“You rang, miss?” Fontaine was a man of few words. He did not believe, he had once told Veronica, in wasting time or breath on unnecessary conversation.

“Yes, we did.” Veronica nodded at Lucy. “I am frightfully hungry, Fontaine. Perhaps you could find something for us, some victuals that Cook has not yet discarded?”

“Of course, miss.” Fontaine coughed discreetly. “I will also inform Madam that you are awake. She has been anxiously awaiting the news.”

Fontaine soon returned with a platter of bread, cheese, ham, and various fruits. Veronica greeted the sight with cries of delight and was soon happily sating her hunger. Her guardian joined them as Veronica finished the last of the bread and cheese.

“Darling Veronica, how happy I am to see you looking so well.” Araminta Buff-Orpington seated herself on the bed beside her ward and clasped the girl’s hand affectionately. She turned to Lucy with a smile. “And dearest Lucy, what a treasured friend you are to nurse our girl so devotedly.”

Lucy returned the smile. “I would do anything for Ronnie.”

Mrs. Buff-Orpington turned back to Veronica. “Tell me, my dear, how you came to be in such a state.”

Veronica related the events of the previous evening, and her guardian appeared suitably concerned, then relieved that the girl had come through such a harrowing adventure in good condition. “I do admire your concern for the welfare of those in need of aid, but I must condemn your tendency to put yourself in harm’s way.” She patted the girl’s hand again. “Whatever would Lucy and I do if something terrible happened to you? You really must be more careful, child.”

Veronica squirmed with discomfort. She did not like being the cause of unease on the part of such a loving guardian, but yet she could not curb her appetite for adventure nor her concern for others. “I always try my best to avoid danger.”

“I know you do,” Mrs. Buff-Orpington said smilingly, “and I won’t fuss any more. I am feeling rather tired and will now leave you two to chatter away the night as you like or rest.” She kissed each girl on the brow and made her stately way back to her own suite of rooms nearby.

Though Veronica did not feel in the least sleepy, she knew Lucy was tired. Therefore, she did not demur when Lucy changed into her nightdress and crawled into the bed beside her. Veronica switched off the light. They chatted briefly, but soon Lucy was sound asleep.

Veronica lay awake for some time, however, plotting her course. She must go back to that spooky house and investigate further. She could not forget Mrs. Eden’s fear or her plea for help. Finally, near dawn, she, too, fell asleep.

I turned the page to the next chapter.