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tells me these thieves have a good knowledge of Lord Walker’s routine as well as the layout of the house.” I set down my teacup. “What did they take?”
    â€œThey were seen carrying two Queen Anne chairs and two silver lanterns. Lord Walker discovered that all the cash and jewels in his safe had vanished as well.”
    â€œSeen carrying chairs?” I burst out laughing at their audacity. “They just walked down the street with the furniture?”
    â€œNo. The two maids watched from an upstairs window and saw the cart they left in. They were able to give a vague description of their confederates. It appears there were five burglars in all, including the driver of the cart.”
    â€œThis is wonderful news, Your Grace. Does Sir Broderick know of this latest burglary?” Emma leaned forward, her eyes shiny with excitement.
    â€œYes. He’s having the Archivist Society investigate this as well as the Shepherdston robbery in the hopes that something will lead them to the burglars.”
    Blast.
They’d be doing something useful while I would be teaching English to a pampered princess who I suspected of using me. Why couldn’t I be helpful?
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    WHEN I ARRIVED the next morning, I discovered Lady Daisy’s governess, Amelia Whitten, hadn’t left her hat and gloves on the table. Until now she had always arrived before me. Had there been an upset in the household?
    I had no more than entered the morning room and removed the cover from the typewriter when the duchess entered. I gave her a low curtsy. “Your Grace.”
    â€œMiss Whitten, Lady Daisy’s tutor, won’t be in today. Illness. I’ll have to see to more of Daisy’s care, so you’ll be on your own with Princess Kira and Lady Raminoff in the park today.” She seemed distracted, pacing the little room and rearranging small objects on tables and the mantel.
    I didn’t know what Princess Kira had in mind, but I decided to try to upset her plans. “Why don’t you and Lady Daisy come with us? I’m sure your daughter could liven up our English lessons.”
    â€œI know she’d like that. She’s fascinated with the princess, from her title to her frocks. And I think I’m due a little diversion, after trying to keep the household on an even keel. A princess and her staff as houseguests, plus luncheon guests and afternoonvisitors for the princess, plus the worry about her safety.” The duchess gave me a small smile.
    I smiled back. “Good. It’ll take two carriages, but it will be great fun. And Lady Raminoff won’t have anything to complain about.”
    â€œThank goodness.” She shook her head without wiggling the stylish curls carefully framing her face. “She nearly screamed the house down when she realized the princess had slipped out yesterday afternoon. And when she realized you were with her, she demanded I fire you.”
    â€œI’m sorry. If I’d known what she planned, I would have warned you somehow.” The duchess was being a good sport about the disruptions to her home. I wouldn’t like to put my house at the mercy of Whitehall’s paranoia or the whims of anarchists. I didn’t want to make things more difficult for her.
    â€œWell, today we’ll make sure things go better.” The duchess managed a weary smile and left the room.
    After I had my solitary luncheon, I waited nearly an hour before a maid entered and told me I was expected immediately in the front hall.
    I hurried to put on my hat and gloves and nearly ran until I would be in sight of anyone in the entrance foyer. Then I slowed to a respectable gait and stepped into the front hall.
    The duchess was there with a nursery maid keeping close guard on Lady Daisy, Lady Raminoff watching Princess Kira with distrust on her face, and the two dukes, Sussex and Blackford, eyeing the whole party uneasily.
    I gave