*
While he waited for his telephone call to be connected, Hannish went back upstairs to check on Sassy. For just a moment, McKenna let him peek in her room and he was surprised by what he saw. Sassy's hair was down, her eyes were closed and she no longer looked like a child --she looked like the striking grown woman he knew her to be. "Is she sleeping?" he asked.
McKenna stepped out into the hallway and quietly closed the door. "Nay, she is just resting. She does not cry, but then, I suppose she has learned not to." McKenna went into her brother's arms. "Forgive me for not telling you about Olivia, but you had to see it for yourself."
"Aye," he whispered, "but of all the people she could have hurt, why did it have to be Sassy? Are you certain I should not send for the doctor?"
McKenna released him and took a step back. "Nay, she does not need a doctor, but you do not look so well. I sent for two bottles from your wine cellar, one for you and one for Olivia. Let Olivia sleep and in the morning, I will help her dress."
"And let her hurt you? I will not allow that." He leaned against the wall and took a deep breath. "She admitted paying Graham's passage on the ship. What sort of fool does she think I am?"
"He has a way of keeping her calm."
"I am happy to hear someone does." Hannish took another deep breath and tried to steady his nerves. "I best go see about her." He lightly touched McKenna's hand. "Send for me if Sassy needs anything."
"I promise."
Reluctantly, Hannish walked down the hall and turned the corner. Prescot was standing with his arms folded in front of Olivia's closed door, determined not to let her out. As soon as he saw Hannish, he stepped aside. "She keeps ringing the bell for tea, Sir."
*
Hannish nodded and then opened the door without knocking. He intentionally left the door open, walked to the wall and ripped the bell cord off.
"What is the meaning of that?" Olivia shouted.
"I wish you to sleep and let the servants sleep as well. If you need anything, which I doubt, I will fetch it for you."
"You? A duke doing the duties of a servant? What an outrage that will be when they hear about it in London."
Hannish walked to the bed and turned it down, just as he had seen the valets do a thousand times. "Will they hear of this in London, Olivia? They will never know unless you tell them."