“He’s to be released from hospital later this morning. Going to stay with his parents.”
She bit her lip to keep from asking if he could be brought to her home instead. That was hardly her place when they were only courting. “Good. Good, I’m sure his mother and father will take excellent care of him.”
“It was a long night. He only just woke this morning.” The emotion in the sergeant’s face tugged at her even as he sniffed. “Scared the living daylights out of me, I admit.”
“Were you there?” she asked, her heart going out to Henry’s friend who was in clear distress. “When it happened?”
“I’d just left and was only a couple of streets away. Came running when I heard the blast, I feared the worst and…and nearly found it when I got there.”
Amelia was torn between wanting to know more and leaving it up to her imagination. Unfortunately, she had a vivid imagination. Best to know the facts. “Was anyone else hurt?”Orkilled?But she couldn’t ask that.
“A few passersby, one constable. Henry got the worst of it. Quite a bit of damage to one side of the Yard. Shattered the windows of the pub across the street. Glass and rubble everywhere.” Fletcher huffed out a breath. “Made a terrible mess, we’re lucky no one was killed.”
“Yes. Very lucky.” Amelia pressed a hand to her chest in an attempt to calm her still pounding heart.
She turned to look at Fernsby who’d gone pale at the news, though relief shone in his eyes as he met her gaze. His distraught expression made it clear he was nearly as concerned as she was. That wasn’t a surprise; she knew he liked and respected Henry.
“I came to tell you as soon as he woke,” the sergeant continued, and Amelia faced him again. “I couldn’t leave him until he talked to me. He only woke for a short time and didn’t talk much, though he did say your name. I knew he wanted me to tell you, so I came straightaway.” Fletcher offered a partial smile. “I’m pleased that you and he—that you have—” He cut off the words, clearly unsure how to say what he meant.
“Thank you.” She was, too.
“He’s mentioned you, and himself. Once or twice.” The sergeant’s smile was more relaxed now. “I’ve been giving him a little advice, being a married man myself.”
Amelia smiled, easily able to imagine Henry’s reaction. “And did he take it?”
Fletcher frowned. “I don’t know. Has he invited you to the theater?”
“Not yet.” The theater? She had something to look forward to.
The gruff man nodded. “I should’ve known—I’ll have another word with him. When he gets better, that is. Can’t have all your outings revolve around murder investigations.”
“True. I appreciate that. I didn’t know Henry enjoyed the theater.” She wouldn’t have guessed it.
“Doesn’t matter if he does or not. As long as you do.”
Her smile felt more relaxed this time, her worry easing. “If you spent the night at Henry’s bedside, you must be hungry. Or at the very least, in need of coffee.” She glanced at Fernsby. “I’m sure Mrs. Appleton could prepare a quick breakfast.”
“I have no doubt that she would be pleased to,” Fernsby agreed.
“Oh, I wouldn’t want to be a bother,” Fletcher said even as he held a hand to his stomach, suggesting it growled in response to the mention of food.
“Not at all. She baked bread just this morning and there are plenty of eggs.” Partly because Amelia didn’t eat many. At least not as many as her cook would like her to.
The sergeant grinned gratefully. “Well, that would certainly save me some time, and I can return to the hospital sooner. Mrs. Fletcher would thank you for it.”
“Perfect.” Amelia turned to Fernsby. “Will you see Sergeant Fletcher fed before he goes on his way? Perhaps he could take a few biscuits for later if we have any.”
“Of course, madam.” Fernsby dipped his head. “A quick meal will be prepared shortly if you’d care to venture to the kitchen when you’re ready.” The butler departed.
Fletcher’s gaze returned apologetically to Amelia. “Thank you, ma’am. I’m sorry to bring you such poor news first thing in the morning.”
“I’m grateful to know, and I look forward to seeing him for myself.” The sooner the better. She couldn’t relax until she did. How soon could she reasonably call on his parents?
“The physician intended to have another look at him this morning, and as long as his condition hasn’t worsened, he should be able to depart for his parents.”
Amelia nodded. “Good. Hospitals can be unpleasant.”
“The blow to his head appears to be the worst of it. His shoulder and ribs must be agony, based on the stiff way he moves. It looked as if he tried to protect Marcus as best he could.”
