I was nowhere closer to uncovering Charles Pearson’s killer nor Oliver’s possible role in illegally exporting Greek antiquities, and had quite possibly destroyed my acquaintance with Mr. Dorian in the process. I closed my notebook and stumbled into bed, where sleep finally embraced me. I was awoken later by a soft knock on the door and the housekeeper’s concerned voice.
“Mrs. Harper, are you well?”
“Yes, I’m fine,” I rasped as I pulled a hand down my face. Then I rolled over and squinted at the small bedside clock. It was nearly 9:30. I threw back the covers and hurried over to open the door.
Mrs. Ford was waiting in the hall, her face pinched with worry. “May I bring you a tray?”
“Thank you, yes. I’m afraid I had trouble sleeping last night,” I explained.
Understanding dawned on her face. “You poor thing. I have a tincture that does wonders, if you need.”
“I appreciate that and will certainly let you know. How is Tommy?”
“He’s perfectly well,” she said with a reassuring smile. “Curled up with a stack of books in the study.”
“Good.” I let out a breath of relief. Between the book Cleo had lent him and the stack we had brought home yesterday, I hoped he could be occupied for the rest of the morning.
“Now you go on back to bed, and I’ll be in shortly with some breakfast,” Mrs. Ford said.
I nodded at her gentle command and did as I was told. As I nestled under the covers once more, my gaze caught on the desk by the window and the notebook I had pushed aside in frustration mere hours ago. My mind and body were desperate for more sleep, but my thoughts churned with renewed vigor and the need to do something.
By the time Mrs. Ford returned with a poached egg, toast, and tea, I had already dressed for the day.
She raised an eyebrow as she set the tray down. “Going somewhere?”
“I was hoping to visit Delia this morning,” I replied, pouring myself a cup of tea.
Mrs. Ford pursed her lips in disapproval. “Might it not be better to let yourself rest?”
I gave her a smile. “Believe me, I have functioned on far less sleep many times,” I added with a knowing chuckle that the housekeeper did not return.
“Pardon me, Mrs. Harper,” she began. “But I promised your aunt that I would watch out for you, and I must admit that I am not merely speaking of last night. You’ve been pushing yourself ever since that man’s death.”
I placed a hand on her shoulder. “I very much appreciateyour concern. Really, I do. But I’m fine. I’ll go see my sister and then return for a nap this afternoon.”
I watched Mrs. Ford mull over my words and finally give a stiff nod. “All right then.”
“Thank you,” I said with a gentle squeeze of her shoulder. And it was the truth. I did appreciate having someone looking out for my well-being.
After I finished my breakfast, I went to collect Tommy. He was reluctant to leave his little pile of books until I mentioned that my parents had a very fine library of their own that he could peruse. Then he was on his feet and barreling down the hall towards the door.
Once we arrived at Portman Square a short time later, I was happy to learn from Morris that Delia was awake and in the parlor. Tommy wanted to escape to the library at once, but I made him come with me to greet his aunt. Upon entering the room, I found Delia curled up on the window seat with a book. She looked so peaceful that I almost hated to interrupt her, but then Tommy charged forward.
“Hello, Aunt Delia! What are you reading? Is it about dinosaurs?”
She broke into a smile and sat up. “Unfortunately, no. It is a book of poems by John Keats.”
Tommy immediately frowned, which was to be expected. “I think you would much prefer to read about dinosaurs.”
“I agree,” she replied before looking at me. “I’m glad you’ve both come.”
Delia wore a plain grey day gown, with an old shawl wrapped around her shoulders. Her face was still paler than normal, but she looked better than the last time I saw her.
I patted Tommy’s shoulder. “Why don’t you go down the hall to the library. You might even find a book for your aunt.”
He looked up at me, his eyes wide with excitement. “All right.” Then he bolted from the room.
“No running inside!” I called after him, but it seemed to have little effect.
