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She descended the back staircase and crossed the servants’ passage, moving with enough purpose that no one was likely to question her presence.
She had almost reached the outer door when voices sounded beyond it. Judith stopped.
One of the voices belonged to a groom. The other belonged unmistakably to Major Baines. “…first thing tomorrow,” he was saying. “Nothing strenuous. He has done enough travelling.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good night.”
Judith retreated instinctively. The only convenient refuge was the narrow pantry beside the passage, and she slipped inside, drawing the door almost closed behind her. This was beyond ridiculous, she told herself crossly. She was hiding in a pantry, in her own house, from a man who had been beneath its roof less than twelve hours.
Footsteps approached, and then slowed.
Judith held her breath.
The steps stopped directly outside. For one dreadful moment she knew he had discovered her.
Nevertheless, the footfalls then continued.
She remained still until she was certain he had gone, counted to twenty for good measure, and then eased the pantry door open. The passage was empty.
Judith hurried across the yard and found Will in the stable.
“The usual place,” she said quietly, pressing the folded note into his hand.
“Yes, miss.”
“No one must know where it came from.”
Will nodded and tucked it safely away.
Judith turned towards the house. A figure leaned against the stone archway. Her heart seemed to stop.
Major Baines stood half in shadow with his arms loosely crossed. For once he was not smiling.
Judith had no idea how long he had been there.
His gaze moved from her to the stable door through which Will had disappeared, then returned to her face.
Neither spoke. Judith forced herself forward, though each step seemed absurdly loud against the stones.
She stopped before him. “Major Baines.”
“Miss Finch.”
“Are you in the habit of lurking in stable yards, sir?”
“Only when the house proves insufficiently entertaining.”
Her heart beat hard enough that she felt certain he must hear it, yet she kept her voice level. “Then I hope you have enjoyed yourself.”
“Immensely, thank you.”
She moved to pass him and he stepped aside at once. That frightened her more than if he had stopped her.
Without a word, Judith passed beneath the arch.
“Miss Finch?”
