Chapter Twenty-Seven
Rhodes took his watch out and casually glanced at it, tilted the face so that Oliver could read it, too, then tucked it back into his pocket.
Oliver began counting seconds in his head. When he’d reached thirty-five, Miss Middleton-Murray rose to her feet. “How about a game of chess, old fellow?” Oliver said loudly, not watching as she slipped from the room.
“Splendid idea,” Rhodes replied, equally loudly.
The door closed noiselessly. Oliver looked around. Lady Cheevers was still reading the Ladies’ Monthly Museum. Mrs. Middleton-Murray was still plying her needle. Ninian and Miss Cheevers were still deep in discussion. It appeared that no one had noticed Miss Middleton-Murray’s departure.
He met Rhodes’s eyes.
Rhodes gave a nod.
Together, they stood and crossed
