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to see him provided for."

"Sounds like a slimy wastrel. She can do better than that."

Rothgar, however, had turned, sipping wine, to look out of the window.

After a moment, Bryght said, "Bey?"

His brother turned from the window, through which the full moon glowed. " 'Some thought it mounted on the lunar sphere/Since all things lost on earth are treasured there."" Pope. Our weaknesses and follies stored on the moon, beyond reach of mortal man. Or even of Daedalus and his waxen wings." He smiled at Bryght. "However, what you have lost on earth is likely a fine for traveling on Sunday. Don't expect me to fly to the moon to find the money for you." He drained his glass and put it down. "I have other matters to take care of. Good night."

Bryght stared at the door clicking firmly shut behind his brother. "Struth, Elf had been right. This was all damned peculiar, but also hopeful. They'd speculated that Lady Arradale might have cracked their brother's resolution, and something was certainly cracked!

He went to the window and toasted the huge, pearly moon. "All hail, Diana!" he said softly. "May you triumph over the forces of darkness. I'll certainly help in any way I can."

Diana took off the costume, and Clara laid it carefully in the armoire, then tidied away the box and wrappings. "There's a paper here, milady."

Diana turned, pulling on a loose wrap. "The bill?"

"It's sealed, milady."

Diana took it and studied the seal. It was just a lump of wax without imprint so she snapped it open to read the contents.

Not a bill. A message.

Lady Arradale, we must speak of private matters. You will understand. If you can, contrive to meet me by the gazebo in the queen's garden tonight at ten. A small door at the beginning of the east wing will provide an exit. R

She stared at it, excitement and panic beginning to beat. A clandestine meeting! An appalling risk to her and especially to him. If they were caught, the king and queen would insist on immediate marriage, and there would be no rational objection.

Clearly there must be a powerful reason. Bey was not so weakened as to ask for this meeting out of need.

Or, she thought, stilling, it could be a trick.

She hurried to her writing case and took out the note he had sent before. She compared again and again, but it was definitely his writing. Gemini! She'd have to go, but she suddenly shivered. She didn't like to think herself a coward, but creeping around deserted gardens at night did not appeal. She looked out at the full moon. It would light the way, but the garden would still be an eerie place. And what if she were caught?

At the best, it would be horribly embarrassing.

Still, she must go, and the clock said ten to the hour. "Clara, no questions. Find my dark brown traveling dress."

"What - "

"No questions!"

"Stays, my lady?" the maid ventured.

"No, no. The dress, and quickly."

The wide-eyed maid began to dig through the lowest drawer in the armoire, and Diana sat to load one of her pistols.

Just one.

Not the out-and-out panic of two, but the caution of one.

Chapter 27

The ground floor of the east wing seemed to be storage rooms, and deserted, and Diana found the unlocked door without trouble. It opened with well-oiled ease, and she suspected that servants used it frequently to slip out in the evenings. There were guards at the official gates, but there must be other ways out of the grounds. If needs be, the railings were climbable.

A path led toward the gardens at the rear, and she followed it, making herself walk calmly along rather than creeping like a thief. If she encountered anyone, she would just say she wanted some fresh summer air. In a while, pretense became reality, and her fears eased. No one was out here to harm her, and it truly was a beautiful summer night, drifting with subtle perfumes from rose, stock, and mignonette. To add cream to the dish, she was about to have a clandestine meeting with Bey.

Whatever his purpose, this surely was a golden moment for hers.

She came to an arch through the tall hedge around the queen's garden and paused, listening for any sound. She was no longer afraid, but she wished Bey would show himself. The silence was eerie. She told herself that she was early, and made her way across the lawn and around bushes toward the gazebo near the wall.

When it came