Whitby snatched it out of his hand. “About time.”
“I’m afraid it took time to locate,” Nathaniel said.
Rothborne turned to them. “In a house so well managed?”
Ellis didn’t comment as Whitby unfolded the list. “Partridge, Wexford, Sloane, Wilkins, Drayton, Ellis, Rothborne, myself, officers from the harbor post,” Whitby muttered under his breath.
Rothborne stepped closer. “The maid, Turner, was in and out of the parlor all evening.”
“So were all the servants,” Whitby said. “Leave it alone, man.”
Nathaniel kept his face still.
“She was pale,” Rothborne offered, his tone suspicious.
Captain Whitby slowly turned to look at him. “Lieutenant, half the household is pale. They were cleaning up after my guests until after dawn.”
Rothborne’s gaze cut toward Nathaniel. “You defended her last night, Reed.”
Though he shouldn’t have, Nathaniel rolled his eyes. “I defended Mrs. Wexford’s reputation, though poorly, I might add.”
Captain Whitby snorted as he continued to go over the list. Nathaniel took on a somber look. “If I panicked every time officers disagreed around me, Lieutenant, I would have fled British employment months ago.”
“That may yet prove wise,” Ellis put in.
“Perhaps,” Nathaniel said, “but I am paid by the errand, and wisdom rarely feeds a man.”
Ellis studied him for a moment, then glanced at the list in the captain’s hands. “Mrs. Wexford spoke with Sloane.”
Whitby frowned. “Half the room spoke with Sloane.”
“But Mrs. Wexford complained about the sugar loudly enough to provide cover for anyone standing near her,” Ellis said.
Nathaniel lowered his gaze before his relief could show. Ellis had taken the bait. Not fully, perhaps, but enough to turn his thoughts away from Anna for the moment.
A noisy guest was safer to suspect than a quiet maid. Mrs. Wexford might be offended by questions, but she wouldn’t hang for them. Anna might.
Ellis tapped one name on the list. “We’ll begin with those who moved near Sloane and Rothborne while they were near the hearth, then the servants.”
Nathaniel’s relief vanished as Rothborne’s eyes narrowed. “Including Turner.”
Captain Whitby folded the list. “Very well. Tomorrow.”
“Tonight,” Ellis replied. “Before Bell is moved.”
Nathaniel’s pulse slowed. There it was.
“Moved where?” Captain Whitby asked.
Ellis’s gaze shifted to Nathaniel and back. “A safer holding place.”
Nathaniel pretended not to hear the insult beneath the omission.
Whitby exhaled. “Very well. Reed, carry word to the harbor post that Major Ellis will require the east road clear after dark.”
Rothborne scowled. “Why him?”
“Because he is standing here,” Whitby snapped.
