Page 43 of A Game of Hearts

James found Lady Agatha in her private sitting room, a maid arranging tea things nearby. Perfect - the presence of a servant would make his visit entirely proper while allowing them to speak freely in carefully chosen words.

“Lord James.” Lady Agatha’s keen eyes assessed his expression. “How kind of you to join me for tea. Mary, another cup if you please.”

He waited until the maid had arranged everything to Lady Agatha’s satisfaction and stepped back to a discrete distance.

“I’ve had the most interesting morning in the conservatory. Lady Anne seems quite pleased with herself.”

“Indeed?” Lady Agatha’s tone was perfectly modulated, but her gaze sharpened. “Do tell me about the botanical drawings. I understand that some of the most fascinating conversations occur among the plants.”

“Oh yes.” James stirred his tea, choosing his words with care. “Particularly near the orange trees. The acoustics there are really quite remarkable. One hears the most... illuminating things about careful plans and their success.”

Lady Agatha set her cup down with deliberate precision.

“How fascinating. And did these... acoustics... provide any particular insights into yesterday’s events?”

“Several.” James allowed himself a small smile. “Including some rather telling admissions about the crafting of certain notes, and satisfaction at how easily some people can be manipulated.”

“I see.” Lady Agatha’s eyes gleamed. “And would you say that these... insights... might be worth sharing at dinner? When, most likely, all of the interested parties might benefit from such knowledge?”

“I thought that very thing.” James leaned forward slightly. “Though timing would be crucial. Too early, and some might leave to avoid the revelation. Too late, and the impact would be lessened.”

“The fish course, I think.” Lady Agatha nodded decisively. “Early enough to prevent escape, late enough that everyone is settled. And of course, all interested parties must be present.”

Her meaning was clear - Emma must attend dinner. James frowned slightly.

“Will she be willing? After yesterday...”

“Leave that to me.” Lady Agatha rang for the maid. “Mary, please tell Susan that I wish to speak with her about Miss Everton’s evening dress. The blue silk, I think.”

As the maid departed, Lady Agatha turned back to James.

“Now then, let us be precise about exactly how this revelation should occur. We want maximum impact with minimum appearance of manipulation. Everything must appear completely natural.”

“Unlike some people’s careful planning?”

James couldn’t quite hide his satisfaction.

“Precisely.” Lady Agatha’s smile held steel. “Sometimes the best revenge is simply allowing truth to speak for itself. Though perhaps with carefully chosen timing and audience.”

James raised his cup in salute to her clever mind. Between them, they would ensure that dinner proved most enlightening indeed.

*****

A tap at her door preceded Lady Agatha’s entrance. Her aunt surveyed the barely touched breakfast with a critical eye.

“You must eat something, my dear. Maintaining dignity requires strength.”

“I’m not hungry.”

Still, Emma picked up a piece of toast at her aunt’s stern look.

“No? Well, perhaps you’ll have more appetite when I tell you what I’ve observed this morning.” Lady Agatha settled into a chair. “It seems that Lady Anne’s triumph is not quite complete.”

Emma’s hand stilled.

“Oh?”

“Indeed. Lord James appears to be watching her most carefully. Almost as if he suspects something.” Lady Agatha’s tone was deliberately casual. “He’s had quite an interesting morning already, spending time in conversation with Lady Anne’s particular friend, Miss Morton.”