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"Why else would natives want an Englishwoman? I’m not privy to the details but I believe the olves were bla the taxes and bringing the brigadier’s wife back frorace I’m surprised Mrs Godwit invited the, however, that Kingair had a reputation for botching up their assignments Troublesome, her father had called his former pack whenever Rue asked about her Scottish relations He’d thought it best that Rue not ence for a istered that, as they talked, Lieutenant Broadwattle was steering her away from the party towards the far end of the pond and the privacy of several bushes there

"Lieutenant Broadwattle, we have only just arden party and iiblea serious scandal as she had ever got in her whole life And it was Priht Priht Rue was Priine Aunt Ivy’s face should reports of her daughter’s behaviour reach London

She drew back, intending to return to the party

"But, Lady Akeldama, I have some very iasped Lieutenant Broadwattle was Dama’s contact?

She lowered her voice "About tea?"

"I have been trying to get you alone since you arrived, but first those blasted customs officials – local spies for the Rakshasas of course – and now this party No one here can be trusted," Lieutenant Broadwattle whispered darkly "Especially not with tea"

Rue looked around Everyone seemed to be respectably upper crust: the hats were in order, the hair was curled, the uniforms were crisp, even in the heat "If you say so, lieutenant"

He bent over as though ive theenuine I cannot be suspected – things have already gone pear-shaped"

Rue reluctantly agreed "Quickly, then"

"I have been instructed to tell you that I have a e but you will need the honeysuckle"

"What? Oh Yes, I see" He e of encourageled himself so as to shield Rue with his body from the curious eyes of party attendees He handed her a slip of paper Rue glance at it briefly – it was notations on a grid, which she recognised as a received aetherographic transmission Unfortunately, there were no letters but instead it featured only a series of numbers and spaces

Rue knew a code when she saw one This was soenuinely shocked "My dear lady, I aent Newly minted, I am not privy…"

"Yes, yes, you are not privy to any secrets" Rue tucked the slip of paper down the bodice of her dress,man’s embarrassment "Now that Miss Tunstell’s reputation is in tatters, shall we rejoin the party? I believe we have given the"