“No, but I do have a question. Did you give the book to anyone else to page through?”
Her brows scrunched. “Why ever would I do that?”
“A feeling.” Oliver arched a brow at the boy, motioning him to come over. The boy hesitated, then his head disappeared again.
“A nonsensical feeling. Why not just help me search the shelves?”
“I have a better idea,” Oliver countered. “Let us ask your brother about the book’s whereabouts.”
She turned to him. “Leo? Why?”
“He’s outside the library door, eavesdropping.”
“What?” Her whole body swiveled to the door. “Leo! Are you there? If you are, you better show your face right this instant!”
A few seconds ticked by, then a small body filled the doorway. The boy directed a disdainful glare at Oliver. “What ishedoing here?”
“Heis my servant.”
The boy pulled a face. “Was he not a gardener a few hours ago?”
Oliver arched a brow again. For a child, Leo Talbot was not that easily fooled. He could sense Oliver was no ordinary servant. His perceptiveness was most impressive. In some ways, he reminded Oliver a bit of himself at that age.
“And now he is my personal servant,” Lady Louisa announced.
“Why do you have a personal servant?”
Lady Louisa’s hands settled on her hips as she retorted, “That is not a matter to concern yourself with, Leo.”
Her brother looked over to Oliver again. “If you have a personal servant, then I want a personal servant, too.”
Oliver pursed his lips. The boy had spunk. Just like his sister.
“You do not get to have a personal servant.”
“Why not?”
“You are still a child. Once you reach my age you can have as many personal servants as you want.” She suddenly paused. “Actually, I suppose you do get a personal servant.”
His eyes brightened. “I do?”
“Yes, and you already have one: your governess.”
Oliver almost barked out a laugh.
“Now tell me,” Lady Louisa went on. “What are you doing here, spying on us when you should be in your schoolroom going over your studies?”
The boy looked away.
“Leo Talbot! Tell me you didn’t hide the book I am looking for!”
“What book? I do not know what you are talking about.”
“You are the worst liar. What did you do with it? Hand it over right now!”
Oliver rubbed his chin as he studied the two siblings. His instincts prickled again, warning him this was no simple matter.
And he was about to be proven right.
