A Perfect Match

12

Ada arrived at nine am to pick up Nora so they could attend Bailey George's party. This would be the first time Percy would be in attendance. If Nora wanted to be honest since the Marchioness was an agent and Big B was her husband there were to be a lot of agents in attendance. But it was being in a social setting with Percy and Ada together that made her feel ill. She had toyed with the idea of begging Ada for her forgiveness. The feelings Nora were having were making her ill it was so bad she was on a diet of crackers and tea. Maybe she should confess and get it over with. She could not take much more of the feeling of always being sick.

Ada was talkative this morning upon her arrival. She was telling Nora about the report she had received from the tutor. She had been sending her grandson William too. Nora joined in the conversation despite the queasy feeling in her stomach. Nora had known William since his birth, and he was about to be sent off to boarding school when the new term started. He had grown so fast.

"I bet you are going to miss him when he is gone?"

Ada laughed.

"I have a house near Eaton he will not be boarding. His time away from me will come on his breaks when he is with Percy."

"Were you this overprotective of Robert?"

"I was, I am very overprotective of those that I love. That is why I am so worried about how much you have been ill. Have you seen a doctor about it?"

Nora was about ready to confess everything when the carriage stopped, and the groomsmen opened the door for them it was time to go to work. They entered the grounds earlier than any of the other guest who would be arriving at eleven for the exhibit and the luncheon. They were led to Big B's office where he was to get their report from yesterday's festival. Ada did the reporting she was the senior agent. Nora made sure to stand away from Percy. She did not want to give Ada any idea there was something between them. She stood by her brother who was standing over with Vaughn Valentine. Nora smiled at the young lord and Simon kicked her thinking she was flirting with a younger man. She turned her attention to Ada's report encase she was needed to fill in any of the blanks. To be honest she only could confirm what Rachel told her about the dressmaker. Ada had been fully in charge at the party Nora was only there to bate and switch the notes. Her other skill were not useful for this mission.

"Yesterday's passing of the notes was between my cousin Clovis Nash and the Viscount of Cartmel's daughter Rachel. They used the same bow trade off as before. That must be what they plan to do with all the exchanges with the girls. Athena was able to get the name of the dressmaker who is making the special dresses. I think we should have her go and get a fitting. After all, to get the information. She was gushing over the girls dress."

Big B broke in at the same time the Purple Tyrant did.

"Who is the dressmaker?"

All eyes turned to Nora.

"A French lady by the name of Mrs. Brodeur she is located over on Brick Lane. I will go and seek her out on the way to Bo Peeps Flower showing it is only a slight detour out of the way to the Sheffield's London estate."

Once Nora gave them the information she had they all turned their attention back to Ada. She was lost in her own thoughts. Big B had to call her attention back to the room and to her reporting.

"I am not sure the girls in this matter know of their action of betraying the crown. I think they were promised a large sum of money to spend and there were no strings attached. But the only way we will know is if we bring in one of the girls. We need to find out what they know or if they will tell us why they betrayed their homeland. As for my cousin she had grown uncomfortable with the current Kings health and feels the Prince Regent should be put in place officially. She is very capable of turning traitor to France she has a cousin on her mother's side who was French she was very close to when they were growing up. She also spent time there when she was younger. Just so you know I cannot go with Athena tomorrow to the dressmaker in question I have had dealings with her during one of my missions. I believe she is certainly working for France but because of my past dealings with her I cannot go into her shop if we want her to help Athena get the information we need."