“So I understand,” Mrs. Pembroke said, continuing to embroider.
Anna tried not to twist the linen, wrinkling it. “Bell is to be moved tonight.”
Mrs. Pembroke’s head came up. “Who told you that?”
Anna remained silent.
Mrs. Pembroke lowered her embroidery. “Anna…”
“He didn’t tell me with words,” she blurted.
“Mr. Reed?”
Anna nodded. “In the hall. He shook his head, as if to warn me not to come closer. But before that, he was in the parlorwith Captain Whitby and Major Ellis. When he came out, he looked…”
She stopped because she didn’t like what came next. He’d looked concerned. Afraid. Determined. All of those meant she’d been watching him too closely. Worse, they made her heart beat faster and her belly flutter.
Mrs. Pembroke studied her for a long moment. “Is it possible that Mr. Reed is trying to keep you from danger, my dear?”
“It is also possible he is trying to keep me from hearing what he carries to the British,” Anna countered.
“Well, yes, that could be.”
Anna looked at her, aghast. “That’s not helping.”
Mrs. Pembroke gave her a bland look. “No, but it is honest. I find honesty bracing when comfort is unavailable.”
A knock sounded at the door, and Anna nearly jumped out of her skin.
Mrs. Pembroke sighed. “Come in.”
Elias entered, pale but composed. “Major Ellis is in the parlor, ma’am. He, uh, requests Anna.”
Anna’s mouth went dry.
Mrs. Pembroke rose. “Does he?”
“Yes, ma’am. Lieutenant Rothborne is with him.”
“Of course he is. Men like Lieutenant Rothborne are never absent when intimidation is about to be exercised.” She set her embroidery down and crossed to Anna. “Now you listen to me. You are not clever. Nor are you bold. And you’re not afraid because you’ve done something wrong. You are afraid because officers frighten sensible women. Understand?”
Anna nodded.
She gave her a curt nod. “Good. And one more thing.”
Anna drew in a shuddering breath. “Yes, ma’am?”
Mrs. Pembroke closed what little distance there was between them. “Do not reach for your side seam.”
Heat crept up Anna’s neck. “I don’t have the locket,” she said in a low voice.
“No, but fear remembers where things were hidden,” Mrs. Pembroke said, voice stern.
Anna gulped.
Mrs. Pembroke opened the door and stepped into the hall with Anna behind her. They descended the back stairs, swept past the pantry, and into the servants’ hall. When they entered the parlor, Major Ellis stood near the table while Lieutenant Rothborne leaned against the wall with his arms folded.
There was no sign of Captain Whitby, which Anna didn’t like. His laziness could sometimes be used as a shield. Major Ellis offered none.
