Max Brand: The Long Chase (Pocket Books)

The Other Side Of The Wardrobe 4:

The clothing meant the Emeritus was going outside. It didn't look like stable-wear...

"The caverns..." Peg mumbled, but the Emeritus' hearing was better than many suspected, at least when the children were Away.

"That's right, Miss Henline. And I shall require the services of your... Mr. Tull."

The pause told Peg that the Emeritus was aware of her situation with Thomas. And that he would use it against her if necessary. That was the way he ran the household, had for a century. She'd thought she'd kept it hidden but should have known better.

"Fetch him for me, will you? We've no idea how long those little bastards will be Away and there is much work to do. So no... delays."

Again the pause. Again the implied threat that was all but explicit.

"Yes, Emeritus," she whispered, head down, and headed to the stables where Thomas would be waiting for her already. She picked her way carefully, knowing that every step would be reversed later, at speed.