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Hyacinth was aghast “Now?”

“As opposed to when?”

Hyacinth had no good answer for that “Very well,” she said, with as much patience as she could muster She forced herself to set the diary down beside her, and she picked up Miss Butterworth and the Mad Baron in its stead

“Ahee of chapter Eighteen “Ahem”

“Throat bothering you?” Lady Danbury asked “I still have some tea in the pot”

“It’s nothing,” Hyacinth said She exhaled, looked down, and read, with decidedly less animation than was usual, “The baron was in possession of a secret Priscilla was quite certain of that The only question ould the truth ever be revealed?”

“Indeed,” Hyacinth muttered

“Enh?”

“I think so ih

“Soirl,” Lady Danbury said “And if not, you’d do well to act as if it were You’ll enjoy life better that way”

For Lady Danbury, the comment was uncharacteristically philosophical Hyacinth paused, considering her words

“I have no patience with this current fashion for ennui,” Lady Danbury continued, reaching for her cane and thuainst the floor “Ha When did it becos?”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Just read the book,” Lady D said “I think we’re getting to the good part Finally”

Hyacinth nodded The probleood part of the other book She took a breath, trying to return her attention to Miss Butterworth, but the words swam before her eyes Finally, she looked up at Lady Danbury and said, “I’m sorry, but would youquite the thing”