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Sighing inwardly, Sebastian patted her hand and got to his feet, leaving the room as quickly as he could without seeming in haste, as he did not want to set off his mother further. Once he was out of the room and down the hall, he paused and turned to lean with his back against the wall, sighing with relief. Closing his eyes, he let his weight rest against the hard surface, gathering his strength.

It had been a long and tiring day even before his mother’s hysterics.

Now he still needed to change, bathe, write a request for an audience with Mei’s grandmother, and do what he could to locate Aaron Heywood within the household. And the other members of his mother’s entourage. The mystery of what exactly had happened with Harleen had been compounded by the knowledge that the staff his mother had chosen to travel with was all so new.

Of course, he had not begrudged her hiring any more necessary help, living at the Grange, though she should not have needed much, but…

Blast. His mind was mush.

The sound of a door opening had him turning his head and bracing himself, but it was just Posy, leaving his mother’s room. She closed the door behind her, then turned, freezing when she saw him at the end of the hall. Her eyes widened, then her head dropped again as she bobbed into another curtsy. It was a good thing she was young; otherwise, he would start to worry about her knees with all the bouncing up and down she did.

Head still down, she scurried in the opposite direction, like a scared little mouse.

Sighing, Sebastian forced himself to straighten up.

Bath and a new set of clothes first, then he would write his request for an audience with Lady Hu. Though there was no doubt in his mind that Mei had already told her grandmother everything, and that she would be expecting his note.

Striding down the hall, Sebastian felt the tiredness in his bones. Not just physically from the arduous travel, but emotionally from his mother. The house had been so much more peaceful without her. Now he felt as though he was walking on eggshells—and stomping on them by bringing up his engagement to Mei.

Yet he was not going to back down.

Hopefully, once his mother was done throwing her fits, with no change in his plans, she would come around. If not, it would be back to the Grange with her. Just thinking about sending her away again relaxed the knot in his chest as he got to his room, where his valet was waiting.

“I kept the bath hot,” Darnwell said by way of greeting Sebastian, giving him only a short bow. His familiarity was a relief after Posy’s cloying level of obeisance.

“Thank you, Darnwell. I need to speak with Riggs again when I am done. And can you bring me some paper? I need to write a note as well.”

“Of course, Your Grace.”

As soon as Darnwell was finished helping Sebastian with his boots and jacket, the valet took himself off to take care of Sebastian's things, as well as his requests. Sebastian sank into the bath with a sigh, leaning back against the tub. He knew he needed to focus on his mother and Harleen and Aaron Heywood and all the turmoil within his own household, but his mind kept drifting to Mei.

Wondering what she was doing.

How her trip back to London had been. She had not appeared entirely thrilled to be getting into a carriage with Lady Astrid when it was time to go, and he could not blame her. Lady Astrid’s expression had been particularly predatory. But then, Mei was the one who had made friends with her; she should know how the lady was.

He wondered if she had already told her grandmother, or if she was putting it off until Sebastian’s note arrived… and wondered which would be better for him.

A little knot formed in his stomach. Hopefully, her grandmother would not have the same objections Mei had had.

Hopefully, she would not convince Mei to refuse him.

Mei had said her grandmother wanted her to marry, but perhaps she would also hesitate at having her granddaughter marry a duke.

There was no way out but forward.

Still, when Darnwell returned with Sebastian’s writing case, Sebastian cut his bath short so he could pen the note to Mei’s grandmother even before speaking with Riggs. He handed it to Darnwell to be sent out first thing in the morning, then asked his valet to send in Riggs now, as well as fetch Sebastian a late supper.

“What can I do for you, Your Grace?” Riggs asked as soon as he entered Sebastian’s chambers.

“You mentioned three of the staff with my mother who are not as new,” Sebastian said, trying to keep his voice as casual as possible. “I have some questions for them, but as it’s rather late in the day, I would speak to Mr. Aaron Heywood this evening, in my study, and I can speak with the other two tomorrow.”

“Of course.” Riggs hesitated as if he wanted to say something, but then gave Sebastian a short bow and exited the room. Likely, he was curious about Sebastian’s questions for the staff, but he was too proper to inquire. Though he ran the staff, along with the housekeeper, he would not want to overstep his place.

Which Sebastian was thankful for. Normally, he would keep Riggs entirely in the know, but with the conspiracy… not that he suspected Riggs of having anything to do with his father’s death, but it was safer to keep things close to the chest. Sebastian was nearly certain that Riggs would not have loose lips if he knew the truth, but nearly certain was not entirely certain.

Sebastian did not want to question Aaron Heywood in his dressing gown, even if it would possibly put the man at ease. After all, how suspicious could Sebastian be of him if he was not fully dressed?

Not that Sebastian was going to question the man about his possible role in the death of Sebastian’s father. Not without some of his other dukes present. He genuinely did have questions about the Grange, Mr. Heywood’s employment with the Bolton household, and if Mr. Heywood had known Harleen. He wanted to get a general sense of the man.