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certain frivolous subjects in Meredith's curriculum. I have started her on an intense
program of watercolor painting and novels. In addition, I have enlisted the assistance of
her governess in exposing Meredith to a view of history she will never get from her
father's books."
Sally laughed. "Oh, my irrepressible Augusta. I knew you would be good for
Graystone. Some part of him must have known it, too, or he would never have put your
name at the top of his list."
"At the top of the list, did you say? I always assumed I was at the bottom. A sort of
afterthought." Augusta helped herself to tea and replenished Sally's cup. As she set the
pot back down she noticed the small jar of tonic that sat on the table near Sally's chair.
When Augusta had left Town, Sally had been in the habit of only calling for her tonic
when she needed it. Now she apparently kept the bottle beside her all the time.
"You were never an afterthought. Quite the opposite. Graystone was never able to get
you out of his mind after he met you."
"Rather like a case of hives or an itch he longed to scratch?"
Sally laughed again. "You underestimate yourself, my dear. By the way, I have a
complaint to lodge with you. You have cost me an excellent butler."
"Do not blame me. 'Tis my cousin who obliged poor Scruggs to quit his post."
Sally smiled. "So I am given to understand. I saw the announcement of the
engagement in the Post yesterday morning. I believe it will be an excellent match."
"Uncle Thomas was pleased."
"Yes. Sheldrake is a bit of a rake, but I have always believed he longs to be reformed.
He has been racketing about London since returning from the continent, searching for a
mission. Getting married and attending to his father's estates will give him the direction
he has been seeking."
"I formed the same opinion," Augusta agreed.
"You are very perceptive, my dear Augusta." Sally reached for the tonic. She opened
the jar and added two drops of the medication to her tea. She noticed Augusta watching
sadly and smiled. "Forgive me, Augusta. As you no doubt have guessed, I am having
more difficulty these days."
Augusta reached out and touched her hand. "Sally, is there anything I can do?
Anything at all?"
"No, dear. This is something I shall be obliged to handle on my own." Sally's eyes
drifted thoughtfully to the jar of tonic.
"Sally?"
"Calm yourself, my dear. I am not going to do anything drastic just yet. I am much too
busy at the moment seeking information for Graystone on the Saber Club. Heaven knows
I always adored this sort of work. I have been in touch with old contacts I have not heard
from in nearly two years. Amazing how many are still around and looking for
employment."
Augusta sat back slowly in her chair. She glanced at Meredith, who had paused beside
the writing desk to observe something Cassandra Padbury was showing her. Probably
Cassandra's latest effort at an epic poem, Augusta thought.
"My husband is very determined to track down the information he seeks," Augusta
murmured to Sally.
"Yes. Graystone has always been a very determined man. And he wants the Spider
very much. The connection to the old Saber Club is an interesting one. It makes a great
deal of sense when you think about it."
"What do you know of the club?"
Sally shrugged elegantly. "Not a great deal. It did not last long. Attracted young
military officers who thought themselves quite daring and dashing and in need of a club
that catered to their image of themselves. But the place burned down within a year after it
had been established and that was the end of it. I have not been able to discover any of
the members as yet, but I believe I may have tracked down one of the former employees.
He may well remember some names."
Augusta was fascinated in spite of her misgivings about what might eventually be
discovered in the course of this investigation. "How exciting. Have you spoken to this
person?"
"Not yet. But I expect to do so soon. Arrangements are being made." Sally's shrewd
gaze settled on Augusta for a long moment. "You are personally concerned with this
project of Graystone's, are you not?"
"I am interested in the outcome, yes. I know it is important to him," Augusta said
evasively.
"I see." Sally was silent for a moment and then she appeared to come to a decision.
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