“No, I do not, and fail to see how I could, considering they are nobility.”
“Not all of them are nobility,” Gabe added.
She looked down at her plate and away from his eyes.
“And yet I know no one of that name.”
Her wrists were certainly skinnier than they had been when last he saw her. Cheeks more hollow.
All eyes turned as the door opened and in bounded Walter with a loud woof. He made for Dimity.
“I’m sorry, Miss Brown, he slipped his collar.” Fairfax held the lead in his hand.
“Is that a necktie?” Nathan looked at the length of grubby grey cloth attached to Walter’s collar.
“One of mine, actually,” Gabe drawled.
Walter left Dimity and made for Gabe, clearly happy with seeing him again. After all, he was responsible for his current, much more comfortable, situation.
“Hello, Walter, I hope you slept well.” Gabe scratched behind his ear, which had the dog whining softly. He then handed him a slice of ham from his plate.
“I don’t think you should be feeding him from the table,” Dimity said.
“Why?” He held her eyes.
“It’s bad manners.”
“I doubt he’s had much to celebrate in his life, and this is likely the first slice of ham he has tasted. I see no reason to deny him that treat.”
Her lips pressed into a straight line, but she didn’t reply. Gabe watched Walter work the room. He moved to each of his brothers and placed one paw gently on a thigh. Each gave him food and a scratch.
“And now if you will excuse me, we must be on our way.” Dimity wiped her mouth delicately, then placed her knife and fork together on the plate. She got to her feet.
“Where to?” Gabe got to his also.
“I have things I need to do.” She wouldn’t meet his eyes.
“You have no job and no lodgings,” he said in a flat, hard tone that had his brothers falling silent.
“I have lodgings.” She glared at him.
“No, that room you were staying in could loosely be termed a hovel, but not lodgings. If you are determined to find a place to stay, I will help you. Now gather your things, and we shall leave.”
“I’m not going anywhere with you.” She shot his brothers a look, and he wondered if she hoped they would intercede on her behalf. They didn’t, clearly agreeing with Gabe that he needed to help Dimity.
“Accept the help that is offered freely, Dimity.” Gabe sighed.
She had the grace to blush.
“Very well, and thank you for all you have done for me and Walter. Now I need to return to the room briefly before we depart.”
“You are most welcome. I will see you in the front entrance shortly.”
Dimity gave him a curt nod, her lips clamped in a straight line.
“Good day.” She moved away from the table, curtseyed beside the door, then left.
“That went well.” Nathan sat back in his chair.
