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Sorry, Bertie, but you’re too late, he thought. He closed the door quietly, noticing with his well-honed sense of irony that Bertie was silent immediately, and joined the other two in the front room. Without a word, he took the necklace from his pocket and dropped it in Nell’s lap.
    She gasped, then looked around quickly. “Oh, thank you,” she whispered.
    “Hide it,” he ordered.
    She slid it into her apron pocket just as the front door opened and Major Bones came in without knocking. She took a deep breath, and Jess put his hand on her shoulder. “Major,” he said, keeping his voice even. From habit, Dan had risen to put himself between the major and Nell. “Is there something that you want?”
    His question seemed to catch Bones off guard, so he pressed his advantage. “Miss Mason is not without friends, Major.”
    There was no disguising the look of utter loathing that Bones threw his way. It didn’t last long, but Jess felt it right down to his wool socks.
    “What a vast relief that is to me, Captain,” Bones said,biting off each word. “I would be distressed if during the general chaos of retreat that Miss Mason found herself on her own without protection.”
    “It won’t happen,” Jess assured him.
    “Then her mother still lives?” Bones asked.
    The sickroom door opened, and Bertie Mason leaned against the frame. “William, she has passed from this life into what I am hopeful is a better life,” he said.
    I’ll say, Jess thought.
You’re
not in it.
    Nell rose. “Because of this, Major, you will understand if my father and I wish to be alone at this time to make plans. Don’t let us keep you from whatever pressing business falls under your scrutiny.”
    “Oh, is that it?” he asked.
    “I believe it is, sir.” Nell held out her hand to the major, and Jess was impressed to see that it did not tremble. “Anything you might wish to discuss with my father can wait for another day. Good night, Major Bones.”
    He had no choice but to leave. Bones admonished Bertie to be a man when he started to sob again, and threw Jess another furious glance before stalking from the room.
    I believe I have an enemy, Jess thought. Well, there is a first time for everything.

Chapter Three
    J esse assured Nell that the medical corps would find an army-issue coffin for her mother. It wasn’t strictly regulation, but he had no doubts that Sheffield would approve.
    Bertie shook his head. “I cannot think that a common coffin is worthy of my excellent wife. I will find something better if I must search all day tomorrow.”
    “Papa, we are beginning a retreat tomorrow,” Nell reminded him.
    Bertie looked at her sorrowfully. “It is the least I can do for your mother.”
    When did you ever do anything but the least for her? Jess thought. You expected so much and did so little, I wonder that you can summon the courage to glance into your shaving mirror each morning. But men like you never see that, do you?
    “Papa, we haven’t money for such a coffin. Army issue will do just as well,” Nell said, with a firm voice. Jess recognized the tone from years past when Nell was much younger and took charge in situations where a parent should have led.
    This time Bertie would not be put off. “I will borrow what I need from Major Bones,” he told his daughter. “Five pounds should do it.”
    “Papa, that is five more pounds you must pay him back!” Nell burst out, and Jess heard the panic in her voice.
    Bertie was oblivious. “Nell, I am wounded,” he said. “How can you think so lightly of your own dear mother? Besides, Bones’ terms are never onerous.” The captain looked at Jess. “You may leave now, sir.” He pulled onhis cloak again. “I will only be a few minutes, Nell. I should find the major.” He left without another word.
    Jess looked at Nell. “Will he be back tonight?”
    She was too ashamed to look at him. “It is highly unlikely, Captain. Someone will offer him a drink, and then