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Yrs,

Agatha, Lady Danbury

Elizabeth couldn't iine why Lady Danbury would think she possessed any pertinent information, but she had no reason to be suspicious of the note's authenticity She knew Lady D's handwriting as well as her own, and this was no forgery

She purposefully had not shared the note with her younger siblings, preferring to tell them that Lady Danbury needed to see her and leave it at that They knew nothing of the blackmail plots, and Elizabeth hadn't wanted to worry them, especially since Lady D wanted to ht, but unless the countess could conduct her business in mere minutes it would be dark when Elizabeth had to return home

Elizabeth paused with her hand on the doorknob There was no carriage in sight, and Lady Danbury's health did not allow her to walk such distances If the countess had not yet arrived, then the door was probably locked, and

The knob turned in her hand

"How odd," shein the hearth, and an elegant supper was laid on the table Elizabeth walked farther into the roo in a slow circle as she took in the preparations Why would Lady Danbury

"Lady Danbury?" she called out "Are you here?"

Elizabeth sensed a presence in a doorway behind her and whirled around

"No," James said "Onlyhere?" she gasped

His sine Did you receive a note from your brother?"

"Lucas?" she asked, startled "No, froainst us Here " He held out a crumpled piece of paper "Read this"

Elizabeth unfolded the note and read:

My lord--

Before you leave the district, I beg of you to grant me an audience There is a matter of some sensitivity about which I should like to ask your advice It is not so a man would like to discuss with his sisters

Unless I hear otherwise, I shall expect to

Sincerely,

Sir Lucas Hotchkiss

Elizabeth barely stifled a horrified giggle "It's Lucas's handwriting, but the words are straight froht it sounded a touch precocious"

"He is very bright, of course--"

"Of course"

"--but I cannot quite hear him use the phrase 'matter of some sensitivity' "

"Not to ht, it is unlikely that he should even have a matter of some sensitivity"