Page 117 of The Bad Husband

“As you say, sir.”

Is Livia pissed?

I’ve never heard her talk like that to anyone, let alone him.

“When should I do that?”

A few moments pass.

“Is she coming home tonight?”

She?

Are they talking about Henrietta?

“Oh. Okay, sir.”

That makes me think he said no. She’s not coming home tonight. The tension in her voice fades.

“I’ll do that right away. Does she know about it?”

A few seconds pass.

“Perfect. Let me know if you need anything else.”

Okay. So whatever he asked her to do took her by surprise.

Her footsteps ring across the kitchen, so I pull farther away and hide around a corner. She exits the kitchen when someone else’s footsteps echo not far from me.

It’s one of the housemaids.

“Flora?” Livia calls.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Go to Miss Henrietta’s room, pack up her things, and wait for me.”

My heart skips a beat.

Um… What? Where is Henrietta going?

I hope they’re not splitting up, or getting a divorce. Because where she goes, I’ll need to go.

There’s no way around it. Is he aware of that?

He must be.

So, what are they doing?

Something happened to Henrietta?

“Is she all right?” Flora asks.

Right on time.

We’re both waiting for an answer.

“She’s fine. She’ll live in the guesthouse from now on.”