Tabitha lingered near the bed until the physician gathered his case.
Stephen touched her elbow gently. "Mrs Crowe."
She nodded. Together, Stephen and Tabitha escorted the physician into the outer chamber. Stephen spoke briefly to a guard, issuing instructions. Then he turned back to Tabitha.
For one moment, neither of them said anything.
At last, Tabitha exhaled. "It is so good to see you, Stephen."
Stephen's mouth curved, but the smile did not reach his eyes. "Yes, I am sure it is. It must have been dreadful in our absence."
"You have no idea," she said. "So many things have happened, Stephen. So many dreadful, cruel things."
"I gathered as much."
"One of the painful things," she said carefully, "is Lady Bella's death."
"Oh my God," Stephen whispered. "Please," he said, his voice low. "Please tell me the Queen Mother had nothing to do with that."
Tabitha hesitated. If she said too much, Lionel would be exposed. Livia had said she did not want the king told.
