Page 38 of A Shadow Amongst the Roses

Clara smiled faintly. “It often arrives that way.”

Before Eliza could reply, a footman appeared at the far end of the gallery. “Lady Thornhaven, if you please. His Grace requests your presence in the music room.”

Eliza nodded. “Thank you.”

As she turned away, Clara spoke again. “I don’t think anyone believes you’re careless.”

Eliza paused.

“They believe you’re deliberate,” Clara continued. “That’s a different sort of attention.”

Eliza met her gaze, steady. “I’ve always preferred it.”

Clara inclined her head. The matter was settled, or at least deferred.

The music room held Nathaniel and Ashwood in quiet discussion when Eliza entered. Nathaniel straightened at once.

“I won’t keep you long,” he said. “There’s a letter from the tenants at Thornhaven. They’ve heard about the bridge.”

Eliza’s expression tightened. “They’re concerned.”

“They are,” Nathaniel said. “They’ve asked whether you’ll be delayed.”

Eliza considered the paper he held out. “They shouldn’t worry.”

Ashwood watched her closely. “You intend to reply personally.”

“Yes.”

“That will reassure them,” Nathaniel said.

“And signal continuity,” Eliza added.

Nathaniel nodded. “Exactly.”

She accepted the letter and tucked it away. “Is that all?”

“Yes,” Nathaniel replied. “Unless there’s something you wish to raise.”

Eliza hesitated, only a fraction, then said, “No.”

Ashwood’s gaze sharpened. He said nothing.

When she left the room, Eliza did not return to the west corridor. She went instead through the side passage that led toward the gardens, needing air more than order.

Thomas was near the edge of the orchard, inspecting a young tree that had begun to lean. He straightened when he saw her, brushing dirt from his hands.

“You shouldn’t be here,” he said quietly. “The ground’s slick.”

“I know.”

She stopped a few paces away. “People are noticing.”

Saying it aloud altered something further. Until now, consequence had existed mostly within herself. Hearing the awareness reflected back through the household made it real in a way private certainty never could.

He did not ask who. “Yes.”

“It won’t stop,” she added.