Nathaniel inclined his head. “At once, Captain.”
Major Ellis watched him. “No delays, Reed.”
“Of course not, sir.” Nathaniel turned to the door and left.
As he reached the hall, he saw Anna at the far end of it with a stack of folded linen in her arms. She stopped when she saw him, but only for a heartbeat.
He wanted to tell her to stay out of sight and trust no one. What he really wanted to tell her was to trust him, but he’d given her precious little reason to. He also wanted to touch her hand, as if such a small thing could steady either one of them at this point.
Instead, he gave her the slightest shake of his head.Do not come closer.
She held the linen she carried closer, the look in her eyes telling him she understood.
Nathaniel stepped into the afternoon sun and mounted his horse. He’d been ordered to the harbor post and would go, but first, he would find a way to send Caleb one more warning.
Bell moved tonight. East road.
And if God was merciful, Anna would remain exactly where she was until he could keep the danger from reaching her.
Unfortunately, Nathaniel was beginning to know Anna, which meant she might do something that could put her in danger anyway.
Ten
By late afternoon, every servant in the house knew Major Ellis intended to question them.
The knowledge moved faster than gossip and settled deeper. Elias polished the same door handle three times. Mercy carried a bowl of apples from the pantry, clutching it as though her life depended on it. And Mrs. Fenwick kneaded bread with such force Anna feared the dough would confess to treason before supper.
Mrs. Pembroke, on the other hand, was calm as usual. She sat in the morning room with her tea, her embroidery, and the look of a woman prepared to correct providence. Which she often tried to do.
“Anna,” she said as Anna entered with the mended linen Mrs. Fenwick sent her to deliver. “Come here, dear.”
Anna obeyed, closing the door behind her. Mrs. Pembroke didn’t look up. “Major Ellis will begin with the lower servants.”
“Soon?” Anna asked.
“I’m afraid so. That man knows enough to be irritating.”
“At least that’s not the same as dangerous,” Anna said.
Mrs. Pembroke looked at her. “My dear, irritating men are often dangerous because they never believe themselves irritating. They mistake it for confidence.”
Anna would have laughed if her stomach hadn’t been in knots. “Mrs. Pembroke, what should I say?”
“The truth, as much as possible, of course.”
Anna’s jaw dropped. “The truth?”
“Yes, dear. Where you were, what work you did, whom you served, how little attention you paid gentlemen when they were speaking about matters that did not concern you.”
“But I did pay attention.”
“Yes, dear, but that part is not useful.” Mrs. Pembroke smiled at her.
Anna held the linen tighter. “And if he asks about Mr. Reed…”
Mrs. Pembroke’s needle paused. The tiny hesitation frightened Anna more than a quick answer could have. “Then you simply say Mr. Reed came and went at Captain Whitby’s bidding, as he often does. Truths can be wonderfully accommodating when handled with care.”
Anna looked toward the window. “Mr. Reed went to the harbor post.”
