"Lieutenant, thank you for your time, and a speedy recovery, sir." She said as she stepped through the door. "Miss Wigfall." It should not have surprised her, but the woman's appearance did just that. Eavesdropping, as she may well have been, there would be no juicy tales to tell. Perhaps the accusations, and her current distrust. She needed to get herself pulled together, even though at the outset Leah had felt normal it was clear that the sight of Dutch and the other two riders had her on edge.

Greene hobbled painfully after the attractive brunette to see her out, as might be expected of an officer and a gentleman. Jemima, for her part, digested what she had heard, and found it an unsatisfying meal. The officer was here to recover from his wounds and Miss Steelgrave thought he was here for some other, nefarious purposes. Looking at him grimacing, you could see he was still in a poor state of health after his heroic rescue of Miss Addy and (she winced) Caroline Mundee.

Oh, if only she were the beautiful and pretty and poised Miss Steelgrave; she wouldn't be pitching accusations against the handsome Lt. greene: she'd be 'pitchin' woo'!

"Perhaps we might have coffee once you are feeling better." She offered, perhaps as amends for her behavior. "If Doctor Danforth has not been by recently I shall speak to him."

"I'd be mighty obliged Ma'am, mighty obliged." the young officer bowed one last time. The door closed and Jemima turned to the Lieutenant to see if he wanted help back up the stairs or (her tummy jumped) balm rubbing on his wounded leg. 

"Think quick, Miss Wigfall!" 

His stick was flying through the air as, instinctively, she caught it, a look of open mouthed stupefaction on her face. The Lieutenant was jogging up the stairs. Halfway up, he turned and pointed to her with a wink. "Think quick!"

As he disappeared around the corner and up onto the landing, a smile of dim understanding slowly formed itself on Jemima's bovine features.