Page 2 of Claiming the Tower (Council Mysteries #1)

Hereswith did at least appreciate both the liturgy and protocol of a Church of England service, and the music was usually quite well done.

On the other hand, it meant she could only have a leisurely Sunday at home when she made it visible she was away from London.

This week, she’d set the groundwork both in a handful of calls in the previous days, and a bit of making sure the household maid and housekeeper gossiped appropriately.

Fortunately, they both found that sort of thing enjoyable, helping keep up the show of things.

“I was. Flowery language at the ready about how good it is that you can get a little time in the fresh country air. Even if I’ve no idea how to manage without you. I expect several invitations to luncheon which I will politely decline.”

“And you’re taking Wednesday through Sunday next week, yes?

Neither of us here for Easter.” That had been the plan at luncheon today, but they both knew that plans could change without much warning.

Easter was more of a show, and the parish was both more crowded and the service longer.

Making an excuse for a country visit spared them both.

“We are. An invitation to use a country cottage and get out and ramble for a little. Well, ramble and read. William being William. It will be grand for the dogs, though.” Marcus looked delighted, though.

He needed a few days off as much as she did, though the challenges he was juggling were a trifle different.

“That seems entirely pleasant.” Hereswith nodded. “See you in ten days, then. Enjoy the time.”

“Always do.” Marcus agreed. “My best to your father, then. I need to tidy up a little paperwork. And Hereswith?”

She had taken a few steps to the door, but turned back to look at him. “Yes?”

“You were splendid tonight. The official report will say so. I’ll send you a copy, too. I couldn’t have handled that tricky bit about the differences in provisions nearly as deftly.”

“Thank you, Marcus. I appreciate that you say so. And thank you for getting Monsieur Du Lang off me. If he’d gone on for a minute more, I might have lost my temper.

” She wouldn’t actually have, but she appreciated Marcus stepping in.

“My best to William.” That was easy to say, William was a delight and Marcus was lucky to have him.

“As always.” Marcus made a slight bow over her hand, and then stepped back.

With that, Hereswith took a breath, and made her way along the back hallway, to the conservatory, then through and into the passage.

Once she was inside, she called a charmlight to her hand.

Fortunately, at this time of night, there was very little in the way of a wait.

Five minutes after that, she was walking out of the portal at home.

A few of the rooms were still lit, including the library. She drew off her gloves and shawl, handing them to Mary, who’d been waiting to meet her. “I’ll just check on Papa, if you don’t mind, and then come straight up.”

“Mr Hargrave brought him his tonic an hour ago, and he was still deep in a book, ma’am.” Mary bobbed. “A good evening?”

“Yes, but I’m looking forward to a few days of quiet. I don’t expect I’ll leave the house tomorrow, other than perhaps a walk if it doesn’t rain.” Hereswith glanced at the library.

“I’ll have things laid out. And no particular time to wake up?” Mary waited for Hereswith to shake her head. “Of course, ma’am. I’ll lay things out.”

Hereswith smiled and then went off to the library. Papa was, in fact, still awake rather than dozing in the chair, a book on an angled holder in front of him, for his comfort. He looked up as soon as he heard the door. “Ah, there you are. You look lovely. What was it tonight, then?”

“Certain French connections for supper and the theatre. Rather successful all round, actually, both the things they wanted to make sure we learned, and a few I don’t think were in their plans.

Marcus sends his good wishes, of course.

” She crossed the room, holding her skirts back enough she could bend to kiss him.

“Have you had a good evening? You’re up later than I expected. ”

“A nap, this afternoon. I don’t need as much sleep as I used to, you know that.

I will be quite well, and—” There was a slight hesitation on the name.

She’d been hearing that before, before he got it right.

“Hargrave will be in to see me to bed in a few minutes. You go on up. You had no nap, I’m sure. You never have taken to them well.”

“I have not napped, no. Luncheon tomorrow, unless you have some other better plan?”

“Nothing like that. Good night, Hereswith, my dear.” It was a dismissal, but the sort that avoided them going back and forth in fondness for ten minutes.

Hereswith retreated. The process of getting her out of the evening’s gown took a few minutes, and more to release her hair and braid it for the night.

But eventually she was tucked into bed, with no obligations on Saturday but those she chose.