Chapter 22
They were received with placid warmth by Mrs. Mac, active pleasure by Miss Lewis, who complained of boredom and seemed out of sorts, and with affronted disdain by Marmaduke—who soon, however, unbent when there was a warm lap by the fire to be had.
Tea in the sitting room after supper could not be politely avoided, but their long journey—far longer than Mrs. Mac knew—and the prospect of returning to work in the morning gave them an acceptable excuse to mount the stairs rather earlier than usual.
By silent assent, they both went into Matthew’s room. “Lord, I’m tired,” he said, flinging himself down upon the bed. “Lie down with me?”
George sent a quick glance at the door—highly unnecessary, as he’d himself shut it firmly and shot the bolt less than a minute previously. “We’ll h
