Rothborne gave him a sidelong glance.
Nathaniel smiled. “My mother said that.”
“Your mother sounds tiresome,” Rothborne sneered.
Nathaniel laughed. “She would have said the same of you.”
For a moment, Rothborne seemed unsure whether to be insulted or laugh with him. That was when Mr. Sloane approached.
“The road is settled,” Sloane said in a low voice.
Rothborne’s attention shifted to him. “Which road?”
Sloan surveyed the room. “We should not speak here.”
Nathaniel looked away as if the conversation bored him.
Sloane glanced around some more. “The east lane is watched. The north road is too busy. So the cart path past Brewster’s lower field will serve after midnight, if the tide holds.”
Brewster’s lower field.
Nathaniel set the name next to the others in his mind.Kingfisher. South Wharf. Friday tide. Oil barrels. Powder. Brewster’s lower field.
“And Bell?” Sloane asked.
“Still silent as the grave, for now,” Rothborne said.
Nathaniel didn’t move. Josiah Bell was still alive, but still in British hands. It was good news, but only by the thinnest possible measure.
Across the room, Anna passed near the pianoforte with an empty tray. Her gaze flicked toward the three men, but not long enough to draw notice. Still, Nathaniel caught it and had no doubt she was sharp enough to know there was something to hear.
Rothborne casually followed his gaze.
Nathaniel turned toward the musicians. “The second violin seems sharp, don’t you think?”
Sloane blinked. “What?”
“The second violin,” Nathaniel said, waving a hand toward the musicians. “It is painfully sharp. He needs to tune his instrument.”
Rothborne frowned toward the musicians as Anna vanished through the side door with the tray. Nathaniel breathed a little easier.
Sloane made a dismissive sound. “You have a peculiar set of concerns, Reed.”
Nathaniel smiled and lifted his glass. “I am a man of many disappointments.” He took a sip and choked it down.
Rothborne’s gaze returned to him. “See that you remain merely disappointing.”
Nathaniel raised his glass again.
The lieutenant moved away, drawn toward Major Ellis, who’d taken Whitby aside near the window. Sloane lingered a moment longer. “You hear a great deal, Mr. Reed.”
Nathaniel looked at him. “Can I help it if people keep speaking near me?”
Sloane gave him a narrowed-eyed look. “That could become unfortunate.”
“For them or me?” Nathaniel asked with a smile.
“That remains to be seen.” With that, he left Nathaniel standing alone near the doorway.
