“Oh, God,” she blurted out, practically choking on her tea. “Judith. Is she all right?”

Charles looked confused. “She wasn't in the kitchen when you dropped the pot, Ellie.”

“I know, I know. But she saw me when I—Oh, you must know what I mean. She saw me when I was crying and whimpering and in so much pain, and it must have confused her terribly. I hate to think how she must feel.”

Charles placed a gentle finger on her lips. “Shhh. You're going to exhaust yourself if you keep talking at such speeds.”

“But Judith—”

This time he actually grasped her lips and held them together. “Judith is fine. Helen has already explained to her what happened. She was very upset but is taking it in her usual, six-year-old stride.”

“I should like to speak with her.”

“You can do that tomorrow. I believe she is having supper with her nanny just now and plans to spend the rest of the evening working on her watercolors. She said she wanted to paint you a special picture to inspire you through your recovery.”

For a moment Ellie felt so content she didn't even feel the pain in her hands. “That is the sweetest thing,” she murmured.

“In the meantime,” Charles said, “Claire has asked to speak with you. I told her she may do so only if you feel up to it.”

“Of course,” Ellie murmured. It was very odd that Claire, who had never bothered to hide her resentment of Ellie, should want to comfort her while she recuperated. But Ellie was still hopeful that they might have a more friendly and familial relationship, so she moved her head a little to the side, made eye contact with her, and said, “Good evening, Claire.”

Claire dropped into a bob of a curtsy and said, “I do hope you're feeling improved.”

“I am beginning to,” Ellie replied. “I expect it will take some time. It is lovely to have people to keep me company, however. It keeps my mind off of my hands.”

Ellie wasn't positive, but she rather thought Claire paled when she mentioned her hands. There was a long and awkward silence, and then finally Claire gulped loudly, turned to Charles, and said, “Could I have a private moment with Ellie?”

“I really don't think—”

“Please.”

Ellie was startled to hear a touch of desperation in Claire's voice, and she turned to Charles and said, “It will be all right. I'm not sleepy.”

“But I had planned to give you more laudanum.”

“The laudanum can wait five minutes.”

“I won't have you suffering any more pain than is necessary—”

“I will be fine, Charles. I would like a few more moments of lucidity in any case. Perhaps you could go out to the staircase and await the tea.”

“Very well.” He left the room, but he didn't look happy about it.

Ellie turned back to Claire with a weary smile. “He can be very stubborn, can't he?”