“Then he needs a doctor,” Zeb said. “So why don’t Jessamine and I take the motor to town and get one.”
“Because it is too dangerous!”
“The man can drive slowly. I’ll walk by the motor to ensure it doesn’t lose the road.”
A muscle jumped in Wynn’s jaw. “It’s too far for that.”
“Then two of us can walk. Mr. Grey can come and we’ll take turns. Elise can accompany Jessamine as chaperone so there can be no objection.”
“I have every objection. You cannot order my staff or demand to see my guests. This is my house, and you may not behave as though you are already my inheritor!”
His voice got louder on that last. Zeb had heard a footstep on the stair, behind him. He would put money it was Bram or Hawley.
“So order the motor,” he said. “Frankly, Wynn, your hospitality is starting to resemble a stay at His Majesty’s pleasure. I would like to leave, and it sounds as if you would like me to leave, so I really cannot see any reason why you should be trying to prevent me.”
They stared at each other. Wynn had gone brick-red; Zeb was probably much the same.
“I suggest you consider your position and your manner,” Wynn said thickly. “This is no way to speak. I will talk to you later before I say something I regret.”
He walked off. Zeb said, “Don’t just go like that!” but Wynn didn’t turn round.
“Well, well,” Hawley said behind him. “Good Lord. Has little Zebby found a spine? I must say, I’ve always taken you for one of nature’s invertebrates. Or do I mean inverts?”
“Sod off, Hawley,” Zeb said. “Go on, scamper after Wynn, slander the rest of us, and beg for his money. It’s what he’s brought you here to do, and you’re living up to expectations.”
“Ah, yes, your ostentatious lack of interest in filthy lucre,” Hawley flashed back. “I warned you about scheming for the inheritance.”
“For the last time—”
“Cousin Zeb!” Jessamine said. “Are you not going to speak to Wynn? About our walk?”
“Oh, you two went for a walk?” Hawley asked, barely masking the snarl. “How very interesting. I wouldn’t have thought it was the right weather. I would not have advised the company.”
Jessamine turned her shoulder to him, a little snub that made his nostrils flare with anger. “Will you, Zeb?”
“Why bother?” Zeb said. “I should think he knows all about it already.”
Jessamine’s jaw dropped. “But how could he?”
“You seem to be stirring up trouble between our cousin and her guardian,” Hawley struck in. “I consider that very questionable behaviour.”
“Miss Jessamine is capable of making her own judgements,” Gideon said. “Mr. Zeb, if I could have a moment’s private speech with you?”
“Is that what we’re calling it now?” Hawley curled his lip. Zeb gave him two fingers and turned away.
Sixteen
They returned to Gideon’s room, in which Zeb discovered his suitcases, neatly packed with the rest of his things. Gideon shut the door behind them, locked it, put his back against it as if holding off a siege, and said, “This is bad.”
“What’s happened?”
“I tried offering the chauffeur money to drive you to the station. He—I’d say laughed in my face except he doesn’t laugh. He frog-marched me out of there and dragged me straight to Wynn, who gave me a very nasty ten minutes, with a great deal of hinting about the difficulties I’ll find in obtaining another post and how I should consider where my loyalty lies. He absolutely knows about us.”
“Oh God. I’m sorry.”
Zeb reached for him; Gideon’s fingers wrapped around his. “Not your fault. I shall worry about my employment when I’mwell out of this bedlam.”
“About that,” Zeb said. “Itismy fault, as we both know, even if you’re being awfully good about it. And it’s going to be rotten for you finding another job if Wynn gives you a bad reference, so—could I help?”
