Rothborne stepped closer. “Perhaps because he knew you had something to hide.”
Anna forced herself not to look at Mrs. Pembroke. “I had no wish to break Mrs. Pembroke’s crystal.”
“You’re lying,” Rothborne hissed.
Mrs. Fenwick bristled. “Lieutenant...”
Rothborne ignored her. “You hear things and remember things. You are too quick with your hands and too slow with your answers.”
Anna’s throat tightened. “I am sorry, sir.”
Major Ellis watched her for another moment, then changed direction so abruptly Anna nearly swayed. “Where did you go after Mr. Reed spoke to you?”
“To the dining room, then the pantry, sir.”
“After that?”
“The kitchen.”
“Who was there?”
Anna thought of sighing, as if bored, then decided against it. “Mrs. Fenwick, Mercy, Elias came in twice, and of course, Mrs. Pembroke.”
“He came in with what?”
Anna blinked. “Sir?”
“What was Elias carrying?”
Her mind raced. Elias had carried the folded tablecloth to the laundry basket, the one with the locket beneath it. “Empty trays,” she said.
“Both times?”
“I believe so.”
“You believe so,” he repeated.
“I was busy, sir. There were many trays.”
Major Ellis’s eyes narrowed again. “And after supper?”
“I helped clear plates.”
“And after that?” Lieutenant Rothborne asked.
She glanced his way. “I carried glasses to the kitchen.”
“And after that?” Ellis said, taking a step toward her.
“I do not remember every step, sir.”
Lieutenant Rothborne smiled. “How convenient.”
Anna started to lift her gaze to him and stopped. “No, sir. Exhausting.”
A few seconds of silence passed before Mrs. Pembroke said, “An accurate summary of the evening, my dear.”
Major Ellis turned to her. “Your servant has a tongue.”
