CHAPTER 13
A tall, curvaceous young woman with chocolate brown hair and twinkling eyes approached the Moberly sisters.
“It would appear that you are having entirely too much fun,” Lady Samantha Shore flicked her fan closed as she noted Lillian’s flushed cheeks and Juliana’s bright gaze.
“Samantha!” Juliana extended a hand in greeting, “You look lovely in that teal dress, I am completely envious of the color. Mother won’t let us choose anything that is remotely fashionable.”
Lillian extended her hand as well, “It is so wonderful to see your Sam! Did you enjoy your stay in the country?”
Samantha was of a similar age to the girls and had been visiting her brother, Viscount Shore, and his wife, Hazel. They usually resided in the capital but had retired to the country to redecorate the family seat.
Samantha sparkled, “I loved every moment of it! Hazel is hilarious. I could not have asked for a better sister. She drives Benjamin to distraction and mother doesn’t like her at all, but she doesn't do anything about it because Benjamin is so head over heels in love with her. I tell you, I spend the majority of the time in stitches. I would have returned, but my mother started matchmaking.”
Juliana’s eyes widened, “In the country? To whom—don’t tell me you have a wealthy middle-aged squire mildewing away out there.”
Samantha wrinkled her nose, “Oh no, my dear friends, this is so much worse.”
Lillian raised a brow, “Goodness, how much worse could it possibly be?”
Samantha swallowed, “A younger man. A much younger man.”
Juliana and Lillian sucked in a horrified breath.
“But there is one thing that I cannot forgive,” Samantha whispered.
Lilly leaned forward, “What is it?”
Samantha shook her head, her chocolate curls bouncing, “It’s so terribly mortifying when he stands next to me. He’s short and skinny!”
“That is dreadful,” Juliana breathed, “Whatever could she have been thinking?”
Samantha gave a ladylike shrug, “I haven’t the slightest notion, for I am almost twice his size. Benjamin was mortified when he realized what mother was up to and Hazel snorted into her soup.”
Lilly giggled, but quickly turned it into a cough, knowing now wasn’t the time.
“I know that Benjamin had a firm talk with mother and the carriage was being packed the next morning. I am happy to see you both today. I missed you at the Bluebell’s meeting this week.”
Lillian looked askance, “We have taken a small break from the Bluebells.”
Samantha looked alarmed, “Is there a problem? Please do not tell me there is an issue with our dear Bluebells!”
Juliana rushed to comfort her, “No, dearest, nothing of the kind. The Bluebells are a sisterhood that we treasure. But some of the ladies are wrapped up in marriage and babies. We just don’t feel that we are in that stage of life.”
Samantha nodded, “I do understand what you mean, I felt a little out of place without the two of you there.”
Lillian rushed to say, “We will be back, we promise. We are just working on something at present.”
Samantha bit her lip, “I see.” But clearly, she did not understand anything except that she was being excluded from something.
Juliana looked at her sister pleadingly.
Lillian nodded.
Juliana grasped Samantha's hand, “We are on a secret mission for the war office.”
Samantha gasped right as Lillian shushed them, “The Countess that we wanted to speak with is heading this way. We will talk more on this later. Samantha, honestly, it was the best tea I have ever had.”
Lilly giggled in a carefree school girl way before turning to the approaching older woman.
“Countess,” Lilly’s curtsey was perfection, “How are you enjoying your stay in London?”
“It is beautiful in a wet, damp, way—no?”
The Countess moved with a cloud of perfumes around her. Her gown was the height of French fashion, dripping with Brussels lace even before noon. She was also showing a tremendous amount of décolletage for the time of day. However, she didn’t seem at all bothered by it.
Samantha had a rather fantastic décolletage herself, even if it was adequately covered. “I am not certain if I would describe something lovely as wet or damp, Countess.”
Lillian and Juliana exchanged glances; it would appear they had taken on a lioness as a partner in their spying ring.
The Countess smiled, it was cold and calculating, “Well, my darling girl, there is a great difference between you and I, isn’t there?”
Samantha stood at her full height, “Thankfully, yes.”
The Countess inclined her head towards the girls, and gave a mocking smile, “Well, it’s always nice to have something to reach for—yes?”
She floated away. Her cloying scent still lingered in the air.
“I loathe her!” Samantha spat.
“My, my, my,” Lilly glanced at Juliana, “I cannot like the woman myself.”
“Nor I!” Juliana exclaimed. Turning to Samantha, she pulled the two girls in tight, “We have much to discuss. Samantha, can you come today for tea?”
Samantha nodded, “Certainly.”
“We shall reconvene at that point. Things are starting to get interesting!” Jules looked thrilled, “And interesting is right where we want to be.”