“He did,” Mr. Fielding conceded. “But what Carter asked was far less disgusting than some would have demanded. He had us run errands, nothing dangerous and none that would get us arrested. Or we’d carry messages to his cronies. We’d find out things for him—no one pays much attention to small boys. Men who thought themselves clever criminals would tell their entire schemes to one another right in front of us and never notice.” He chortled in remembrance.

“How long did you live with Mr. Carter?”

“Oh . . . two or so years. That seemed a great while when we were young.”

“I know Daniel was fond of him. He told me he was quite broken up when Mr. Carter was killed.”

Mr. Fielding’s laughter died, his expression darkening in an instant. “It was a cruel thing. Terrible. They didn’t even give Carter a chance to defend himself. Daniel is correct when he said I fled that night. I knew we’d never prevail. If I hadn’t gone, and Daniel hadn’t hidden himself, we’d not be here now. Those men slaughtered everyone in the house.”

He fell silent as more true grief flickered through his eyes. Daniel had told me of the horrors of that event, which Mr. Fielding had likewise witnessed.

After a moment, Mr. Fielding cleared his throat. “And now someone’s done for Nell. The Lord seems determined to take away everyone I care for.”

“Life has tragedy, Mr. Fielding,” I said gently. “And that is the way of it. I do not speak lightly—I have had my share. Most of us do.”

“Thank you for reminding me I am a selfish sinner,” Mr. Fielding muttered, then he sighed. “You are right, of course. I have been wallowing in self-pity and not thinking straight.”

“Of course.” I kept my voice quiet. “As you loved her.”

“Nothing so sentimental.” Mr. Fielding frowned. “Let us say I cared deeply for her.”

“It is the same thing.”

Mr. Fielding studied me a moment, then his face lost its dour expression. “I believe I understand why Daniel is so taken with you. You are a sensible woman, and kind, but also unrelenting. Daniel must find this irresistible.”

“Please, cease speculating about Daniel and me,” I said sternly. “We are friends only.”

Mr. Fielding’s quick smile blossomed. “Ah, well, if I am deluded about my feelings for Nell, then I can’t be surprised Daniel is about you. What is holding him back? There is affection, there is friendship—”

I cut him off. “He is a busy man. And I am a busy woman.”

“Neither of you would be half so hard-pressed if you joined forces in holy matrimony.” Mr. Fielding peered at me. “Or is it you who is resisting? You have refused his suit?”

“There is no suit.” I rose, my annoyance growing. “Now, if you have finished with your interrogation, I must get on with my work.”