Page 145 of A Winter By the Sea
As they reached the bottom, the front door knocker banged hard, and they both jumped.
A few moments later, a harried-looking Jessie met them in the back passage, her eyes lighting upon them with relief.
“There you are, miss. That Captain Conroy is at the door, demanding to see Mr. During. But he’s not here. I saw him leave.”
“Did he say where he was going?”
“No, miss. Just saw him from the window, heading that way.” She pointed south, toward the sea.
“Was he carrying anything?”
Jessie shrugged. “Not sure. Might have been. Now, please. Come and speak with the man—he frightens me.”
“Me too,” Sarah murmured.
She and Emily shared a look, then continued through the main floor corridor and into the hall.
Captain Conroy stood just inside the door, gloves in one hand, slapping them impatiently again his leg and looking as if he’d like to slap someone else. He turned at their approach. A fierce frown scored the skin between his brows. His furry whiskers and pugnacious expression put her in mind of a peevish bulldog.
“Captain Conroy,” Sarah began. “How may we be of assistance?”
“I came to find Mr. During and was unhappy to be told he is not available. Does he refuse to see me?”
“No. He has gone out. I am certain he shall return soon.” Sarah wasn’t certain he would return, but the fact that his partially packed valise was still there seemed to justify the words.
“Do you know where he went? Or even which direction?” the captain asked. “I could send someone to fetch him.”
“I don’t know where he is,” Sarah replied, ignoring Emily’s sharp look. “In the meantime, may we help somehow?”
“I came for some items in the plate chest.”
Sarah’s stomach twisted. “Oh?”
“Yes. Her Royal Highness wishes the room to be draped in black and lit by candles when the duke lies in state. The chest contains tall silver candlesticks that would suit the purpose perfectly. She requested them specifically.”
Sarah’s mind searched for a way to forestall him. “I believe Mr. During always takes his key with him. Do you ... have another?”
He lifted one shoulder. “The duke probably had a spare somewhere, but things are rather chaotic in the house at present, with all the preparations.”
“Understandably so. I will send Mr. During to Woolbrook with the candlesticks as soon as may be.”
His black brows lowered ominously. “And keep the duchess waiting?” He shook his head. “Take me to his room. At once!”
“T-to what purpose? If only Mr. During can open the chest?”
“We shall see about that.” He charged up the stairs. Sarah and Emily exchanged worried glances, and then Sarah hurried after him, wishing she had thought to secure the padlock before leaving Mr. During’s room. Emily followed more slowly.
As soon as Sarah unlocked the door, the captain pushed past her.
He swooped down on the chest like a buzzard to prey. “Unlocked! I’ll throttle the toad.” He threw back the lid, and Sarah held her breath.
Instead of the volley of curses she expected, Captain Conroy lifted out two large silver candlesticks, face alight with satisfaction.
“I shall take these to the duchess directly. Tell During to see me immediately about the unlocked chest. There will be consequences for this oversight.”
“I ... I will,” Sarah stammered, confusion washing over her. Did the captain not know there should be two more candlesticks? Apparently not. Despite this reprieve, Sarah knew it would not be long until the others were discovered missing, and During would certainly be blamed then.
When the captain left, Sarah expelled a sigh of relief. If the situation was as desperate as she feared, at least they had a little time to right it, if Mr. During was willing. First she had to find him.
