Abercrombie awaited them at the open front door.
Nicholas introduced her ladyship to his butler as she stood observing the lake. Its waters looked on fire beneath the rays of the setting sun. She turned. “Abercrombie. I have not brought my maid. Please send a capable girl to my bedchamber.”
“Certainly, my lady.”
Nicholas went to his library to await the miscreants. Warren was absent. Nicholas opened the door and spoke to the footman. “Do you know where Mr. Warren is, Giles?”
“He said he had business to attend to, milord.”
“Where?”
“He didn’t say. He left the house some hours ago.”
“Did he go on horseback?”
“I believe so.”
Weary after many hours on the road, he returned to sit down and await his wards, wrestling with his temper. Did no one obey him? Where the devil would Warren go at this time? Nicholas assumed his secretary received his message ordering him to watch the children and to keep an eye out for Simon Leeming. But what did he find? His two wards outside at dusk and no sign of the fellow. Might he have a woman in the village? Nicholas found that hard to believe. His secretary had always obeyed his orders without question.
Looking sheepish, Bella and Jeremy came into the library.
Bella hurried over to kneel beside Chester and stroke his ears. “It is so good to see you, Nicholas. We can play snap. It has been so dreary without you.”
“Where is your governess?”
“Scotty is lying down. She has a headache.”
“Is she aware that you were outside on the lawns while it grew dark?”
“Not exactly,” Jeremy said, shuffling his feet on the carpet.
Nicholas raised his eyebrows.
“We thought it better not to tell her. It might have made her headache worse,” Jeremy volunteered. “I say Nicholas, now you’re here, we can visit the Roman ruins. You did promise.”
“I’m aware of that,” Nicholas said shortly. “But if you keep trying my patience, I might forget that promise.”
Jeremy straightened. “I say, that’s rather…”
“Unless you would prefer to spend the rest of your holidays back at Eton.”
Jeremy shook his head and fell silent.
“Good. Now I have something to tell you.” He waved them to a seat. “I am concerned about a matter pertaining to your Uncle Simon. He is back in England. Your father did not wish you to see him…”
“Why ever not?” Bella asked.
“Don’t interrupt me, Bella. The reason does not concern you. I prefer you to stay indoors until I say otherwise.”
“We can’t go out? For how long?” Jeremy gasped. “Can’t I visit the horses?”
“Not for a while. But to make amends, I shall take you both to London when I’m free to do so. You may see your sister. And visit the Tower. We might go to a Tattersall’s auction.”
“I can see Carrie?” Bella cried.
Nicholas nodded with a smile.
Jeremy’s eyes widened. “That’s jolly decent of you.”
