Secrets of Sloane House(98)

But she saw no reason to lie or prevaricate. “We discovered this morning that my sister, Miranda, was murdered. All this time I’ve been hoping and praying that I would find her, you see. That I would be able to take her home. Back to Wisconsin. But . . . that is not going to be possible. She’s dead.”

Erin’s eyes flashed. “I’m very sorry. May I bring you something?”

“Thank you, but no.” If she knew anything now, it was just how busy the staff was in a big house like this. She certainly didn’t want to create more work or cause confusion. So even though she didn’t want to be alone, she also knew that her room was the best place for her to be. It was out of sight and out of everyone’s way.

“I’ll be in my room if the family needs me.”

“W–would you care to come sit in the kitchen? Most everyone’s having some tea in the servants’ hall. Not much to do while we’re waiting.”

Being in their company sounded much better than waiting for news in the silence of her guest room. “You wouldn’t mind? You don’t think Cook would mind?”

Her face warmed a bit. “I have a feeling you might be pleasantly surprised about the many differences between here and the Sloane mansion.” She turned and started walking. “Follow me.”

Rosalind did as she was bid.



The room was dark with the thick velvet curtains tightly shut. The air was still and thick with emotion as Reid, his mother, and the doctor all watched his father continue to labor through each breath.

His father seemed to have drifted from their presence for the most part. Only his mother’s clinging seemed to prevent him from ascending into heaven. It was a painful thing to see. And, Reid realized, brought back painful memories of sitting by his brother’s side.

After taking his father’s pulse, Dr. Nolan readjusted his glasses on his nose as he straightened. “I’m sorry, ma’am,” he said, “but there is really nothing more we can do.”

Tears glistened in her eyes as she nodded. “I understand.” Turning from them both, she leaned close to her husband, took hold of his hand, and brought his knuckles to her lips.

Reid felt like his heart was in a vise, the pain was that overwhelming. And he wished Beth were here. She’d be so devastated that she wasn’t. With effort, he pushed it away and headed to the door. “I’ll walk you out, Doctor,” Reid murmured. When they were at the stairs, Reid asked the question he was most dreading. “How long, do you think?”

The doctor pursed his lips. “A day? Perhaps two? I’ll stop by tomorrow morning. If something happens this evening, don’t hesitate to send for me.”

“Thank you, Doctor.”

After he left, Reid walked back to his father’s room, prepared to stand vigil with his mother for as long as was needed. But when he peeked in, he changed his mind. His mother was sitting on the bed next to his father and talking softly.

Reid doubted his dad could hear or understand what she was saying. But whatever his mother was saying, it was obviously important to her. And private.

He backed away, deciding to check on Rosalind instead. When he didn’t find her in her room, he strode downstairs and peeked in the parlor and the drawing room.

Unfortunately, he saw only Erin. “Have you seen Rosalind, by chance?”

“Yes, sir. She’s having tea in the servants’ hall.”

He was surprised, but not shocked. “I’m glad she’s not sitting by herself.” Suddenly, he was wishing he wasn’t either. But a man certainly couldn’t beg for company. It was his duty to stand firm and strong.

“Mr. Armstrong, do I understand that your father has taken a turn?” Erin asked hesitantly.

Reid didn’t fault her asking. He knew how much the servants cared about his father, and how worried and concerned they must be feeling too. “He has.” Swallowing hard, he added, “The doctor says he won’t have much longer. Maybe a day or two at the most.”

“Do you need anything? Maybe some lunch?”

He was a little hungry. But just as importantly, he hoped the meal might help steady his nerves. “Bless you, Erin. Thank you.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll let the staff know.” After a beat, she said, “I’ll ask Miss Rosalind to let you know when the dining room is ready.”

He couldn’t bear to sit in that room by himself. “Not there. Just a tray in my office. I mean, my father’s office.”

Her bottom lip trembled. “Yes, sir.”

He wandered into his father’s office in a daze, reflecting as he did that the day couldn’t have been a more difficult one. Ignoring the desk, he sat in his father’s favorite chair in front of the fireplace, perching his feet on a stool.