Let Slip the Dogs by Anna Castle

Author:Anna Castle
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: mysteries set in london, mysteries set in england, amateur sleuth, fun mysteries, romantic mysteries, cozy mysteries
Publisher: Anna Castle
Published: 2018-08-14T16:00:00+00:00

FOURTEEN

ON FRIDAY EVENING, Francis Bacon sat again on a hard bench waiting for a feast to commence. This time, however, the seating plan had been arranged by a person who liked him. Not only was he near the top of table on the bride’s side of the dais, his supper companion was Michel Joubert. Lady Alice must have seen them conversing in the Presence Chamber. He appreciated the gesture, as well as the subtle reminder that the ladies sitting on their poufs kept their eyes and ears open while they sewed.

“Did you watch the bridal procession?” Michel asked.

“Only the first one.” The bride and her train of gentlewomen had paced solemnly around the Great Court, passing through the gate to circumnavigate the fountain in the Middle Court. They came to a stop before the steps up to the chapel where her groom awaited her, flanked by his gentlemen. “I didn’t see you inside the chapel.”

“Alas, I could not squeeze myself in, so great was the crowd. Did you witness the whole ceremony?”

“The vows, the rings, and mostly importantly, the signing of the contract afterward.” Francis raised his cup to acknowledge the most important component of a successful alliance.

“Ah, yes. That is the way of le mariage in France as well. But look!” Michel held up a bright copper penny. “I caught this from the groom during the second procession. It will bring me good luck, I hope.”

He twitched his dark eyebrows suggestively at Francis, who smiled into his cup. “You won’t need luck tonight, my friend. Not if the rest of the wine is as good as this first bottle.”

“Good wine, do you say?” A melodious woman’s voice sounded over their heads. Lady Penelope Rich had materialized behind them. She gestured toward the empty space on Francis’s left. “May I join you?”

“By all means, my lady.” He slid closer to Michel to make room for her skirts.

A waiter brought her a cup filled to the brim. She tasted it and murmured, “Mmm. It is good.”

Francis asked, “Have you been introduced to Monsieur Michel Joubert, my lady? He is the secretary to Monsieur Chaste, the new ambassador from France.” He leaned back so they could face one another.

“I have not had the pleasure.” She held out a hand covered in embroidered ivory kidskin.

Michel puffed a kiss a quarter inch above its surface. “It is a great honor to meet the famous Lady Penelope Rich, sister of that most excellent soldier and leader of men, my lord of Essex.”

“Any friend of Mr. Bacon’s is a friend of mine, Monsieur — and of my brother.”

They beamed at one another. Francis enjoyed the rare sensation of being surrounded by friends. “What good fortune to find you seated with us, my lady.”

She gave him a dry look from under her well-plucked brows. “Not luck, Mr. Bacon. I tipped the usher to move Lady I-Don’t-Care somewhere else.”

A tantara of horns announced the arrival of the wedding party. Boys in dark red livery entered first, followed by

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