They searched the whole ballroom, passing in and out ofconversations with no sign of Admiral Hoddle. After the better part of an hour, Maureen said, “Does it seem to you that there aren’t quite so many people as before?”
Mira glanced about the room. Sure enough, the numbers had dwindled significantly. Only about thirty or so people left and Admiral Hoddle wasn’t among them.
“It is getting late,” Mira said.
“Not for the Risewells. They keep all hours. There’s a side door along that hall there, maybe Hoddle went out on the veranda,” Maureen said, pulling Mira along.
The hallway was dimmer than the ballroom, which surprised Mira as it was lined with windows on the west side and the moon was half full. It was also quite a bit colder. The grandfather clock in the hallway chimed eleven.
“I do hope he hasn’t left me here. I didn’t think the carriage would be coming until after midnight.”
“If he has, there’s enough room in ours.”
Maureen opened the side door and a chill wind rushed around them, sharp bits of ice stinging their cheeks. A heavy snowfall was descending, with several inches already on the ground. Mira helped Maureen push the door closed again.
“I certainly hope Admiral Hoddle didn’t go out in that,” Mira said.
They returned to the ballroom and found Byron, Walker, and the Renaldis standing together.
“Why, Liza Renaldi!” Maureen said. “It is so good to see you.”
“You as well,” Liza said, giving Maureen a hug. “I haven’t seen you since your—”
“Yes. I know,” Maureen said, too quickly.
Mira shared a glance with Byron. She’d have to ask Liza what she knew about Miss Harris, but now was not the time. Instead, she covered for Maureen. “Have you seen the snow?”
Byron nodded. “Someone noticed it worsening about thirty minutes ago, hence the mass exodus. I only heard about it five minutes ago, but with the way it is coming down, I doubt anyone got ahead of it.”
“I hope no one gets stuck on the road,” Liza said. “That would be dreadful.”
“Did the Admiral go too?” Maureen asked.
“I haven’t seen him since ten or so,” Byron said.
The Sherards joined their group, Mrs. Sherard looking particularly drawn.
“Mamma, do you need to sit down?” Byron asked, coming to her side.
“No, no. I need you to hire another carriage,” Mrs. Sherard said.
Byron frowned.
Mary said, “Benson has informed us that the carriage became stuck in the mud as he brought it around. When he and one of the staff here tried to free it, the horses moved too fast and the axle snapped.”
“Which is why we must call for another carriage. If we are going to leave, we ought to do so in short order,” Mrs. Sherard said.
“Mamma, the weather is bad enough, I don’t think it would be wise for us to travel, regardless of the carriage.” Byron said.
“I agree,” Mary said. “It wouldn’t do for you to catch your death of cold. And how are we to hire a carriage all the way out here?”
Mr. Risewell approached. “I am so sorry for the inconvenience.”
“You couldn’t have foreseen the weather changing so abruptly,” Mrs. Sherard said.
“If I had known an hour ago how much it would snow, I never would have let anyone attempt the journey.” Mr. Risewellsaid. “I have already informed my staff that our guests will be staying the night. I’m afraid we only have six extra rooms, but if everyone is game, I think we’ll manage.” After a moment, he added, with a laugh, “And if the weather clears up well enough, we might even have a good hunt tomorrow! Just give us a few minutes to sort things out, and in the meantime, if you can divide yourselves into proper sleeping arrangements, I’d be much obliged.”
Mira looked at the remaining group: Dr. Turpin and his wife were there, Bertie Corbet stood off on his own, and there was Admiral Hoddle. She hadn’t seen him come in. She nudged Maureen.
