Page 33 of A Dangerous Pursuit (Regency Spies & Secrets 1)

Madalene nodded. “My solicitor intends to hire a Bow Street Runner, but that could take days.”

“Do you truly intend to march into a gambling hall and ask the nearest person about Edith?” Jane questioned.

“I haven’t worked out all the kinks to my plan.”

“Do you even have a plan?”

Rising, Madalene walked over to the window and stared out into the courtyard. “Lots of women go to gambling halls,” she contended.

“Not the reputable ones.”

“That is not entirely true,” Madalene said, turning back to face her friend. “The Duchess of Winchester is a frequent visitor of the Queen’s Gambling Hall.”

“Yes, but she is also notoriously in debt,” Jane pointed out, “and a duchess.”

“But isn’t it worth the risk if it means that I could save Edith?”

“I worry that there are too many variables at play.”

“You are right, of course,” Madalene said with a sigh.

Jane gave her a knowing look. “But that isn’t going to stop you, is it?”

Madalene’s lips twitched. “Not really.”

“Just be careful,” Jane urged.

“Aren’t I always?”

Jane let out a light, airy laugh. “Hardly,” she proclaimed. “You were always the first person to get into mischief at school.”

“That may be true,” Madalene replied as she returned to her seat near her friend, “but you were always right behind me.”

Reaching for the teapot, Jane poured herself another cup of tea. “That is why we will always be the best of friends.”

“Agreed.”

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