Woolvey nodded, and when Laurence took away his hand said at once, ‘William Laurence? What the devil are you—’ and had to have his mouth covered again.

The door of the house opened, and a footman peered out, puzzled. ‘Into the house,’ Laurence said. ‘Quickly, for God's sake,’ and half pushed Woolvey up the steps, before they drew attention. The footman backed in at a loss before their awkward rush, Tharkay and Woolvey's companion – a gentleman Laurence vaguely recognized as a Mr. Sutton-Leeds – followed directly on Laurence's heels.

Tharkay let go of Sutton-Leeds as soon as they were inside, and snatched the door away to shut it again. ‘What on earth,’ the man said, ‘is it thieves?’ more incredulous than alarmed.

‘No, stay there, and for God's sake do not stir up the house any further,’ Laurence said sharply to the footman who was edging towards the bell-pull. ‘Enough of a muddle as it—’ and stopped.

Edith was on the stairs, in a dressing gown and cap, saying, ‘Bertram, may I beg you to be as quiet as you can? James is only just asleep—’

There was a moment of uncomfortable silence, until Woolvey broke it by saying pompously, ‘I think you had better explain yourself, Laurence. What you mean by this invasion of my house?’

‘Nothing more,’ Laurence said, after a moment, ‘than to keep you from drawing the attention of the French on the stoop: we may not be discovered.’ His hand was closed hard upon the pistol at his waist, for no good reason. The fool, the damned fool, keeping his wife and child in the middle of an occupying army. Laurence had no right and knew it, but he could not help but ask, ‘Why in God's name have you not left the city?’

‘Measles,’ Edith said, from the stairs. Her face was composed, but her hand gripped tightly on the railing. ‘The doctor said the baby should not be moved.’ She paused and added quietly, ‘The French have not troubled us: one officer came to question, but they have been perfectly civil.’

‘Not that we are sympathizers, and if you mean to suggest—Wait,’ Woolvey said, ‘haven't I heard—Were you not—’ He stopped, and was plainly stuck for an explanation. Laurence had not the slightest desire to aid him.

‘I must beg your pardon, I do not know what you have heard,’ Laurence said eventually. ‘I am most earnestly sorry to have troubled you, but we are on an urgent errand, and it is not of a nature to be discussed in your front hall.’

‘Then come into the sitting room, and discuss it there,’ Sutton-Leeds said, more than a little drunk, if not to the point of slurring. ‘Secret mission; splendid. I have been aching to do something against these damned Frogs, prancing through the city as though they owned it.’