Nefret was making tea when I returned. “Herr Morgenstern went to his bedroom to put on a clean shirt in honor of the occasion. I don’t know what to think about him, Aunt Amelia. One moment he is docile, the next exuberant.”

“It is curious that he is not exhibiting the symptoms associated with the aftermath of an excess of alcohol. Beverages like schnapps have a high level of sugar as well, which can result in a pounding headache that can persist all day.” I held up a hand. “No, dear girl, I do not know this from personal experience. Ramses has tested various potent beverages in the name of advancing knowledge of mental incapacitation, or so he says.”

I realized that my thoughts kept returning to Ramses because I was worried about him and David. I shared my concern with Nefret, who responded with only a shrug. She had always been headstrong and insistent on joining the two on their perilous forays, and often wore them down until they reluctantly acquiesced. I cannot explain the source of her wily persistence, so I must presume it developed during her childhood in the remote oasis. This time she had remained silent. “Nefret,” I said hesitantly, “I have noticed that you and Ramses seldom speak to each other. Is there a problem?”

She gave me an indignant look. “I do not know why you say that, Aunt Amelia. There is no problem. Ramses is rightfully distracted by the idea that those insidious Godwin brothers have vowed to harm you.” She paused, frowning, and then said, “Unless he blames me, which is not unreasonable. I chose to marry Geoffrey. I shall regret that decision the rest of my life, since it has caused so much pain to all of us.”

“No one blames you, as we have told you innumerable times. None of us was aware of his true nature. Even I, with my superior ability to judge human nature, failed to recognize the depth of his wickedness.”

“That does not absolve me, Aunt Amelia, but let us speak no more of this. Herr Morgenstern has been in his bedroom for a long while. If you will search for clean teacups, I will tap on his door.”

I had scarcely taken a step when she returned, a perturbed look on her face. “What’s wrong?” I demanded. “Was he in a state of partial or full nudity? Did he make vulgar remarks?” I picked up my parasol. “This is completely improper and I shall make that clear to him.”

“He wasn’t there.”

“Are you sure?” I blurted out as several of Emerson’s choicest profanities flooded my mind. “Did you look under the bed?”