He nodded. “It is, indeed. And as Lady Lydingham had no criticism of my performance, I believe I, too, shall make my exit and retire for the evening.”

“But it’s not at all late.” Miss Murdock pouted. “And now that Lady Lydingham is gone—she’s rather a nervous sort, isn’t she?”

Mrs. Montgomery-Wells snorted.

“She can be,” Gray said.

“As I was saying, now that she has retired for the night, I thought we might get to know one another better. I was hoping to convince you to show me the library and perhaps help me select a good book. You can learn so much about a person by the type of books they read.”

“We shall have to save the library for another night, then, perhaps,” Gray said smoothly.

“I had no idea she read,” Mrs. Montgomery-Wells said in an aside to Henderson. “She doesn’t seem the sort, does she?”

Miss Murdock flashed the older woman a sharp look. “I like nothing better than going to bed with a good book.” She returned her attention to Gray. “Don’t you?” The look Miss Murdock directed toward him belied her words. It was obvious that there were other things she liked even better than a good book in her bed.

Fortesque cleared his throat. “We still have work to do, Edwina.”

“Yes, indeed, one can never be too prepared and we don’t wish to incur Lady Lydingham’s wrath. Good evening.” Gray nodded and hurried out of the parlor. He was grateful for the older man’s reminder of the need to practice their parts, and grateful, as well, for Camille’s insistence they do so. Edwina Murdock was a dangerous creature and he vowed to keep his distance.

He started for his room, then paused and changed direction. Miss Murdock’s suggestion about the library had more merit than she intended. If he recalled correctly, the Millworth Manor library was stocked not only with classic literature and current offerings but with all manner of referential material as well. Camille’s father had been something of an amateur scholar. Perhaps there was a book in the library that could help him discover more about Pruzinsky and whether or not he was legitimate.

He pushed open the door, surprised to find a lamp already lit. And surprised as well to find Pruzinsky standing in the shadows near the desk, replacing a book on the shelf.

“I beg your pardon. I didn’t realize anyone was in here.”

Pruzinsky studied the shelves in front of him. “I found I was entirely too restless to sleep and thought perhaps a book might help.”

“Miss Murdock suggested the very same thing a few minutes ago.” Gray nodded at the shelves. “It’s been some time since I’ve been in the manor’s library, but it doesn’t look as though much of anything has changed. Perhaps I could help you find something suitable.”