To April, it looked like a somewhat frenetic dance where only Barley the constable did not know the steps.But he was doggedly pursuing his duty.
“So Edward was up with old Lady Temperley at about midnight?”he said.
“According to Becky, who heard it from her ladyship,” Mrs.Riley said, stirring her pot with vigour.
“And Becky attended her ladyship again at three,” Barley said.
Mrs.Riley glared over her shoulder.“Why don’t you go up and ask Lady Temperley if you’re doubtingourword?”
“I’m sure that won’t be necessary,” Barley said hastily.
It struck April that Mrs.Riley was defending the servants, who were probably like family to her, however troublesome and disobedient.If she had anything to do with the matter, Abraham Barley would have no say in their punishment.
But Barley himself seemed to have no desire to punish.
“I believe I’ve done my duty,” he said portentously as he rose from the table.He caught sight of April and bowed.“My lady.”
“Do you wish to speak to my guests?”April asked.“They are not all up yet, but—”
“Oh, no, my lady,” Barley said.“That won’t be necessary.Good morning, my lady.”
Mrs.Riley met April’s gaze over the serving dish into which she was forking scrambled egg.April strolled over to her and waited until Becky whisked the dish away and vanished toward the baize door.
“Whom did he question?”April asked her.
“All of us, the stable lads, and the gardeners.He’s thorough is Abe.”
“Did he go into Edward’s room?”
“No.”Mrs.Riley glanced around her and saw that the servants were all out of the room.Harold was lumbering out with heavy buckets of hot water.“No one’s gone in but me and the doctor.I’ve told everyone doctor’s orders is to keep him quiet so no one’s to go in anymore.Best I can do.As for his nibs, he’s been drinking water and gruel.He’s weak as a kitten and unnatural quiet, like, but he’s definitely better than before.Better enough to keep quiet at any rate.”
April nodded, watching through the kitchen window as Barley marched toward the side of the house and the path back to the village.“Who does he think did it?”
“He don’t think anyone did.He thinks it were an accident and I’m not sure I blame him.”
“It would certainly be a more comfortable answer,” April agreed.Unfortunately, it was unlikely to be the correct one.
Determined now, she slipped into the housekeeper’s sitting room, scratched very briefly at the inner door and went in.Edward was sitting up in bed, his bandage and pale face almost blending with the array of pillows surrounding him.He held a glass of water in one hand but seemed to be staring into space.
“Good morning, Edward,” she said quietly.
He didn’t jump, but he did blink his eyes into focus on her face.He even moved his head against the pillow in a sort of bow.“Your ladyship.”
“I’m glad to see you looking better.How is your head?”
“Not too bad, my lady.”
“Are you hungry?”
“Not really, my lady.”
She smiled.“I suppose gruel is not terribly appetizing.I’ll speak to Dr.Fosterson.Perhaps Mrs.Riley could make you a good broth for luncheon.”
He made no response to that.Although his gaze remained on her face, she had the feeling his attention was largely on his own thoughts.
She sat down in the chair by the bed.“Who struck you, Edward?”
“I don’t know.It was dark.My lady.”
