He had been sent off to bed as usual after dinner, and although several of those present might have suspected he would not be asleep, none expected him to seek out his uncle in such a way. Nicholas recollected himself first. “What is all your fault?” Colin hesitated and looked so miserable that Sarah wished she could help him but, knowing she could not, kept silent. He glanced at her, then back at his uncle. “Would you prefer to speak to me privately?” Nicholas inquired gently. “Yes … no, sir,” the boy amended, lifting his chin. “It wouldn’t be right. Cousin Sarah should know, and I don’t mind Gram or Miss Penny. But you’re going to be angry,” he added bluntly. “Then you’d best get it over with so that we may all be comfortable again, don’t you agree?” Colin nodded slowly, one hand rather nervously plucking at a coat button. He opened his mouth once or twice and glanced at Sarah again, but no words came. “Has it to do with Lionel?” Nicholas asked quietly.
