Wyatt swung the door shut, spinning the dial he’d used to open it, and slid the picture back into place before grabbing her hand and rushing for the study door. “We have to get you back to your room in case he checks on you for some reason.”

Molly hurried along on Wyatt’s heels. She breathed a prayer of relief that Wyatt had shed his boots. They’d’ve never been able to move silently and quickly if he had them on. They reached her room as the footsteps on the stairs became steadier. Mr. Hawkins made no attempt to be quiet, and why would he? He wasn’t sneaking around anywhere.

“Get in bed.”

Wyatt rushed for the window.

“No, he’ll notice the cold even if you get out and get it shut.”

Wyatt’s face was visible in the moonlight, and he took a frantic look at the door.

She took off her robe as the footsteps came steadily for her room, leapt into bed, dragged the blankets over her, and rested her head on the pillow. “Take your boots and hide.”

Wyatt grabbed them and dove around her bed. She heard a solid thud, not unlike someone hitting their head on the underside of a bed.

A firm knock sounded at her door, and Wyatt quit moving. Near as she could tell, he quit breathing.

She saw lantern light beneath her door.

The knock sounded again. “Molly, I’m sorry to wake you.”

But for all he said he was sorry, he’d sure enough done it. Had he heard her moving around? What could he possibly want?

“I’m afraid I’m having a bit of trouble sleeping.”

He snored like a bull. He’d been fully asleep. And why did he think sharing his sleeplessness with her was a good idea?

“I’m coming.” She donned the robe again, still over her nightgown-covered dress. She tied the belt in a firm knot and hurried to the door to swing it open just a couple of inches.

“A sleepless night can be upsetting.” She didn’t know quite what else to say. Was that why he’d shared this news with her? He didn’t want to be upset alone?

“I have a tea that helps me sleep. The chamomile in the white tin canister. Brew me a cup, and bring it to my room.” He said neither please nor thank you, and he didn’t apologize again. Instead, he turned and headed straight back upstairs.

She frowned as he headed away, taking the light with him. She was supposed to brew tea for him? As if he were incapable of that? And bring it to his room?

Molly thought of what Rachel had told her to expect.