“Oh?” Henry had forgotten about that. “I assume the experiments were met with success?”
“They were.” Fernsby positively beamed, an expression Henry rarely saw on the butler’s usually serious face. “A true delight. Even I learned a few things.” He leaned close as if to impart asecret. “Mrs. Greystone is an intelligent lady, her enthusiasm unmatched.”
Pride filled Henry. “I couldn’t agree more. It must have been an enjoyable afternoon.”
“Indeed.” Fernsby tipped his head toward the stairs. “I’m sure she’ll be happy to tell you more.”
“Thank you.” Henry’s flagging energy returned as he climbed the stairs. How fortuitous he’d stopped by so he could help celebrate her success.
“Henry! How lovely of you to come by.” Amelia rose from the settee, a book on one side of her and Master Leopold curled in a ball on the other.
“Fernsby was just telling me of your afternoon. Sounds as if congratulations are in order.” He walked forward to take her outstretched hands and kissed her on the cheek. The small gesture of casual affection pleased him more than he could say—and based on the color that filled Amelia’s cheeks, she enjoyed it, too.
“It was good fun,” she said with a laugh. “I do believe the children enjoyed it. In fact, the headmistress has asked me to return.”
“The highest compliment possible.” Her joy seeped into him, settling around his heart. “Tell me everything.”
Amelia did just that, sharing her gratitude for Fernsby’s assistance as well as that of her aunt. Henry gestured toward the sideboard and, at her nod, poured them drinks before returning to her side while his hostess told him more of her afternoon.
Master Leopold hopped down from the settee to wind against his legs, then took his place on the rugbefore the fire as if aware Henry would want to sit beside Amelia. The feeling of comfort the situation brought, one which had become a joyful routine, was something he treasured.
“Aunt Margaret was in the thick of it,” Amelia continued, “even though she’s rarely done more than look at my laboratory from the doorway. I think she has discovered chemistry is more exciting than she thought.”
“The next thing you know, she’ll be clamoring to join you in the attic,” he teased. “Her and Fernsby both.”
“One never knows.” She paused to take a sip of her sherry. “To see the students’ joy, their excitement as the experiments produced results, was truly special.” Her eyes narrowed. “I’m already thinking of new experiments to conduct, though some of the preparation might be less than exciting.”
“Might be a good lesson when that holds true for much of life. We often need to do the tedious work to achieve our desired results.”
“That’s true, I didn’t think of that. I suppose I want them to keep their enthusiasm for a time.” She bent to pet Master Leopold when he lifted his head to look at her. “Life wears it away fast enough.”
“It does, especially for those children.” Most were orphans who’d already experienced unimaginable difficulties. "How are Agnes and Pudge?"
"Doing so well. Wait until you see them."
“You are helping to turn their lives around, along with the other children.” The world needed more Amelias, as far as he was concerned.
“A wonderful thought, and I will hold it tight. Now, enough about me. You are here earlier than usual.” She studied him for a long moment, lifting a hand to brush his forehead. “You look rather pale. How are you feeling?”
He sighed, appreciating her touch which did much to ease his headache. “It was a long day in many ways.” He shared the latest news about the sanatorium—ending with the denied warrant.
“How unfortunate,” she said with a frown. “Now what?”
“We interview the good doctor to see what she has to say. I want to speak with her at the sanatorium, as well as at her home.”
Amelia’s eyes lit with approval. “Excellent idea. Getting a better sense of her personal life could prove helpful.”
Henry could almost see the wheels turning in that clever brain of hers. Three, two—
“In fact, perhaps I could—” she began.
“You most definitely could not,” he countered with a smile. “While I appreciate your investigative skills, I don’t want you involved any more than you already are with this case.”
She huffed out of breath, clearly disappointed. “It wouldn’t be dangerous. I could speak to her as one woman of science to another.”
“She has already met you, Amelia,” he reminded her gently. “You do not think she would find it odd if you sought her out a second time?”
Her face fell. “Oh, I had not remembered that. But what if I—”
