Page 78 of Grave Expectations
"Charlie's back," he announced.
"So I saw," said Mrs. Drinkwater, sitting on a chair by the window. The room was cold, the fire had gone out.
I asked Seth to re-light it. Mrs. Drinkwater took in my disheveled appearance before smoothing her hands over her lap.
"I hope my men didn't harm you," I said.
She rubbed her right wrist. "They weren't particularly gentle."
"Please accept our apologies," Seth said from the fireplace.
Gus snorted. "I ain't apologizin'. She deserved that, and more, for what she did to Charlie and me."
"You were unharmed," Mrs. Drinkwater protested.
"You shot me!"
"I minor wound. If I'd wanted to hurt you, I could have."
"We were locked in your cellar!" he went on.
"And now I'm locked in here. Shall we call it even?"
He grunted again. "Wewere tied up."
I interrupted before he could suggest someone fetch rope. "Mrs. Drinkwater, I'm sorry for keeping you here, but you must understand, we need answers and we can't risk your escape."
She glanced past me to the door. Gus closed it and stood in front of it, arms crossed.
"And after I give you answers? What will you do with me then?"
"Set you free. We have no reason to detain you indefinitely. Or harm you," I added in case she wasn't sure.
"Does Mr. Fitzroy agree?"
"He's not here. He's out looking for you, as it happens. But I'm sure he'll see there's no sense in keeping you here. He only wants answers too."
"Not revenge?"
"You have my word that he won't harm you, Mrs. Drinkwater. He's not a cruel man, merely…upset at what happened. He has calmed down somewhat."
She twisted her hands together in her lap but it didn't hide their trembling. "I must congratulate you on connecting me to The Alhambra. How did you know?"
"Your sister was forthcoming with the information once she realized your life may be in danger if you weren't warned."
She shot to her feet. "Danger! From someone other than Mr. Fitzroy?"
I refrained from rolling my eyes and telling heragainthat she was in no danger from Lincoln. "We think the person who helped you may want to…silence you."
She plopped down onto the chair, her hand to her chest. "No, I don't believe she would. She had ample opportunity after I approached her that first time."
"Do you mean Lady Harcourt?" Seth asked, coming to stand beside me.
She nodded.
"You've known her a long time," I said. "From the days you danced together."
"My sister told you that too? I'm sure she took delight in imparting the details."
