‘Really, Mr Cumbermede, you can hardly expect me to remember in what room a visitor slept—let me see—it must be twelve or fifteen years ago! I do not take it upon me.’
‘Oh! never mind, then. I referred to the circumstances of that night, thinking they might help you to remember the room; but it is of no consequence; I shall find it for myself. Miss Coningham will, I hope, help me in the search. She knows the house better than I do.’
‘I must attend to my own business first, if you please, sir,’ said Clara. ‘Mrs Wilson, I am ordered out of my room by Mr Cumbermede. You must find me fresh quarters, if you please.’
Mrs Wilson stared.
‘Do you mean, miss, that you want your things moved to another bed-room?’
‘That is what I mean, Mrs Wilson.’
‘I must see what Lady Brotherton says to it, miss.’
‘Do, by all means.’
I saw that Clara was bent on annoying her old enemy, and interposed.
‘Sir Giles and Lady Brotherton have agreed to let me have Miss Coningham’s room for an addition to the library, Mrs Wilson,’ I said.