“Girls!” She said again, in a tone similar to his former tutor.
Then Henry remembered, Norbright’s wife had been a teacher until they married.
“Should I get Mrs. Wiggons so that you can explain to her?”
“No,” one of the girls blurted out. “We only followed the others inside.”
Norbright frowned. “What others? I only see you three.”
“Your sisters, and Lady Sophia, Miss Rosemary and Miss Eliza,” another answered.
“Well, they don’t seem to be here now and I suggest the three of you leave and forget what you saw,” Norbright ordered. “Be curious about something or someone else.”
“We might not see them…” Lady Norbright trailed off as she crossed the room and yanked open a door.
In an instant, a blonde student tumbled out, followed by a redhead. A brunette and Norbright’s younger sisters stood behind them.
“What is the meaning of this?” Norbright demanded.
Lady Victoria stepped forward. “We were out walking and saw the coffin arrive.”
“As it came to our brother’s home, naturally we wanted to find out who had died.”
“Naturally,” he grumbled.
“Who is it?” Victoria asked.
“Ashford,” Henry answered and turned to his friend. “Perhaps we should explain...”
“No!” Lady Norbright interrupted. “It’s bad enough they snuck in here, again, thus setting a bad example for younger students. They do not require or deserve an explanation.” She pointed to the door. “All of you, go back to the school, now.”
“Yes, Lady Norbright,” they murmured, heads down, chastised, and walked from the chamber.
“I’m very sorry, Lord Norbright,” an older woman said as she stepped into the room. “I was so busy directing the maids to prepare rooms and then set to locate footmen to help get Mr. Ashford settled, that I didn’t realize we had intruders.
“It’s not your fault, Mrs. Whipple,” Norbright assured her. “When the three instigators of mischief are afoot, there is little any of us can do.”
“Yes, well, I suppose you are correct.” She sighed as four footmen entered the chamber.
“Please see that Mr. Ashford is settled comfortably in bed and then I’d like someone to sit with him until he awakens,” Lady Norbright ordered.
They nodded and the three quit the chamber, closing the door behind them.
“Are you going to tell me what happened?” she asked her husband.
“Of course, down in the sitting room.”
“And, I also assume you are going to introduce me to your friends.”
Lady Norbright was still very much a teacher, but Henry held back a grin.
“Of course, dear. You simply haven’t given me much time.” He kissed her forehead. “Where have you been, Darling.”
“Oh, doing this and that. It doesn’t really matter, and not nearly as exciting as what’s been happening here.”
“Claudia, I’d like to introduce you to my good friend, Henry Cochran, the Earl of Kilsyth.”
Her eyes widened for a moment. “Lord Kilsyth, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
