Page 67 of Winterset

“No. Just make sure that all the doors and windows are locked. Don’t overlook any of them.”

“Of course, miss. Right away.”

Hargrove turned to the footman, snapping out orders, and then the two men bustled away. Anna hurried back up the stairs to her brother’s room. She crossed to the window and parted the drapes, looking out into the night. There was no sign of anyone beneath the trees.

She could feel little relief. She turned away from the window and crossed over to her brother’s bed. Kit was still sleeping. She sat down in the chair, scooting it a little closer to the bed, so that she could lay her arm down and put her hand on Kit’s. Right then, she needed to have contact with him. She settled down to wait.

* * *

“Anna?” Kit’s groggy voice woke her, and Anna lifted her head, confused for a moment.

“Oh.” Her brain cleared as she realized that it was morning, the sun creeping around the cracks in the draperies, and she had fallen asleep. In the next instant it sank in on her that Kit’s eyes were open and he was looking at her. “Kit, you’re awake!”

She sprang to her feet, ignoring the painful twinge in her neck and shoulder from falling asleep with her head on her arm on Kit’s bed.

“’Course I am,” Kit replied a little thickly. “What is happening? Why are you here?”

“Do you not remember?” Anna asked.

“Remember what?” Kit frowned and raised one hand to his head. “I have the very devil of a headache. Was I—in the bag?”

Anna had to smile a little. “No. At least, I don’t think so. Dr. Felton said that you had only a few drinks.”

“The doctor?” He looked even more puzzled. “Was he here? Was I—was last night our card game?”

“Yes. Do you not remember it?”

He closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them again, saying, “The last thing I remember is Mrs. Bennett and Felicity being here.”

“Well, you received a bump on the head somehow,” Anna said. “We found you lying in the road, unconscious.”

Kit stared at her. “You’re not serious.”

“Unfortunately, I am.”

“But how—I couldn’t have fallen off my horse,” he said in a mortified voice. “Not even if I was dead drunk.”

“I don’t think you did. I think someone attacked you. I only wish you could remember.”

“Attacked me!” Kit clearly found the idea ludicrous. Anna related everything she knew about the matter, but he could not bring himself to believe that anyone had tried to harm him.

“I think the doctor’s right. I knocked my head on a low-hanging branch, that’s all.”

“And what about the figure I saw bending over you?” Anna asked, folding her arms and raising one brow.

“Well, you said it was quite dark….”

“Not dark enough that I conjured up a person who was not there! And Cooper saw him, too.”

Kit had no answer for that, but she could see in his face that neither could he really accept what she had said.

“But who could—why would anyone do that?” he asked.

“I don’t know. I can’t understand this person’s mind. But, Kit, even if you cannot believe that someone harmed you, you must promise me that you will act as if you do,” Anna told him urgently. “You must take care. Guard yourself against danger.”

“What are you suggesting?” Kit asked, looking appalled. “That I hide here in the house? I have work to do. There is the estate—’tis the busiest time of the year, apart from harvest.”

“I know. And you have your pride, as well,” Anna added dryly. “I am not suggesting that you hide in the house—although I do hope that you will be sensible enough to rest today and take the powder Dr. Felton left for you. It will ease your headache.”