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“Hardly. Aside from the cook and a groom, our butler was the only other person who didn’t fall ill, so he and I had to take care of most everyone. I took on the muckiest tasks because I was terrified he would give his notice.”
Kathleen laughed. “That does sound awful.”
“At least I discovered that I’m a capable nurse.” Gillian narrowed her gaze. “Which leads me to believe it’s more than a twitchy stomach for you. You’re fretting.”
Kathleen busied herself by pouring another cup of tea. “You’re right that I didn’t get much sleep. My room looked out over the stable yard.”
“Ah, yes. The larger inns can be annoyingly busy. And the service is dreadfully slow, isn’t it? If the girl doesn’t come soon with my coffee, I’ll have to storm the kitchen.”
“Not with daggers drawn, I hope.”
“I never threaten the people who prepare the food.” Gillian paused. “Goodness, what is all the thumping out in the hall?”
When another loud thump was followed by a protesting yelp, they exchanged startled glances.
Kathleen stood. “I’ll go—”
The door flew open and one of the Leverton grooms marched in, his hand firmly clamped on the shoulder of a stable boy trying to wriggle from his grasp.
Except it wasn’t a stable boy.
“Sorry to interrupt, Your Grace,” the groom said. “But here’s a bit of a problem.”
“So I see.” Gillian glanced at Kathleen. “Dearest, I believe that is—”
“My sister,” Kathleen whispered.
“Let go, you poltroon,” Jeannie hissed, struggling to escape.
Kathleen pressed a hand to her roiling stomach. “Oh, my God.”
“It’s all right, Simmons,” Gillian said. “You can release Miss Calvert.”
Simmons still maintained his grip, albeit at arm’s length. “She gave me a right good kick in the knee when I helped her out of the boot. Almost took me down.”
“You didn’t help me out,” Jeannie snapped. “Youpulledme out.”
“Only because you wouldn’tcomeout,” the groom protested.
Kathleen rushed over. “Jeannie, you should never kick anyone.”
“That will be all, Simmons,” Gillian said. “Tell the coachman we’ll be delayed. Oh, and find that blasted serving girl and tell her to bring another pot of tea along with my coffee.”
The groom released Jeannie and backed away, as if she were a wolf about to spring. “Yes, Your Grace.”
After Simmons limped out, Kathleen grasped her sister’s shoulders. “Are you all right? Are you hurt in any way?”
Jeannie rolled her eyes. “Don’t fuss, Kath. I’m fine.”
“My groom, however, is apparently not fine,” commented Gillian.
“He shouldn’t have pulled me out of the boot like that,” Jeannie said. “I tried to tell him who I was, but he wouldn’t listen.”
“How dreadfully rude of him. I must instruct my grooms forthwith to ignore all stowaways in the boot of my carriages. I assume that’s where you’ve been since we left London.”
Kathleen goggled at her sister. “You were in the boot for over two days? That’s insane!”
Jeannie winced. “No need to shriek. I’mfine. Just a bit hungry.”
