To S. Clemens, Teatime Tattler
Sam, I found this in the alley behind the Lyon’s Den. It seems like part of a letter and it must have fallen from a window or someone’s pocket. Interesting, don’t you think. Bill.
Something odd happened at work today, Frannie. I had delivered a tea tray to Mrs. Dove Lyon with a message that had just arrived. She told me to wait to see if there was an answer, so I was polishing the desk under the window when I saw Mrs. Dove Lyon take another sip of her tea and once again read the note in her lap. It must be amusing, for she was smiling when she looked up from it and spoke, as if to herself. “You have asked me for one match, child. I rather think I shall be giving you two.”
After that, she said to me. “I need two buckets of warm soapy water, Molly,” she said. “Order them from the kitchen and have them sent to the window immediately above the ladies’ entrance to the Den. Also, send Titan to me.”
I hurried to carry out my orders, but I was, I must admit, curious, and I made sure to linger near the window after delivering my messages.
Imagine my surprise when I saw two of Titan’s wolves pouring water on a lady who had was about to enter by the door below!
I could not understand it, so when I went to collect the tea tray and saw the note, I couldn’t help myself. I read it, Frannie. It was in a schoolgirl hand and as best as I can remember, it said, after the usual salutations:
My dear Lady Ellen, is reluctant to accept a new gown for the meeting, though I have assured her that first impressions are everything. Is there any way you could arrange an accident for her gown so that she has to change into the clothing you have prepared for her? And preferably, to have her hair done in a more becoming style. I shall ensure that we are early for the meeting with your proposed groom.
With my grateful thanks for everything you have done.
I remain your humble servant.
Fivepenny.
What do you think of that? Fivepenny, of course, is the handsome footman who has been delivering game and produce to Mrs. Dove Lyon from the Lady of Carr Abbas. How odd that a wealthy and landed young lady would not have a gown in which to meet a prospective groom.
Mrs. Dove Lyon was equal to the task, of course. No wonder she is the most preeminent matchmaker in London. But what do you suppose she meant by “two matches?”
To W. Snoop, reporter
Bill, forget it. It is interesting, yes, but I know better than to tangle with Mrs. Dove Lyon. Besides, we don’t want to cause trouble for a poor working girl. Sam.
Marriage is the only way to keep Kat’s lady safe…
When her mistress is put out of her childhood home, Kat goes too. She may be only Miss Ellen’s maid, but she has a plan to secure a future for them both. But first, she needs to give Miss Ellen a male escort, for propriety’s sake. Kat herself, dressed as a footman, complete with a fine pair of boots.
Jake has been looking after his employer since they both came home for the war. The captain drinks too much and gambles too much. And now he has come to the attention of the Black Widow of Whitehall. Could a wife be in the offing? Perhaps a wife is just what the captain needs.
But, while the captain is happy with the lady Mrs. Dove Lyon has chosen, Jake has discovered that the lady conceals a secret that could destroy everything. The Lady of Carr Abbass cannot possibly be who she says she is.
… and the one dream for herself Kat thought would never be fulfilled
https://www.amazon.com/Lyon-Lady-Fine-Pair-Boots-ebook/dp/B0GZ8YG4WL/
For more books from Jude Knight, see: https://judeknightauthor.com/books/
SUNFLOWER SEASON