“It is over and done with.”
Penelope shook her bowed head. “The footmen thought they were standing up for Hibbert and Mrs. Norton by giving you small helpings at dinner. And Tim confessed this morning to the staff that he was responsible for the branch that almost fell on you and Miss Miller. It had been Mrs. Norton’s idea as well, but he was the one who pulled the rope. He said that he only meant to frighten you, after seeing you flirt with your American friend. He didn’t mean you or your friend permanent harm.”
The footman had been in the entry when Stuyvesant had arrived and held her arms. Tim had witnessed their emotional exchange. His loyalty to Thomas and the Ashby family was commendable, but she couldn’t allow someone who had tried to harm her in any way to stay in her home.
“He will have to be dismissed,” Cordelia said, and then gave Penelope a penetrating glance. “And who was responsible for shooting at me?”
Penelope flushed red. “I swear it wasn’t me. I suppose it would have to have been Mrs. Norton—her husband must have taught her how to shoot before he died. She clearly had excellent aim, for she hit Thomas last night. And she’s the only other servant besides Hibbert who would have had a key to the gunroom.”
Of course. Both the housekeeper and the butler had keys to every cupboard and room in the house. With Mrs. Norton dead, and once Tim was dismissed, Cordelia wouldn’t have to worry about bringing the murderer with them to London.
“Thank you for telling me the truth.”
Penelope exhaled slowly. “There is another truth I must face: Thomas doesn’t love me anymore. I realized last night that he loved you, and I wish I could tell you that my feelings for him were also gone, but it would be an untruth.”
Cordelia swallowed, her throat dry. “I know, and that is why I think it would be best for all of us if you were to go to America with Blanche. Experience a change of scenery, and perhaps meet other young men who are available.”
She nodded and turned to leave through the now unlocked door. She paused as she opened it and said over her shoulder, “You make a splendid countess, Cordelia. Even if your American ways are different than ours.”
“Thank you.”
Penelope left the room just as Miss Vaughn entered carrying a breakfast tray. “You look peaky, my lady. We can’t have that. Not with a houseful of guests.”
“I forgot all about my guests.”
“Now, don’t you worry about them,” Miss Vaughn assured her. “Hibbert arrived back early this morning, and he has everyone from the duchess to the servants in shipshape order.”
“I believe it,” Cordelia said with a laugh.
“He’s a good butler, my lady.”
“I realize that now and I will tell him.”
“Good,” Miss Vaughn said, and clapped her hands. “I’ll get your morning frock ready.”
Cordelia ate her breakfast and then allowed Miss Vaughn to clothe her and dress her hair before returning to Thomas’s side. He was sleeping still, so she sent Thayne to his own room to take a much-needed rest. Cook brought a tray of tea and a bowl of gruel and set it on the table.
“Pull the cord if you or Lord Farnham need anything else.”
“Thank you, Cook. You have been so helpful during this entire ordeal.”
“I’m only doing my job.”
“And I appreciate it,” Cordelia said, and held out her hand to the older woman. Cook took Cordelia’s hand and shook it before leaving the room.
Cordelia sat down on the edge of his bed. She placed her hand on his forehead to check for fever. His head felt a trifle warmer than it should have, but not enough to alarm her. She gently kissed his brow.
“Does this make me the sleeping princess again?” Thomas asked in a quiet, raspy voice.
She gave a sound that was half laugh and half sob. Tears of relief fell down her cheeks and she wiped them away with her hand. “No, silly. You were always Prince Charming, who rescued Rapunzel from her tower.”
He tried to shake his head, but his face contorted with pain. “No, no. Rapunzel was perfectly capable of rescuing herself. She just needed a partner.”
“She couldn’t have asked for a better partner.”
“I need to apologize.”
“It can wait.”
