“I’d hoped to be gone before then,” Morna said.
Simon placed his hand over hers. “I as well. By this afternoon, your father will know you and the children are not at the town house.”
They fell silent for several minutes.
Finally, Theo set her cup down. “I have an idea.”
Titus groaned. “The last time you had an idea, it cost me a diamond necklace and a trip to England.”
She raised her brows. “That was your fault for not believing I could do what I said.”
Simon dearly wanted to know the story behind the necklace. “England?”
“We shall meet you at Hull.”
She rang the small silver bell on the right side of her plate. Before she put it down, Reed stepped into the room and bowed. “My lady?”
“Ask Lord and Lady Huntley to attend me. It’s time they were up and about in any event. We have a busy day ahead of us.”
The butler bowed again, closing the door behind him as he left.
“Morna,” Theo said in a sharp tone that had Morna jerking her head up. “Have you got everything from the house here?”
“We have, but there are some items I’d like from MacDiarmid Keep. Simon talked about sending my maid, as she’s known there, and his groom to fetch what we want.”
Theo nodded. “Make the list and send them off. They can meet us at Carberry Tower.”
“My love.” Titus’s forehead furrowed deeply. “You do know the Elphinstones are in London for the Season?”
“I am aware of that fact. However, our families have been friends for so long, I am sure of our welcome for a few nights. Even if they have only a skeleton staff.” She signaled a footman. “Bring me my writing paraphernalia.”
By the time the Huntleys entered the room an hour later, Theo had written to Carberry Tower, sent Morna’s maid and Oxley off to MacDiarmid Keep, written another note to Mr. Featherton and Lady Mary informing them it was time to return to Charlotte Square, and drunk two pots of tea. As Lord Huntley took a chair next to his wife, Theo ordered a fresh pot.
“Now then.” She addressed Huntley. “We have a bit of a problem here. I’d love to have you remain longer, but we must all depart in two days.”
Glancing at Simon, Huntley took the cup his wife gave him. “I don’t foresee a problem. Is there anything we can do to help you?”
Before she could answer, the butler entered. “Lady Simon, this has come for you.”
Simon grabbed Morna’s cup before the liquid spilled across the table, and held out his hand. “I’ll take it.”
When he tried to hand it to her, she shook her head. “You open it.”
He perused the hastily written missive. “Your father attempted to gain entrance not long ago. Oliphant sent him away, telling him you were not receiving until after noon.”
Morna laughed. “I’d have loved to see that!”
“You’re not the only one.” The old bastard would likely take his ire out on anyone left at the town house. “How many servants do you have there?”
“Ten, no eleven, not including Cormac’s valet and Fee’s maid.”
“Are any of them from MacDiarmid Keep?” Simon would be damned if he’d call the place Morna’s home.
“Only our personal servants.”
“Send a messenger to the house and tell the butler I’ll hire anyone who wishes to work for me.” He glanced at Theo. “Where can they go until it’s time to leave?”
“You may as well put them on the stagecoach and send them to Hull. You won’t require more than your personal servants until you have a place to live.”
