Page 28 of Song of the Caged Duchess

“You know her?”

“I haven’t met her, but I have heard the name. If she’s the Lady Eugenia I’m thinking of, she’s the daughter of the Dowager Countess of Harcourt, whom Ihavemet. She’s a rather strident woman.”

“Lady Eugenia wasn’t strident.”

“Not Lady Eugenia. The Dowager Countess.”

“I see.” Hugh thought about that. “I suppose having an overbearing mother could explain Lady Eugenia’s personality.”

“What do you mean?”

“She must have apologized to me twenty times. Eventually, Lady Esther had to explicitly tell her to stop it, and that she hadn’t done anything wrong.”

“I’ll bet that’s her. Lady Eugenia of Harcourt.” Charles nodded as if the matter was settled. “We’re well on our way.”

“Well on our way to what? Solving a mystery?” Hugh shook his head. “This has hardly been a mystery, Charles. These are two ladies who told me what their names are. If we really wanted to learn more about them, we would only need to go and find them.”

“You are determined not to have any fun,” Charles scolded. “But as for me, I am determined to go and find Lady Eugenia.”

“What?” Hugh took his friend firmly by the arm. “I won’t have you doing any such thing, Charles. For goodness’ sake!”

“You just suggested that if we wanted to learn more about the ladies, we ought to find them and talk to them!” Charles’ voice was pure innocence. “I want to learn more about Lady Eugenia.”

“You’re going to start a rumor about me.”

“Of course not. I’ll do no such thing. Your name won’t be mentioned. You have my word.”

“What on Earth are you planning to say to her?”

“Maybe I’d just like to meet her,” Charles said. “She sounds like a very interesting and congenial person. Am I wrong?”

“Shewasfriendly,” Hugh allowed. “If a bit awkward.”

“So what’s the harm in my having a dance with her?”

“No harm, I supposed,” Hugh said, though he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was being manipulated into agreeing to something he wouldn’t like.

“And as long as we’re dancing,” Charles went on, “I can’t see why I wouldn’t ask her who she’s attending the ball with.”

“Oh, now, wait a minute—”

That’s his scheme! Of course!

Charles held up his hand to stop Hugh from protesting. “Just asking a few questions,” he said, a mischievous smile on his face. “Just getting to know a young lady at a ball. That’s why we’re here, Hugh, is it not?”

And Hugh could think of nothing to say.

Charles drained his drink, flashed a big grin at Hugh, and hurried away before he could come up with any kind of coherent protest.

I can’t believe him. One time I admit to him that I’ve found a lady intriguing and he’s already contriving to bring us together.

Then again, itwasexactly like Charles to do something like this.

Did I know when I told him about Lady Esther that he would intercede this way? Did I perhaps confide in him because Iwantedhis help in getting to know her better?

He turned toward the Manor, thinking that perhaps he ought to go inside himself and find something to do before Lady Catherine came looking for him once again. Maybe it was time to ask someone for a dance.

But before he could take a step toward the Manor, he saw her emerge onto the patio.