Page 83 of A Fearless Heart
“And you brought them to us,” another patroness said, eyeing her carefully.
“I was told of the procedure today, and I thought how very inequitable it was for you.” She nodded to indicate all of them. “Here you sit, and lady after lady approaches and you give your judgments, over and over. Young women clamor for your approval, and you must decide. But no one gives anything toyoufor your troubles. So here is a token of appreciation for all the consideration you offer to us.”
“How thoughtful. You have not yet had your coming out, though?”
“My mother’s passing, and then my father’s needs prevented it from occurring before. I know that he would have been so pleased that I am here today. He desired above all else that I uphold our name and lineage by observing all of Society’s most important customs.” (Trevor had written down what she ought to say, and she repeated every word, though without the sarcasm.)
The patronesses all preened at Cady’s speech, and after a few more questions—none of which touched on the rumors surrounding her at home—granted her request to be approved. It was a milestone that she need not have attempted, but she did get an unexpected thrill of triumph that she’d conquered the challenge.
Back at home, she kept the gown on for a lonely dinner. But just as she was about to go into the dining room, there was a knock at the door, and moments later Gabe walked in.
“I was hoping I’d make it in time,” he said. “Can I invite myself to dinner?”
“Certainly, though I should inform you that my cook has been given free rein to prepare whatever she likes when no guests are expected.”
“An element of uncertainty? Cady, I’m impressed,” he said, offering to escort her into the dining room.
A place was quickly laid for Gabe and soon they were dining on a meal that involved spring vegetables, a type of cabbage that Cady had never encountered before but decided to cultivate immediately, and little cuts of tender pork. Cady congratulated herself on trusting Cook, rather than requesting the same few items she relied on at Calderwood.
“Oh,” said Gabe. “Speaking of dinners, I have a particular lady who should be on your guest list. She’s quite influential in town and it would be good to make her acquaintance.”
“Who is it?”
“Lady Sophia, the Viscountess Forester. She’s French and very charming. She hosts her own salon. And if she hears that you’re in town for family reasons, such as the letters patent, she’ll pass that information on.”
Ah, so the lady would help maintain the illusion of Cady’s visit to London, giving her and Gabe more time to track down whoever had the poison. “I can certainly send an invitation over, but she doesn’t know me at all. Wouldn’t she ignore it?”
“As it happens, I already sent her a note mentioning the possibility. I know her well, and she’ll be happy to accept.”
“Very well. I’ll have it sent tomorrow morning.”
“By the way, I heard about your coup at Almack’s,” he said.
“My what?”
“It was a brilliant move to offer the flowers to the patronesses. Very few have the guts to withstand the searing gaze of those dragons, let alone speak with them at length! It made you memorable.”
“Do you think?”
“Well, I heard about it, and I never hear about what goes on at Almack’s because nothing of interest goes on there.”
She said, “The idea of those harpies staring down at me was more than I could take. So I thought, if I bring them flowers, at least I can talk about flowers. And Trevor helped me by writing the speech.”
“It was perfect. And the chosen gift was perfect too. Flowers could never be called a bribe, and yet these particular ones were rarer than gold in their way, and obviously flattered the women who received them.”
“Not to mention that it would be very rude to accuse a lady of murder after you accept such a gift,” she added, slyly.
Gabe lifted his glass in tribute. “Well played, indeed.”
“I hope you had as much luck,” Cady said. “Did you learn anything about this new victim?”
“Not sure,” Gabe admitted. “I’ve been researching a number of names in connection with my investigation. This Huxley gentleman, though, I’m not sure how he fits in, other than that there’s a connection to that club of Trevor’s. But beyond that…nothing. Do you have any ideas?”
“Not at the moment,” she admitted. “I’m afraid that all this is getting quite beyond me. I’m not good at understanding people. Just plants.”
“That’s nonsense, Cady. You’re very astute. You noticed that I wasn’t quite what I said I was straight off.”
“Well, you were searching for your friend’s killer. You were bound to act a little differently than the typical gardener.”
