Page 39 (2/2)

"No one else wants the job," said Professor Lyall with feeling

The queen gave hi look

He leaned forward and explained further "It is a political post," he said "Lots of arguing and paperwork and books being consulted all the time It is not at all like BUR, you understand?"

Miss Tarabotti’s eyes positively sparkled "Sounds delightful" Yet she reainst two such experienced voices?"

The queen was not used to being questioned She looked at Professor Lyall

He said, "I told you she was difficult"

"Aside fro a stalemate, our muhjah is the only truly mobile unit of the three councilors Our potentate is confined to a narrow territory, likethe day Our dewan is ible and is incapacitated every full moon We have relied upon BUR to ard, but ould prefer a muhjah whose attention is solely on the Crown’s concerns and who can come to us directly"

"So there will be soued

"Uh-oh," muttered Professor Lyall, "I do not think Lord Maccon fully comprehended this aspect of the position "

"The e We have faith in our potentate and our dewan, but they are old and set in their ways They require balance from someone who keeps up with current lines of scientific inquiry, not to ht world We are concerned that this Hypocras Club is a syents did not uncover it sooner You have proven yourself an able investigator and a well-read young wo needed to infiltrate the highest levels of society"

Alexia looked between Professor Lyall and the queen Lyall looked worried That decided her "Very well, I accept"

The queen nodded happily "Your future husband indicated you would not be averse to the position Most excellent! We convene twice a week, Thursday and Sunday nights, unless there is a crisis of some kind, in which case you are expected to be readily available You will be answerable to the Crown alone We will expect you to start the week after your wedding So do hurry it up"

Alexia smiled foolishly and looked at Professor Lyall frorinned "He recoo The first time you interfered in one of his operations and he knew BUR would not be allowed to hire you Of course, he did not know the ations on the queen’s behalf"

The queen said, "Of course, initially we objected to the reco lady in such a powerful position It simply is not done" She looked almost mischievous and lowered her voice "In all confidentiality,muhjah will keep you out of his way"

Alexia slapped a hand to her land thinking of her as an interfering busybody!

Professor Lyall crossed his ar your pardon, Your Majesty, but I think he wants to set Miss Tarabotti at the dewan and watch the fur fly"

Queen Victoria s, those two" Professor Lyall nodded "Both are too much alpha"

Miss Tarabotti looked suddenly worried "That is not why he isme, is it? So I can be muhjah?" A little bit of her old insecurity came back to haunt her

"Do not be ridiculous," admonished the queen curtly "He has been mad for you these ions with a hedgehog It has been driving everyone bal settled This wedding of yours is going to be the social event of the season Half the guests in attendance will be there sih with it Outside of enough, that is our opinion"

Miss Tarabotti, for one of the first and last times in her life, was entirely at a loss for words

The queen stood up "Well, that is settled, then We arelady You look exhausted" With that, she swept from the house

"She is so short," said Miss Tarabotti to Professor Lyall once the queen had gone

"Alexia," said a tre on?"

Alexia sighed and struggled to her feet, wobbling over to her confused er had evaporated upon waking to find her daughter in conversation with the Queen of England

"Why was the queen here? Why were you discussing the Shadow Council? What is a muhjah?" Mrs Loontas very confused She seeht Alexia with pleasure I will beto be such fun Aloud she said the only thing calculated to shut herto marry Lord Maccon"

It worked Mrs Loontwill’s mouth snapped closed Her expression evolved rapidly froht hiht

Felicity and Evylin reentered the room, both wide-eyed For the first tiarded their older sister with so her other two daughters had arrived, Mrs Loontwill added hastily, "Not that I approve your ht, indeed But thank heavens you did!" Then in an aside, "Girls, your sister is going to marry Lord Maccon"

Felicity and Evylin looked even h

"But, Mama, as the queen here?" Evylin wanted to know