Chapter Twenty-Nine
They repaired to the nearest inn, taking seats by the fireplace in the coffee room. Icarus ordered tea for Miss Trentham, coffee for himself and Houghton, bread-and-butter, and whatever cakes were on hand. He opened his mouth to introduce Miss Trentham as his wife, and found himself unable to lie to Houghton. He simply could not force the words from his tongue. “This is my friend, Miss Trentham,” he said awkwardly, and Miss Trentham lifted her eyebrows slightly and flicked him a thoughtful glance, and smiled at Houghton and said she was pleased to make his acquaintance.
“You’re from Bedminster?” Icarus said, to make conversation. Houghton seemed even shabbier and grimier in these surroundings—and the man was aware of it. He looked deeply uncomfortable.
“Yes, sir.”
A
