Picking up speed, Tobias found no evidence of a body, but strong proof that the animal had not lasted the night. Muttering curse words under his breath, he began picking up the tiny feathers, not stopping to question what he was doing, or, more importantly, why.
‘An interesting pastime,’ said an unwelcome voice. ‘Do you want to share with us what you are doing?’
‘Us’ was an even more undesirable word. ‘Cleaning,’ he said in response, hoping that would be enough to send Freddie and whoever else was with him away.
‘Cleaning,’ repeated Edward, which meant there were at least two brothers behind him. This morning was going from bad to worse.
Ignoring their presence, he scooped up more feathers.
‘Correct me if I am wrong, but I understand there are groundsmen whose very job is to look after the grounds of Glanmore Park,’ said Christopher, meaning all three of them were there. Tobias would stop, and try and claw back some dignity, but Grace had also been walkingin Hyde Park early that first morning, which suggested she was, like him, an early riser. If she saw this evidence that the bird she had wanted to protect, and which Tobias had persuaded her to leave, had met its demise, well, her good opinion of him would be shot to pieces. Still not sure what exactly it was that he wanted from Grace, he knew it was not for her to associate him with bird death.
Therefore, it was imperative to ignore his brothers and carry on with what he was doing. Namely, getting rid of the evidence that the bird had not survived the night.
‘It is almost as if he has lost his mind,’ said Freddie.
‘I do not think there is any almost about it. What do you think was the moment that broke him?’
‘Perhaps, Christopher, it was the way you played the violin last night,’ said Edward. ‘Although, “play” is a rather generous word. I thought hamsters were dying.’
‘It almost broke me,’ Freddie agreed. ‘I am pretty sure my soul was bleeding at one point.’
‘I do not know what you are both talking about. I am excellent. Sophia says so.’
‘Ah, well, if your wife says…’ Freddie’s sarcasm was heavy in the morning air.
Edward snickered, but Tobias continued to pretend they were not there. Perhaps if they bickered amongst themselves, they would forget about his strange behaviour and move on. An unlikely scenario, but a pleasant fantasy nonetheless.
His hopes were dashed almost immediately. ‘Besides, turning on me is irrelevant to this, whatever this is. I thought we were commenting on Tobias’ behaviour right now.’
‘Good point,’ said Freddie. ‘We were. So, Your Grace, may we enquire as to what it is your fine person is doing?’
‘He is cleaning. He told you that,’ said Edward, which sounded supportive, but which Tobias knew would not remain so. ‘It is quite the go for dukes to get out of bed early and partake in removing feathers from their garden.’
‘If you wish to be useful,’ said Tobias, ‘you could help.’
‘I would love to.’
‘As would I.’
‘Me too.’
‘However,’ said Freddie, ‘we would want paying for such an endeavour, would we not?’
Tobias heard murmurs of agreement from each of his brothers. He forbore to point out that they had all been living at his expense for the better part of two years now. Instead of responding to them, he straightened and surveyed what he had done so far. There was an ache in his lower back and only a quarter of the area was clear. Speeding up was of the essence, because he would be damned if he asked what payment his brothers wanted. They told him anyway.
‘I think,’ said Freddie, ‘we would all be very willing to help, if we knew why removing these feathers was desirable.’
‘It will look neater,’ he said, hoping to at least appeal to Edward, who liked things to be ordered.
‘It is a bit…’
‘No, Edward. Be strong.’ Tobias heard rather than saw Freddie grab Edward’s arm to stop him from beginning to help clear the area. ‘Wait for the truth.’
‘Perhaps the truth has something to do with Grace,’ suggested Christopher, in a tone that was far too innocent to be real. ‘I believe I overheard her talking to Sophia last night about an injured bird in the garden.’
‘But if it was that, there would be no reason for our esteemed older brother to keep it from us. We all want Grace to feel part of the family. No one wants her upset.’
The ache in Tobias’ lower back was becoming a throb. He really ought to spend more time doing activities if this simple job was causing him this much discomfort. If only wrestling Freddie was a legitimate and dignified pastime, and he wasn’t under pressure to get this done as quickly as possible, he could do that now.
