Total pages in book: 142
Estimated words: 137017 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 685(@200wpm)___ 548(@250wpm)___ 457(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 137017 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 685(@200wpm)___ 548(@250wpm)___ 457(@300wpm)
I glanced at the door marked with ‘no entry.’ “Thank you. Bella, we’re leaving.”
“Yes, my lady.” Bella bobbed her head in acknowledgement of Allegra and stepped in front of me to open the door.
I passed through it and started down the stairs. Neither of us said a word until we reached the alleyway.
“Are you all right, my lady? You weren’t in there for very long.”
I nodded. “Yes. Let’s hurry back to the carriage. I’d like to return before anyone else realises I went out.”
I was sure the news would make it back to the marchioness regardless of my efforts since she always had people spying on Alicia within the household, but my priority was really to get back before she did and I was forced to run into her.
“Yes, my lady.” Bella scuttled along behind me until we reached the carriage.
The coachman jumped down to open the doors for us, and after helping us in and receiving his order to go back to the estate, got back in the seat and set off.
Bella’s eyes flitted towards me before darting away. She did this several times as we left the town, and I finally sighed.
“Go on, ask,” I said.
Bella flinched. “I’m sorry, my lady. That was rude of me.”
I waved my hand. “The tea shop is a front for an information guild.”
“An information guild?”
“Yes. Illusion is their name.”
“How did you know about their location, my lady? Aren’t they the most famous guild in the empire? I’m sure hardly anyone knows where they are.”
“I have my ways,” I said mysteriously. “I need them to find me information on eligible bachelors in the empire who are searching for a wife.”
Bella gasped. “I thought you didn’t want to get married.”
“I don’t, but the recent incident has changed things.” I met her gaze. “I do not believe I am safe at Vermillion Manor anymore. We both know that what happened to me was no accident.”
She cast her gaze downwards. “I suppose you’re right, my lady. But why must you use an information guild to find a marriage partner? Would the marquess not aid you?”
I sniffed, turning my attention back to the scenery outside the window. “I have no control over anything in my life, and the last thing I wish to do is allow him to have the sole say on who my husband will be. At the very least, I should like to present him with some options that I find favourable.”
“That’s very wise of you, my lady.” Bella smiled, and it was the warmest smile she’d offered me since we’d left.
I reached across the carriage. “I’m sorry if I worried you.”
“Please don’t think anything of it.”
“I’m afraid I’ll have to ask you to return there in two days. I wish to have the guild master handle the request personally, but he’s quite tricky to get hold of. I’m hoping you’ll get a meeting time then.”
She nodded. “Yes, my lady.”
“Thank you.”
The carriage came to a stop, and I removed my cloak before handing it to Bella.
“Do you have what I asked you to prepare?”
She reached into her pouch and pulled out a smaller one that was full of coins. “Right here.”
“Thank you.”
The coachman opened the door and offered me his hand. “My lady.”
I placed my hand in his and stepped out of the carriage with a smile. “Thank you. What’s your name?”
His cheeks pinkened. “Harry.”
“Harry. My maid, Bella, will need to return to the same place in two days. I’d appreciate if you could ensure she makes it there and back safely.” I discreetly placed the small pouch of money in his palm. “And it’d be best if you could keep these trips between us.”
He glanced down at his hand before closing his fingers around it. “As you wish, Lady Alicia. You have my word.”
“Thank you.” I gave him my brightest smile, causing his cheeks to get even redder. “Bella, I’m parched. Bring some tea to my room.”
She bowed her head. “Of course, my lady.”
Chapter Three
A Petty Revenge Plot
Two days came and went, and before I knew it, it was time for Bella to return to the tea shop in the hope of gaining an audience with Ezra. I wasn’t sure if my attempt would be successful, but I already doubted it.
If it were easy to meet with him, Illusion would be just any old information guild.
“Lady Alicia, I have your invitations here,” one of the maids said from outside my door with a gentle knock.
“Oh, please come in,” I said, tucking my notebook into the hidden drawer in my desk. “Have they been sorted through?”
“Yes.” A red-headed maid with a freckled face carried them over to the table on a silver tray.
I took a seat on the sofa and reached for the top one. “Who sorted them?”
“The marchioness did.” The maid clasped her hands over her stomach.