Jonah gave Basil a friendly nod. Under different circumstances the men might have engaged in a few stories about their respective matches or various opponents. Right at this moment however it did not seem appropriate.
“Nice to meet you Mr Howard.” Jonah felt ill at ease with the pleasantries.
We need to figure out a plan. Figure out what is going on and what we are going to do. This isn’t tea time.
His hand ran through his hair and he turned to look at the other man. “Do any of you know what is going on exactly or is it all speculation and accusations?” Jonah looked back at Basil. “Do you have any actual knowledge of what was going on? Because anything that could help us make a plan would be helpful.”
Jonah crossed his arms, he looked to the men knowing that they would have to lead the women to safety. “And I do not think talk of..” He cleared his throat. “Cannibals is a subject to discuss in present company.”
Rebecca smiled politely. She watched the men converse. While she understood her place in society this was still her house and they were all guests despite the circumstances she found this whole thing frustrating.
Basil Howard, as the man introduced himself did not seem to know anything more than the rest despite the other man’s accusation that doctor’s were behind it. She stared at the lean man for a moment. He seemed to know things.
“May I suggest that perhaps we sit, relax and enjoy some tea? Dinner shall be along presently.”
Rebecca stood and crossed the room. “We seem to be dealing with something beyond our comprehension. I will speak to my father. He is sure to know more than any of us. He was called to the city to deal with something. I would hazard a guess that they are connected.”
She rang a bell. A maid appeared promptly. “Dinner and room set for our guests please. Also could you ask my father to join us for a few moments?”
The maid gave her a small curtsey and left the room.
Rebecca smiled and looked at the rest. “See all shall be sorted soon. Would anyone like to wash up or take a stroll on the grounds before dinner. I assure you it is quite safe.”
The days excitement and morbid talk was fading from her memory as she focused on her duties as hostess. Jonah frowned. “Yes a stroll. Gentlemen should we stepped outside?” He looked to Basil and the man who had yet to introduce himself.