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Farlow smiled slightly. “I’ve never seen you in a temper before,” he said, and picked up a sandwich.

“This isn’t a temper,” she replied curtly. “If I were in a temper, you would have been skewered with the ham trident by now.”

As they both fell silent, John went to the table. “Shall I clear for the next course, ma’am?”

“Yes.” Reina reached up to rub the back of her neck as if it were sore.

John collected the used plates and cutlery and carried them to the sideboard. But before he could set out the plates for the next course, he saw a movement at the threshold.

It was Belinda, looking impatient and anxious as she tried to attract his attention without drawing notice.

He went out into the hallway with her. “How is Tuppence?” he asked.

“Bettering-and-worsing. The midwife wants a word with you.”

“She’s already examined Tuppence?”

“Yeah. She said to fetch you quick.”

“Tell her I’ll be down directly.”

Belinda scampered off, and John entered the library again. He motioned for Norman to join him at the sideboard.

“Take all the sweets to the table,” John murmured, “and set a fresh pot of hot water next to Miss Martin.”

“Yes, sir.”

John began to leave the library but stopped as he heard Reina’s voice.

“Pembroke, wait.”

He turned to find her staring at him through narrowed eyes.

“What’s going on?” she asked. “Why are you jumping about like a cricket in a hen yard?”

“Nothing to concern you, ma’am.”

“What is it?”

There was no choice but to admit it. “Tuppence is in labor.”

Reina sprang to her feet, obliging Farlow to stand as well. “How could you not tell me?”

“You were discussing important business matters. Furthermore, there was nothing—”

“Tuppence is important!”

“—you could do that wasn’t already being done. Enid and June are taking care of her—”

“I still should have been told.”

“—and I decided it was better not to distract you.”

Reina glanced at Norman. “Did you know about this?”

Norman recoiled visibly. “I’m not sure, ma’am.”

“Yes or no?”