“Good job, Kareem.” Mr. Balfour touched his hand to the man’s shoulder.
“Oh! My thanks to you both—Kareem, Mr. Balfour.” Aunt Clodagh gave in to sobbing, burying her face in the pillow she was still clutching.
“You’re safe now, Aunt.” Onora flew to her side, putting her arm about her.
“You were brave, Miss Sullivan, keeping your head until we got here.” Mr. Balfour replaced his gunwithin its holster. “And Miss Montague.”
Aunt Clodagh lifted tear-filled eyes. “Oh, she was most courageous! Her quick thinking saved me, throwing her dressing gown over the creature. Dear Onora!” She squeezed her hand.
“It didn’t mean harm. It shouldn’t have been here at all,” Onora replied. “A cobra like this is usually found by the cliffs, or down by the river, where there are birds and their eggs, as well as toads and other snakes for them to eat.”
“No doubt it came for the chickens. There’s a whole run of them, isn’t there, by the staff quarters?” Aunt Clodagh suggested.
“Perhaps…” Onora frowned. She was about to ask Kareem what he made of it, and if they’d had snakes inside the residence before, when there were voices by the door.
“Heard shouting. Is anything untoward?” the Colonel called through.
“Clodagh, dear, are you alright?” A face in a lace nightcap appeared.
The doctor stepped over the threshold. “Is assistance needed? I’ve brought my bag.”
Onora was touched by all the concern, even if it was rather belated. She beckoned in Dr. MacGregor. Her aunt appeared fine, but it would likely soothe her to receive the attention.
“What’s going on?” Seton appeared. He made no qualms about entering but stopped abruptly upon seeing his nephew. “And what the deuce areyoudoing here?” His tone was far from friendly.
“A cobra.” The younger man’s reply was similarly tight-lipped. “I couldn’t sleep. Came in to reference something in the library and ended up dozing off in a chair. I regret it took me as long as it did to get here. Thought I was imagining things.”
Seton’s gaze was stone cold, moving to Kareem. “I take it the serpent is in that basket. Take it out of here and chop its head off. I’ve told you about keeping snakes out of this compound. If it happens again, you can pack up and leave.”
“Seton!” Onora felt compelled to intercede. “Kareem acted swiftly and humanely. Hedeserves our thanks rather than censure.”
The man had been working on the site since her father’s time and she knew him to be conscientious. To threaten dismissing him over such a thing was monstrous.
“I apologize.” Kareem bowed low to her aunt and herself. “There shall be no more snakes. A guard will sit under this window, to watch day and night.”
“Thank you, Kareem, but I’m sure that won’t be—” Onora had no chance to finish, being interrupted by Seton.
“Leave this to me.” His jaw was taut with anger. “And put something over your nightgown! A degree of modesty wouldn’t go amiss.”
The rebuke stung.
Was that all he could think of, when her aunt had been in such danger? Seton hadn’t even asked after her.
Onora shrank back, folding her arms over her chest. The cambric likely did reveal more of her shape than was seemly, but she surely didn’t deserve admonishment, any more than Kareem.
Dr. MacGregor gave his verdict. “MissSullivan will be fine. Her pulse is steadying but I’ve given a drop of laudanum.” He smiled gently at Clodagh. “Can hardly expect you to get back to sleep without a bit of help.”
“Excellent.” Seton’s tone was crisp. “In that case, we can all return to our rooms.”
Kareem hurried out, and Seton ushered the others away from the door.
“Thank you, doctor. I’ll stay with her,” said Onora.
“Oh yes, dear. That would be kind.” Clodagh settled back against her pillows. “Climb in beside me. There’s plenty of room.”
“I’ll take first watch outside.” Mr. Balfour locked eyes with Onora. “I’m sure there won’t be any more snakes, but if you’ve any cause for alarm, I’ll be right on the other side of the door.”
“I think not, Balfour.” Seton’s tone was icy. “And I’d appreciate you making prior request for use of the library—during daylight hours, if you would.”
