They walked away and she heard no more. She remained a little aware even as dreams gathered. She knew when Beth returned just from her footfall, and thought she heard Jeremy whispering far way.

Two arms slid under her. Her body rose. She forced her eyes open and saw Chase’s face near hers, and felt her head resting on his upper arm. “I feel much better when you hold me,” she whispered.

He smiled down at her, but his brow remained furrowed and his eyes stern.

“I was careless, Chase. I did not inquire sharply enough about why Mrs. Jeffers sought her cousin. I assumed it was for a reconciliation he would welcome. Only he did not want to be found.”

“Don’t think about it now. Don’t think about anything.”

She really did feel better, in his arms like this. She closed her eyes again and floated in the strength of his support.

* * *

Chase waited in the library while Beth undressed Minerva and tried to feed her some soup. He fingered a small piece of paper and a card, impatient for Jeremy to return. He had sent him to Bury Street to fetch his own carriage. Once it arrived, he had something important to do.

Beth came down the stairs just as Chase heard the horses outside. From where he sat in the library, he saw Jeremy enter, then stand aside. Beth stopped in her tracks and stared.

“He insisted on coming,” Jeremy said. “Refused to hear my explanation of what was wanted.”

Beth crossed her arms. “Who might you be?”

“Brigsby. I am here to attend to my gentleman.” With that Brigsby took the steps forward that brought him into Chase’s view, and almost nose to nose with Beth.

Brigsby had donned his most supercilious manner. Beth looked like a woman who saw a man who needed taking down a few pegs.

“Did your gentleman tell you to come here? No, he did not. I heard clear as a ringing bell what he sent Jeremy to do, and it was not to fetch you.”

“The request as given by this young man made no sense. Send a valise with clean shirts. As if that is enough for a journey.” He lifted a valise hanging from his right arm. “I will make sure this is sufficient, and if it is not I will return and—”

“He isn’t going on a journey, you fool man. He just isn’t going home. You give him that valise, then go back where you came from so you aren’t underfoot.” She walked away, shaking her head. “As if we need valets and such here.”

“I am not a valet,” Brigsby said to her back. “I am a manservant, and skilled in many responsibilities. If necessary I can perform your duties better than you can.”

Beth stopped, straightened, and pivoted.