Enright understood the situation immediately. It would not be good for Sabrina to be caught with a half-naked man. The gossip would fly through the valley. She had no illusions about Mrs. Patton’s loyalty. A good story was a good story. Half of his face still covered with shaving cream, he pulled her back into the kitchen and stepped out into the hall. Sabrina cowered behind the kitchen wall, wondering what was to become of her. She heard Mrs. Patton gave a short cry of surprise at the sight of a stranger in her house. From her vantage point, Sabrina could only see Mr. Enright, but she could imagine the look on the cook’s face as she took in their lathered guest. Mrs. Patton had a weakness for a handsome gentleman. “I’m so sorry,” Mr. Enright said, again with that morning cheerfulness. “I didn’t mean to startle you.” “Who are you?” Mrs. Patton answered with her customary forthrightness. “Colonel Cormac Enright.” He clicked his heels and gave a short bow, a polite one.
