Mary stepped back smartly, staring at her suspiciously.
“How would you know?I’ve never metyou,” shesnapped.
“Father told me all about you.I was supposed to pretend tobe Maxine.He said I’d eventually meet you.He spent three weeks instructing meon everything I was supposed to know to be her,”Satrinereplied.
“Humph,” Mary returned.“This is all tied up in why thatcox-comb is currently gracing one of our handsome king’s lowlier institutions,I gather?”
“Yes,”Satrineconfirmed.
Mary lost some of her spectacle and asked quietly, “Word isrunning amuck.I have acquaintances who’ve even seen her on the street.Yourmother lives?”
Hesitantly,Satrinesmiled andnodded.
“By Brigid,” Mary whispered.
“Would you like to sit with us and have a cup of coffee?”Ansley offered.
“Huh!A lady doesn’t drink coffee in the mornings.Shedrinkstea!”
Satrine’sgaze flew to Loren, andshe looked close to dissolving into laughter.
“You there!”she shouted at Eaton, who was five feet fromher.“Bring me a pot of tea.”
“Right away, milady.”Eaton bowed and escaped.
Loren was reminded of a thought he’d had weeks before, andthe fact he was incorrect.
Hehadheard a lady shout, for he’d been aroundMary Livingstone.
“Look at you,” Mary complained, regard fastened on Loren asshe rounded the table.“You’re ridiculous,” she stated.
Satrine’sback slammed straight.
Mary seated herself and said to Ansley, “Really, Ansley, aman that handsome?It cannot be borne.You should have done something.”Shesniffed.“A scar from a blade, or mayhap, acid.”
Loren watchedSatrinerelax, asmile playing at her mouth as she sank back into her chair.
After both ladies were seated, the men joined them.
Now Mary was studyingSatrine.
“It’s uncanny,” she said softly.
“Hmm…”Satrinehummednoncommittally.
“I visit your sister on the regular,” Mary announced.
Satrine’sexpression gentled atthis news.
“Or I did, until Edgar put a stop to it,” Mary continued.
Satrinedidn’t gentle at that.
“She’s home with us now, Aunt Mary,” she said.“Andflourishing.”
“This, too, is unsurprising.Corliss doted on that girl.Shewas her very life.”
Satrinepressed her lips together.
