Page 41 of The Heir
“Jane.” Liza frowned at their reflection in the mirror. “You didn’t say you’d get her father’s guest lists, did you?”
“She asked me to. What could I tell her?”
“You might ask if she’s lost her mind, because you have clearly lost yours! What will Father say when he finds out you’re spreading gossip about what goes on in our house?”
“It’s just a guest list. What does it matter? Everybody already knows Father hosts members of Parliament and the royal household. He brags about it himself!”
“That’s his decision. Our job is to do what we’re told and keep our mouths shut.”
Liza was growing nervous and angry. Jane couldn’t blame her. These were not things they ever talked of. It was all simply understood.
“Are you going to tell him? That I asked?”
“Serve you right if I did. What are you even thinking, Jane?”
The door was closed. The room was empty except for the two of them. But Jane’s mouth was still dry, and she could not raise her voice above a whisper.
“I’m thinking that maybe Father’s right. Maybe we should be trying to win the princess over.”
“By gossiping about what goes on in this house? He’ll belivid!”
“I didn’t say we should try to win her over to Father’s side, did I?”
Liza drew back. Liza stared. A hundred different expressions flickered behind her bright blue eyes.
“Jane, what are you playing at? No. Stop.” She held up her hand. “I don’t want to know.”
Good, because I’m not sure I could answer you.“So, will you tell me who’s been here? I mean recently.”
“Good Lord, how am I supposed to remember? The whole of the Kensington board has been at one time or another. Their wives. Lord Melbourne. A dozen other very dull officers, politicians, and m’lords.”
“Dr. Maton?” ventured Jane.
“Him?” Liza rolled her eyes. “Yes, he’s here every time the board is, with that little rat-faced accountant, Father’s friend from his army days. What is his name?” She frowned. “Rea. Mr. William Rea.”
This name was new to Jane. “What does he do?”
“Tries to keep Dr. Maton from drinking the cellar dry and talking his head off, as near as I can tell.”
Liza gathered up her skirts and perched gingerly on the chair in front of her vanity table.
“You should wear your topazes,” Jane suggested. It was a sort of peace offering. “They’ll go perfectly with that dress.”
“Get them, will you?”
Jane opened up the jewel cabinet. Liza’s topazes were pink and blue, making a chain of sparkling flowers for her white throat. There were earbobs with brilliants that matched, and a comb decorated with more pink brilliants for her hair.
“Well?” Liza eyed her reflection critically. “Do you think I’ll do?”
“You’re beautiful,” said Jane honestly. “Liza . . .”
Liza rolled her eyes again. “What on earth is it now?”
Jane swallowed. A month ago, a week ago even, she would have left this alone. She would have been sure there was nothing that could be done. But, somehow, watching Victoria so determined to unearth her answers had caused a shift inside Jane. It made her wonder if she might try to change at least some small thing in her own life.
“I was just . . . I wondered if you know where Susan’s gone.”
“What an odd question.” Liza selected a perfume bottle and dabbed some scent behind each ear.
