My Lady, My Spy (Secrets and Seduction Book 4) by Sheridan Jeane Page A

something. Some one . Mr. Easterly, to be specific. “As a matter of fact, I would,” she said, not really expecting the glass of punch to ever materialize. She was certain Tristan would become much too distracted. He’d helped her with Frederick. Now it was her turn to help him with his relationship with Mr. Easterly.
    He smiled, his gaze intent on the other man as he headed toward him. Mr. Easterly noticed his approach and something brightened in his gaze. She doubted she’d be drinking punch within the next thirty minutes.
    She spotted Lady Wilmot across the room and moved to join her.
    “Good evening, Lady Harrington,” the older woman said. “Didn’t you simply adore the performance? Miss Bonneville is truly gifted.”
    “Indeed,” Josephine replied. “I heard her last month at the Palmertons’ soiree. I understand she’ll have the title role in Lucia di Lammermoor next month.”
    “Oh, my. Yes. I’m so looking forward to it. My late husband used to dearly love Lucia’s mad scene.”
    “Such a tragic story of treachery and ill-fated love,” Josephine commented. “Poor Lucia, to be lied to and manipulated by the people she trusted.” The irony of that statement wasn’t lost on her. She pressed her lips in a thin line.
    “The opera stands as a lesson for humanity for those willing to learn,” Lady Wilmot said, nodding sagely. “No good can come from trying to manipulate someone for selfish reasons.” Then a brilliant smile blazed across the older woman’s face. “But still, that mad scene is something to behold.”
    Josephine chuckled at Lady Wilmot’s enthusiasm. “That it is.”
    Lady Wilmot caught her daughter’s eye and beckoned her over. “I was just telling Lady Harrington about Lucia di Lammermoor . I’m trying to recall if you ever attended a performance of it.”
    Lady Elizabeth shook her head. “No. I was too young when you and Father went, but I heard him speak of it so often, I feel as though I attended it too. I’ll never forget the night you invited the soprano to perform it for your musical soiree. I fully intended to remain hidden in the balcony and listen, but once I heard her voice, I couldn’t resist slipping downstairs and watching through the doorway.”
    “You didn't!” Lady Wilmot looked horrified. “What if someone had seen you?”
    Lady Elizabeth blushed. “I managed to avoid everyone. Don’t worry, Mother, I was careful.”
    Josephine watched Elizabeth carefully. She was lying. Josephine was certain of it. Someone had seen her. But why lie about that one detail when she’d been willing to reveal she’d watched it?
    She was getting better at spotting lies. She’d gained a great deal of experience this past year through observing an expert. Frederick was a challenge, but Lady Elizabeth was relatively easy to read.
    Lady Wilmot shook her head and frowned in disapproval. “A young woman in your position has to be careful. After all, this is your second—”
    “My second season. Or perhaps even my third, if you count the two weeks I was in London before I left to be with my aunt.”
    “Don’t say such a thing. It’s your second.” Lady Wilmot glanced anxiously at Josephine, as though looking for her support.
    “I agree with your mother. That first year didn’t count. Your time here was so brief. You’d barely arrived before you had to leave.”
    Something across the room caught Lady Wilmot’s attention. She pursed her lips. “If you’ll excuse me,” she said.
    “Of course.” Josephine watched her as she joined an older gentleman. Lord Cary, if she wasn’t mistaken.
    “My mother is overly concerned about appearances,” Lady Elizabeth commented.
    “I wonder if that’s a requirement for motherhood,” Josephine said. “Mine was the same way. Being a widow is quite liberating.” She blushed. “I’m afraid I sounded coldhearted. I didn’t mean it that way. Of course I wish Lord Harrington were still with us, but he isn’t. I’m done