Proserpina

When I came awake in the morning, I realized that Lucien had not come up to bed. Puzzled, I went looking for him but the study was deserted. Frowning, I went to the kitchen and found Beston sitting at the table, sharing a cup of tea with Camille. She leapt up to her feet, pink-cheeked but Beston rose to his height in a more leisurely fashion.

‘Ma’am.’ he murmured in greeting.

I came straight to the point.

‘Tony,’ I said, “where is my husband?’

He looked back at me, perplexed. ’The boss left for the townhouse last night.’ he said, and I quickly turned away to hide my confusion....