It was all Mary could do not to make a face. She did not like the idea of Rex being so disloyal, but Lily was right, and she would do well to remember that.
“Reformed rakes are supposed to make the best husbands,” Josie argued. “Perhaps he was not ready to reform last Season.”
“And he is this Season?” Lily’s skepticism echoed Mary’s, though hers remained unspoken.
“Not the point,” Evie said, slashing her hand through the air to cut off their bickering. She gave Mary another apologetic look. “Not that your eventual choice of husband is not important, but…”
“No, no, please.” Mary nodded. “We should talk about how this changes things.”
“Are we even sure this plot is still afoot?” Josie asked almost plaintively. “We have heard nothing, seen nothing, to indicate it might be.”
“Unfortunately, yes.” Evie’s expression darkened. “One of my uncle’s men was injured this past week when someone broke into the Duke of York’s home. They were unable to apprehend him, and he escaped.”
All three of her friends sucked in gasps for breath.
“They have not given up, then.” Josie had paled, her expression more somber. “Yet we barely know anything more than we did before. Unless… has your uncle uncovered anything?”
“No.”
The four of them sat in unhappy silence for a long moment. Finally, Lily stirred, speaking quietly as usual.
“The Russian delegation seems pleased with the trade agreements so far. One of my contacts says they look to be spending the remainder of the Season entertaining themselves. There was a fight between the French envoy and the Russian envoy earlier this week, though no one seems to know exactly what it was about. The French envoy, theComte of Dreux, was overheard cursing after one of his meetings with the crown.”
“If the French are unhappy, perhaps that is why another attempt was made on the Duke this week,” Mary mused.
“Unlike the Russians, they are making an effort to mingle with Society.” Josie leaned back on her elbows. “They are really rather friendly.”
“And all already married,” Lily said dryly. “I do not think a willingness to flirt is any indication of innocence.”
“I am only pointing out, they are making an effort.”
“Which might be a deliberate deception on their part.”
“Is there any indication they are working with an English counterpart?” That was what Mary really wanted to know. She did not like to think Rex, or any of his friends, might be tied to the assassination attempts. The activities of the Society could put them all in danger with the law as it was.
“That is what I want us to focus on,” Evie said grimly. “My uncle and his men have connections with the envoys we do not.” She looked at Lily. “Although, if you could keep up with your contacts, that would be appreciated.” Lily nodded. “Josie, my understanding is you are in a good position to gather gossip, especially for anyone connected to the envoys.”
“The French are very sociable, but I will do my best,” Josie said with a sigh. “There will be a very large amount of gossip from them. At least the Russians’ introversion should make things easier on that count. They hardly talk to anyone outside of their own group, which makes anyone they do talk to stand out.”
“Just do your best. Lily, anything more you can find out about negotiations and the argument between the French and the Russians. I am sure my Uncle is working on that as well, but I am just as sure he will not share that knowledge.” Evie’s expression was full of frustration over her uncle’s protectiveness, even though his sentiments were demonstrably legitimate. “Mary, keep looking into Hartford. In particular, focus on his friend, the Earl of Devon. He was recently seen gambling with the Russian envoy in a particularly notorious gaming hell.”
“How do you know that?” Josie asked curiously. They often took for granted Evie would know things they did not—could not—but Josie usually wanted to know how Evie knew. Sometimes, Evie was forthcoming, but today did not appear to be one of those days.
“Never you mind,” Evie said a bit too severely, getting to her feet. She glanced at the sky. “I have to go. I only had a bit of time off this morning.”
“Time off from what?” Josie murmured at Evie’s back as their friend hurried away. Pursing her lips, Josie turned to look at Mary and Lily. “What do you think she is not telling us?”
“I am certain there is a wholehostof things she is not telling us,” Mary admitted.
“I think she must be working in a household somewhere in London,” Lily said, still watching Evie’s form disappear down the length of the river. When no one responded, she finally turned to look at the other two, surprise tingeing her expression when they stared back at her in bewilderment. “It makes sense. Weknowshe is not going about in Society, she is only able to get away on Sundays, and her hands appeared chapped.”
“You would make a good detective.” Mary had not noticed Evie’s hands, nor had she made that conjecture. Lily was right; it did make sense, though astounding. She thought Evie was likely the only one of them who could manage such a disguise, especially for such a long period of time. It had been weeks since the Season had started. How had Evie gone about attaining employment? She would have needed references, a wardrobe, and all sorts of things.
“Look out, here comes trouble,” Josie said suddenly, sitting bolt upright. Lily and Mary’s heads came up, turning to see where she was looking. A rider on a fine horse was approaching, but it took a few more long seconds before Mary recognized Evie’s cousin, Elijah.
“How did you know…” Lily’s muttered.
“Recognized the horse, of course.” Only Josie.