Refuge for Masterminds by Kathleen Baldwin

Author:Kathleen Baldwin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates

Seventeen

MISLEADING ALICE

That night, as we prepare for bed, Alice carries a tray into our bedroom. Sera frowns at the three glasses of creamy liquid. “What is this? It doesn’t smell like milk.”

“No, miss. These here are warm brandies an’ cream. Miss Stranje sent me with ’em, sayin’ as how these’ll help you sleep, what wi’ this being your first night in London an’ all.”

We each take a tumbler from her tray. Before we left Stranje House, Madame Cho gave us a lesson on detecting poisons. In case the little traitor laced our drinks with a sleeping draught or something worse, I sniff the brandy and cream before taking a small sip. Not detecting any bitterness, I take a deeper swallow and the smooth mixture warms my throat. Maya and Sera watch me closely and follow my lead.

Alice helps us out of our gowns, while Maya, Sera, and I talk among ourselves as we normally would. Except tonight is different. Acting on orders from Miss Stranje, we make certain Alice overhears us discussing Lady Daneska. We speak low enough she ought to recognize it is a private conversation, but with enough volume she’s bound to hear a word or phrase here and there.

Georgie pretends to argue and raises her voice. “If you ask me Lady Daneska is here to kill Mr. Sinclair, or at the very least recapture him.”

Alice edges closer and takes an inordinately long time hanging my day gown in the nearest wardrobe.

Maya shakes her head. “Perhaps not. She is staying with the Prince Regent. Surely, he is her target.”

“She wouldn’t dare!” Georgie flings down her petticoat. “She would never take such a chance. Too many people watch over the Prince. If Lady Daneska tries to harm him, she’ll be caught in the act, and they’ll hang her for it. Or worse.” Georgie shudders quite convincingly.

“Oh, but she is that daring.” I don’t need to pretend the anger I feel. “Have you forgotten what she did to Madame Cho, and how she took Tess captive? Her recklessness is precisely what Miss Stranje is counting on. We’re one step ahead of her, and this time she’ll fall into our trap.” I slam my fist into my palm. “This time, she won’t get away with it.”

Alice is easier to read than a nursery rhyme. She gives off telling clues when she is eavesdropping. She stands there folding Maya’s long silk, but at the mention of Lady Daneska’s name, she pauses overlong and catches her bottom lip.

“You may go now, Alice.” Maya thanks her for folding her sari. “And you must make one of those wonderful brandy-and-cream concoctions for yourself. They are very soothing and it has been a very long day for you, too.” It sounds as if she is genuinely concerned for our traitorous maid. Knowing Maya, she probably is hoping the girl will change course.

Alice has never liked Maya. She refuses to look at her directly and her curtsy is only halfhearted. “Thank you, miss. I will.”

She won’t change. People don’t.

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