Mrs. Pembroke sighed as if she were addressing a child. “All my servants have tongues, Major. It is one of their more essential qualities.”
Lieutenant Rothborne’s face darkened.
Major Ellis looked back to Anna. “Do you know Josiah Bell?”
She shook her head. “No, sir.”
“Have you heard that name?”
Anna hesitated just long enough to make the answer dangerous. “Yes, sir.”
“Where?”
She had to answer. He already knew she’d been near the hearth.
“At the ball. I heard someone say, ‘Bell is still silent.’”
Rothborne straightened. Mrs. Pembroke didn’t so much as blink as Major Ellis’s expression sharpened, but not with anger. With interest. “Who said it?”
Anna swallowed. “I do not know, sir. There were many gentlemen speaking.”
“You admit you heard it,” Lieutenant Rothborne said.
“I heard those words. But I didn’t understand them.”
“And you told no one?” Major Ellis asked.
“No, sir.” The lie felt uglier than the others, perhaps because it mattered more.
Major Ellis came closer. “If you hear something tonight, Miss Turner, something about roads, riders, or prisoners, you will bring it to me.”
Anna curtsied. “Yes, sir.”
His eyes narrowed. “If you do not, and I learn you withheld information, no one in this house will protect you.”
Mrs. Pembroke’s voice turned glacial. “That will do, Major.”
Ellis ignored her and bent to Anna’s face. “Do you understand me?”
Anna lowered her eyes. “Yes, sir.”
He stared at her a moment longer, then turned to Rothborne. “We’re finished here.” His eyes swept over the rest of them. “For now.”
The moment the door closed behind them, Mercy made a small sound and covered her mouth as Mrs. Fenwick rounded on Anna. “You should sit.”
“I am well enough.”
“You are the color of curdled milk, child.” Mrs. Pembroke took Anna by the elbow. “Come.”
Anna followed her into the pantry, the room smelling of dried apples, vinegar, and cloves. Mrs. Pembroke closed the door, and Anna pressed both hands to her face. “Goodness, I told him I heard Bell’s name.”
“You had to, dear,” Mrs. Pembroke said.
Anna lowered her hands. “But I should have denied it.”
“No, he would have known. You gave him enough truth to make the rest believable.” She gave Anna a gentle pat on the shoulder.
Anna dropped her hands. “He told me to report anything I hear tonight.”
