Livy read the single sentence aloud. “What is seen in the middle of March and April, that cannot be seen at the beginning or end of either month?”
“Hmm,” Fi said. “That is tricky.”
“A seasonal pattern, perhaps?” Glory guessed. “The weather or maybe animal migrations?”
“Neither are universal. They depend upon where you are, and this riddle sounds absolute.” Fi tapped her chin. “What else happens in the middle of March and April? Celebrations of some sort?”
“Would those not also depend upon where you live?” Glory said. “Different countries have different festivals, after all.”
“The answer is not a celebration,” Livy said definitively. “Nor is it weather or animal related.”
“What is the answer then?” Fi asked.
“The letterR.” Livy pointed to the letter in both words. “It is in the middle of both ‘March’ and ‘April’ but not at the beginning or end.”
“Very good,” Charlie said with warm admiration.
Tamping down the urge to preen, Livy gave a shrug. “It was not that difficult.”
“Not for an agile and inquisitive mind. But those are rarer than one would think.” Charlie leaned closer. “Can the three of you keep a secret?”
“Of course,” Fiona said promptly. “Would you like to pinky swear upon it?”
“Your word of honor will suffice.”
The lady retrieved a card from her reticule, handing it to Livy. Printed on thick ivory stock, the calling card had elegant lettering that spelled out three words, with an exclusive Mayfair address beneath.
“Society of Angels?”Livy canted her head. “Is that the name of your charity?”
“If you are interested in learning more about a group whose aim is to give intelligent and independent young ladies a worthy purpose, then come for luncheon on Monday.” Charlie tucked her reticule onto her wrist and donned her gloves. “It would be best if you arrange to come unchaperoned. Good day, Willflowers.”
With a graceful nod, Charlie glided off, disappearing into the crowd.
Fi stared after her. “When I grow up, I want to be just like her.”
“Shall we go to her luncheon?” Glory asked.
Although Livy hated to admit it, her curiosity was piqued. She loved a good adventure. Nonetheless, she forced herself to logically consider Charlie’s proposition.
“Why the mystery and lack of chaperonage?” she wondered aloud. “What is the agenda of the Society of Angels? We should discuss this before making any decisions—”
“There you are, girls!”
Pippa, nee Hunt and now the Countess of Longmere, approached in a swish of butter-yellow skirts. Pippa had inherited her mama’s sunny coloring and disposition. When she entered a room, everything seemed to light up.
“I’ve been looking all over for you.” Pippa hugged Livy and the girls in turn. “How are my favorite Willflowers?”
“We are well.” Livy beamed at her. “And you, Pippa? How is married life?”
To Livy’s surprise, a shadow passed over Pippa’s lovely countenance, the way a cloud obscures the sun. It was gone the next instant, and Livy wondered if she had imagined it.
“It is splendid.” Pippa’s smile seemed a bit forced.
With a prickle of concern, Livy asked, “Is everything all right, Pippa?”
“All is well.” Before Livy could decide whether she believed the assertion, Pippa gave her a teasing look. “Still the inquisitive poppet, I see.”
“I am not a poppet.” If Livy was going to win Hadleigh’s heart, she would have to learn to project a more mature image. “Why does everyone think I am a child?”
