Page 105 of A Shadow Amongst the Roses

Margaret’s fingers closed around hers. “Thank you.”

A faint creak moved through the wall behind them.

Edmund glanced toward it.

Eliza almost smiled.

“The house,” he whispered.

“Yes.”

“Is it watching?”

“I believe it is.”

This time the sound came from overhead, a quiet settling of timber rather than warning.

Edmund considered that gravely. “Good.”

Something in Eliza’s chest tightened. She touched his shoulder lightly. “Remain here until I send someone for you. Do not open the door unless you recognize the person on the other side.”

His expression turned solemn. “Yes, my lady.”

Margaret rose with her. “Are you leaving Hartleigh?”

“For a few hours.”

“Thornhaven?”

The question startled Eliza.

Margaret immediately lowered her gaze. “Forgive me. I heard one of the maids mention horses.”

“It is all right.”

Margaret hesitated. “Be careful.”

Eliza studied her. Not calculation. Not performance. Fear. And perhaps guilt that her own troubles had become entangled with dangers she did not understand.

“I will.”

She crossed to the door, then stopped with her hand upon the latch.

“Mrs. Lane.”

Margaret looked up.

“If Edmund remembers anything else, anything at all, you send for Eleanor or for me. Do not decide it is too small to matter.”

“I promise.”

Eliza opened the door.

The corridor beyond lay quiet, washed in pale morning light.

Thomas would be preparing the horses.

Thornhaven was waiting.