-8- Good News and Finding Alice

With just the ticking of the hands of the grandfather clock, as they moved from minute to minute, shadows cast their long impressions of the waning afternoon on the walls of the foyer. Tea had been duly drunk, and the tray removed. Everyone waited as the minutes turned into an hour.

In the meantime, Mrs. Willoughby voiced Chef Armand's inquiry, if he could prepare something special for Lady Winter and her guests. Looking relieved to be thinking of something normal, she agreed to whatever Chef wanted to fix. The man could always tempt her appetite. The very competent housekeeper politely thanked her mistress, curtsied and returned to the kitchen. Once there, she imparted her ladyship's message telling the chef, that tonight, he had carte blanche`. He began supper preparations at once.

The drawing room door slowly opened and Dr. Edwards made his way over to Lady Winter. As she stood up, he said, "All is well and he will fully recover." There was an audible sigh from those present. "But I should like him to have a meal of soup and tea." Seeing everyone's relief he continued, "I have instructed Alfred to make a stretcher. He, along with Lord Stanton, will carry your uncle above stairs.

Doctor Edwards looked around at the young people, saying with emphasis, "He needs to be kept quiet. At present, he is confused and questions will only upset him. I have prepared a light sedative for any discomfort. Because of his head injury, he should not be allowed to sleep for at least three hours." Making sure they all understood his instructions, he moved back into the drawing room, just as Lord Stanton was leaving the room, and closed the door behind him.

He took Lady Winter's hand in his, and assured her there was nothing to worry about. Turning toward Sir Harry, he added that they should prepare to leave, as soon as they got the injured man upstairs. His horses had been standing too long. But Laura told him, "Your driver left word over an hour ago, that he was taking the team and carriage to the stables. He requested that you send word, as to when he should return." Horton would be rewarded for his quick thinking, thought his lordship.

He had never gotten the chance to speak with Uncle Simon, about the intended message for the Home Office. Perhaps before he left, he would slip upstairs, to see if the older man was up to talking. Turning back to Lady Winter, he was about to ask her something, but she spoke up first.

"If it would not interfere with your evening, would you and Sir Harry mind staying to dine with Laura and me?" she asked, her steady gaze all but imploring him to stay. "I should feel better having you gentlemen about until uncle is settled," she explained calmly, before looking pointedly at her niece. Lady Laura joined in agreeing, "Aunt is right. This whole business has been so unsettling, and I believe we would feel better in case Uncle Simon needs someone strong to help him." His own man will not be arriving until tomorrow afternoon.

Both Sir Harry and Lord Stanton readily agreed. Lady Winter asked Mary to tell Chef that there would be four to dine. And she conveyed what the doctor ordered for her uncle to eat. Mary bobbed a curtsy and hastened to the kitchen. Once there, she reported to the staff that the old gentleman was doing much better. A sigh of relief escaped everyone's lips. The kitchen became a hub of conversation. And for once, even Chef Armand did not mind their chatter.

Laura noticed her maid at the top of the staircase, beckoning her to come up. Excusing herself, she walked quickly upstairs to see what Sarah wanted. "What is it Sarah?" she asked as she reached the landing. But Sarah, looking worried, did not reply at once. Laura took the girl's hand saying, "Sarah, what is wrong, you appear upset."

Nodding her head, the maid exclaimed, "I didn't want to trouble you, with your uncle hurt and all, but you need to know miss," she got out. She turned, and with her mistress close behind, they went down to the room Laura occupied. When they entered the bedchamber, Sarah pointed to the trunk on the floor. It lay open and when they looked inside, they saw Alice lying on top of the clothes, Sarah had been packing." Was this why her maid was so upset Laura wondered?

Laura admonished her lightly, "Alice you should not be on my clean clothes." Reaching for Alice, even though she touched her, the small cat lay unresponsive. Her little white chest was moving in rhythmic intervals. She appeared to be asleep. "Alice!" her young mistress called, shaking the cat. She repeatedly tried to rouse her.

Picking Alice up, Laura turned to Sarah demanding, "When did you find her?" Sarah replied, "Just a few minutes ago, miss. I tried to get her to jump out but she wouldn't wake up." Alice finally stirred in Laura's arms and opened her sleepy eyes. Emitting a big yawn, she curled into a ball, and nestled against Laura's heart.

Lady Laura stated, "This is not like her at all. You saw how I tried to rouse her, Sarah. What do you think is wrong with her?" she asked. Sarah said she had no idea. After observing Alice begin to display a more normal behavior said, "I do thank you for telling me Sarah, but in future, if you notice anything wrong with Alice, please let me know at once," she instructed. Sarah promised her she would.

They discussed outfits and such until it was time for dinner. After changing her gown, Laura watched Alice as she lay stretched out on the bed. Satisfied that her little kitty was acting herself once more, Laura went downstairs to join the others.