Free The Fashionable Spy by Emily Hendrickson Page B

also desired to see Sir Edward again, and that had easily won out over her scruples.
    “Do you know, I believe that might be a good idea. Do you have any suggestions, Julia?”
    “Only that it be as comfortable as possible. Pockets to hold books for the children might be a nice addition. They do so love to bring things along when we travel, and little items tend to get lost so easily.”
    “How did your meeting with Lord Temple go?” Elizabeth studied her sister while the rhubarb tart was placed on the table after the remains of the chicken had been removed.
    “Well,” Julia said hesitantly, “he seems quite nice. He wishes the painting for his mother. Is that not commendable?” Her gentle smile curved sweet lips, her eyes misty with admiration for so good a man.
    “And you believed him?” Elizabeth cried. She made a rather rude sound, then subsided before her sisters could scold.
    “Elizabeth has a point. People are not always what they seem.” Victoria spooned a dollop of custard over her rhubarb tart. “Do exercise care, my dear.”
    “Ha,” murmured Elizabeth. At her sister’s look of inquiry, she added, “Well, Julia is a widow; she ought to be able to handle gentlemen.”
    Victoria gave her younger sister a sharp glance. “I would insist upon an explanation regarding that remark were we not pressed for time. Hurry, so we shall not be late. I detest the throng of people in the entry to the theater. Regardless of what the ton does, I think it far better to arrive with time to spare so one can settle comfortably before the production begins. And by the way, Elizabeth, there will be a farce this evening. That ought to please you well enough.”
    Elizabeth said nothing in reply, but looked relieved.
    The girls strolled to the entry to accept their cloaks from Evenson with their charming grace.
    “Well, I shall instruct the carriage builder to use aquamarine in the interior,” Victoria announced while they bumped along to Drury Lane. “I believe Elizabeth has the right of it, that color would be lovely.” She sat back, then exclaimed softly, pulling a folded paper from her beaded reticule. “Oh, a letter came for you, Elizabeth. Here, you may read it now, if the light is sufficient.”
    Elizabeth opened the letter, her cheeks tinting an interesting shade of pink as she scanned its contents, then tucked it deep in her reticule. “Just an invitation to drive with a friend,” she murmured.
    Victoria knew of no friend who would bring a blush to her sister’s face, yet she said nothing, trusting Elizabeth to use her common sense. She might have a tin ear, but she was uncommonly practical.
     

Chapter 5
     
    All three young women remained oddly silent on the drive to the theater. Tickets had been most difficult to obtain. The gothic drama De Montfort might have been around for years, but it was still enjoyed, all the more for being a favorite. It was doubtful that any of the three was thinking of the tragedy that was to befall the hero.
    Elizabeth gave a furtive glance about them as she exited the carriage, then relaxed.
    “Come, do let us hurry to our box,” Victoria urged.
    Even though it was early, there were many people filtering into the theater, particularly those who could not afford the luxury of a box and had to sit in the pit on hard benches. They sought a good spot, in hopes of seeing and hearing something of the play.
    “I, as well, do not care to be pushed about in a horde of people,” Julia added. “Were it not for the obvious, that more patrons are to be found in London than elsewhere, I should prefer to enjoy a quiet life in the country.”
    Flashing her a look of concern, Victoria replied, “Why do we not visit Aunt Bel after the Season is over? When nearly all of the ton leave Town, there are few commissions for any of us. Perhaps by then the war office will have less need for our talents.” She gave Julia a hopeful look, then observed the calculating expression on Elizabeth’s