immediately. Understood?”
Louisa nodded her gaze already fixed firmly on the man who sat in silence at the small table. The dominoes lay on the table before him, placed as if he’d just completed a game with an invisible companion. She glanced down and saw a solitary tile on the floor, by his feet.
