The question-surely the first intimation that Frederick thought of anything beyond himself-arrested the three other men. Then Sir Jasper harrumphed, but kindly. "Nothing I can think of, m'boy. Nothing to be done-nothing we can do at present."
Lucifer wasn't so sure. His gaze on Jonas, he spoke to Sir Jasper. "I wonder, sir, if I might have a private word."
Jonas rose. "Come on, Frederick. Let's go pot some balls."
Frederick murmured his farewells and followed Jonas out of the room.
His face tight with worry, Sir Jasper turned to Lucifer. "Thought of something, have you?"
"In a way, yes. Lady Huddlesford mentioned earlier that you were expecting guests tomorrow."
Sir Jasper looked blank, then consternation filled his face. "Damn! Forgot. My sister, Eliza, her husband, and their brood arrive tomorrow. They come for a few weeks every summer." He looked at Lucifer. "Six children."
"Although I'm sure she'll declare otherwise, I doubt Phyllida is up to coping with such an invasion at present."
"Indeed, not-the four girls are a handful. Drive us insane. They tend to cling to Phyllida."
"Not this time."
"No. You're right. Although how to keep them from bothering her…" Sir Jasper shook his head. "I won't hide it from you, m'boy-I'm deuced worried about Phyllida."
"As am I. Which is why I'd like to suggest that Phyllida stay as a guest at the Manor for as long as this murderer is on the loose, for as long as we have reason to think her in danger. I realize the suggestion is somewhat unusual, but I've already made plain my intentions toward her and they haven't changed. For her part, Phyllida is aware of them."
"She hasn't refused?"
"No, but she has yet to agree." Lucifer sat back. "However, in this, I'm thinking primarily of her safety. After the incident of our nighttime intruder, I ordered locks for all the doors and windows at the Manor. They've arrived-Thompson started installing them yesterday. He's completing the task as we speak. Once that's done, the Manor will be thoroughly secure. The Grange is not." He shrugged. "Most country houses aren't."
"True. So little need, generally speaking."
"Exactly, but this isn't a usual case. There's also the fact that my staff have no other guest to deal with, so they'll be on hand to ensure Phyllida is cared for and protected at all times. Of course, I would imagine Miss Sweet would accompany Phyllida; thus, the proprieties will be observed."
Sir Jasper humphed. "Very neat. For myself, given the seriousness of the situation, I'm grateful for the suggestion and to hell with the proprieties. But the ladies set such store by 'em, best to do what we can to preserve them."
"My thoughts exactly."
Sir Jasper looked at Lucifer, then nodded. "As I said before, whatever permission you need, consider it given." He paused, then asked, "Do you think she'll agree?"
Lucifer's expression remained impassive. "You may leave that to me."
"Where are you taking me?" Phyllida looked up, into Lucifer's face, and waited for an answer. With her cradled in his arms, he was striding through the shrubbery. They'd set out for a moonlit stroll around the back lawn, but then he'd scooped her up into his arms and turned between the hedges.
Her throat was still sore; despite having slept for half the day, she was tiring. She'd only just remembered to give orders for rooms for her aunt and family to be prepared for their arrival tomorrow. While she'd been talking to Gladys, Lucifer had chatted to Sweetie, then strolled up and inveigled her into believing that a turn about the gardens in the cool of the night would help her still difficult breathing.
An image of Sweetie's face as, parting from Lucifer, she'd turned to go upstairs suddenly glowed in Phyllida's mind. She tightened her arms about Lucifer's neck. The end of the shrubbery was approaching. "Stop."
He didn't. He kept straight on through the gap in the hedges and onto the path through the wood.
Phyllida inwardly sighed. She relaxed her arms. "You're taking me to the Manor. Why?"
For a moment, he didn't say anything; then he stopped in a spot where the moonlight beamed down. He could see her face bathed in silver; she could barely see his as he looked down at her.
"You're going to let me take care of you."
She wasn't sure there was a question involved. She tried to think what her answer should be. She was the one who cared for everyone else-she couldn't remember the last time someone had set themselves to care for her.
He shifted her weight in his arms, gathering her closer, tightening his hold-not enough to make her feel trapped, just enough to make her feel totally secure. Totally safe.
"You have to let me protect you."