Shana Galen by True Spies Read Free Book Online Page A

they noticed her. They were too busy with their own pursuits. As usual, she was an unnecessary addition. Perhaps if she freed the girls from their studies and took them for a ride in the park later this afternoon…
    “My lady.” A footman holding a tray stood beside her. Elinor glanced down at the small white note, lifted it, and broke the seal.
    My dear Elinor,
    If you value my friendship at all, please come immediately. I need you.
    Desperately yours,
    J
    Elinor shook her head. So much for her plans for the afternoon. “Girls,” she said when there was a pause in the music, “Lady Hollingshead has sent a note. She needs me for a few hours.”
    “Oh, might we come?” Caro asked. Elinor did not realize Caroline even knew her mother was in the room. Of course the girl wanted to go. She was close friends with Lady Hollingshead’s middle daughter.
    “No. Stay and finish your studies. And do not forget to practice the play you have been studying. I was promised a performance tonight.”
    Georgiana clapped with excitement. “We will be ready, Mama. The Princess and the Pirate will play one night only.”
    “I cannot wait.” Elinor turned to leave.
    “Mother?” That was Caroline. Elinor paused, knowing she had been foolish to think it would be so easy.
    “Yes, dear?”
    “Will Father be home for the play?”
    Elinor felt her shoulders tighten and her lips thin. “I do hope so, Caro, but you know—”
    “—your father is very busy,” Caroline finished for her. “That means no.”
    “I…” But Elinor simply sighed. Let Winn defend himself for once. “I will see you for dinner.” She kissed them both on the cheek and then called for the carriage.
    It was a lovely day, unseasonably warm for fall. She knew Viscount Hollingshead had a beautifully manicured garden, and Elinor thought she might enjoy an afternoon sitting in a comfortable longue, staring at a clear blue sky dotted with puffy white clouds, and surrounded by a lush green lawn and the last of the summer flowers.
    Her illusions evaporated as soon as she stepped foot in Lady Hollingshead’s vestibule. The house was in a frenzy of madness, servants running to and fro, crashing into one another, and dropping platters, plate, and silver.
    Elinor stepped in front of a harried-looking maid. “Where is your mistress?”
    “In the garden, my lady.” The girl bobbed a quick curtsy and rushed away.
    Elinor narrowly avoided several collisions as she made her way to the garden. The scene outside was as bad as in the house proper, if not worse. As soon as Jane saw Elinor, she rushed to her side. “We are done for. Done for!”
    Elinor spotted Mary, Lady Ramsgate, coming toward them. She’d been speaking to a small group of servants, and she rolled her eyes.
    “Jane, you must calm yourself. It is only a garden party.”
    “Only? Only a garden party? Do you know who has promised to attend?”
    Elinor glanced at Mary, who only shook her head and pressed her lips together. No help there. Elinor looked about at the mad preparations. “The Queen?”
    “No.” Jane frowned, her blue eyes creasing. “Although that would be very exciting. Someone almost as illustrious as the Queen.”
    “The prime minister?”
    “No. Now I know why you keep referring to this as only a garden party. No one of any consequence is attending!”
    Elinor sighed. “Jane, I don’t think I should guess anymore. Simply tell me.”
    “The prince regent.”
    Elinor tried not to grimace. “Oh. Prinny. Well, that should be exciting.”
    “Yes!” Jane clutched Elinor’s arm and looped her other arm through Mary’s. “And I want everything to be perfect, but nothing is ready. Nothing! And the party is tomorrow evening.”
    Elinor glanced about. There was a great deal of activity, but little had actually been accomplished. Mary finally spoke. “Jane, all you need is a bit of organization.”
    “I am no good at organizing, you know that. Elinor, could you please, please help