Page 93 of From the Ashes
"I am, thank you."
Gillingham picked up my wine glass and passed it to me. "I find a glass of red does wonders for the constitution."
Why was he so eager for me to drink? Not only had I been out of the room, but so had Lincoln. While Doyle hovered nearby, I couldn't expect him to watch every guest during our absence. I accepted the glass and waited until the attention was no longer on me then set it down without drinking.
Gillingham, however, noticed.
"Are you any closer to finding the circus murderer?" Buchanan asked Lincoln in what was a surprisingly sober manner.
His brother slammed the knife and fork down on his plate. I'd be surprised if the plate didn't chip. "For God's sake, Andrew, not at the dinner table."
"Why not? I think everyone here is well versed in blood, gore and the supernatural."
"There are ladies present."
"They're hardly delicate flowers, Donald."
"Even so," the general said. "Not appropriate."
"Very well." Buchanan concentrated on the three different roasted meats and poultry on his plate, but I got the feeling he wasn't finished with the topic. "Tell me," he said, when no other conversation began, "what will you do now that you're no longer part of the ministry, Fitzroy?"
"Travel," Lincoln said simply.
"No," the general cut in. Everyone looked at him. His gaze, which had been watching the door behind me, settled on Lincoln. "Stay here in London. You will be recalled."
"He isn't needed, General," Gillingham said. "We can investigate without him. We have the resources and means."
"I disagree."
Lady Harcourt dabbed at the corners of her mouth with her napkin. "Gentlemen, please, my nerves—"
"Are fine," the general cut in. "Stop exaggerating, Julia."
Lady Harcourt's eyes widened. I'd wager she hadn't been addressed so disrespectfully in a long time.
"I say," Buchanan said, "that wasn't called for."
"Again, I disagree." The general turned to Lincoln, but did not get a chance to speak.
"There's no need to be so abrupt," Lord Harcourt said. "For once, I agree with my brother. Whatever your differences with Julia, she is a lady and deserves your respect."
Abrupt.
I blinked at Harcourt. He was right. The general did have an abrupt and to-the-point way of speaking. Just like the letters written to Dr. Bell. Not only that, but he looked to the door frequently. Why? Who was he expecting to walk in?
I tried to catch Lincoln's attention, but it was focused on the general too. Had he also made the connection?
I pressed my hand to my stomach and rose. "Excuse me," I murmured with what I hoped was a pained expression.
Several gazes burned into my back as I walked out, and once again, I reached the stair landing before a guest caught up to me. It wasn't the general, as I'd expected, but Lady Harcourt with Lincoln not far behind. She hurried up the stairs and paused beneath the chandelier. The dozens of little gas lights picked out the gems in her hair and the cruel gleam in her eyes.
"Tell me once and for all, are you and Lincoln together?" she said.
Lincoln slowed. His footsteps were so light, she hadn't heard him. I clutched my imp's necklace.
"That is not your affair," I told her.
"It is very much my affair, you little sewer rat." She raised her hand but I deflected her slap with ease. I may not have resumed my training since returning to Lichfield, but I hadn't forgotten some of the defensive moves Lincoln taught me.
