Juliet tilted her head and tried not to smile, although she was quickly losing that battle.
“Would you like me to pass a particular rumor to that house?”
“Yes. I will share information with Lady Ashfield that there is something afoot at the gala, and her staff will give her more information.”
Aunt Geraldine glanced at Juliet. “That is a very good idea. A tease with additional information. Two sources will give the gossip more credibility.”
“Could we ask Duncan to make a mention to the Aurington staff?” Mrs. Murthy asked.
Aunt Geraldine stopped writing and glanced at her over the rim of her reading glasses.
“No. I think not. We’ll take care of this ourselves.” Juliet let out a breath. A dull ache still rose every time she thought about what she’d done. “We need to decide on the rumors and where we will plant our little gems.”
Juliet paced the room. She couldn’t be rash. She needed to think this through. “We need to be cautious,” she said to Aunt Geraldine and Mrs. Murthy. “We keep the rumor vague but enticing.” And consider Ewan and Duncan’s acceptance of what she writes.
Aunt Geraldine nodded. “I understand. This needs to be a delicate balance. What do you have in mind?”
“An unexpected event,” Juliet mused. “Something that promises intrigue but keeps the details shrouded in mystery. Itneeds to draw Sebastian out, make him believe he stands to gain.”
Mrs. Murthy’s eyes twinkled with a hint of mischief. “And where shall we plant this seed of curiosity?”
Juliet took a deep breath, her smile widening with her decision made. “The London Chronicle’s gossip column. It reaches the eyes of everyone, including Sebastian.” She turned to her aunt. “Do you agree?”
“One minute.” The woman dipped her quill and wrote furiously. She crossed out a word or two and continued on. Finally, she put down the quill and blotted the paper. “Now, I’m ready.”
Juliet positioned herself in a chair. Mrs. Murthy next to her.
Aunt Geraldine lifted the parchment.
Dear Reader,
Prepare your carriages and your finest attire, for the whispers on the wind speak of an event not to be missed at Aurington Park. It is said that a revelation will take flight like a dove and will grace the halls of the Aurington estate, promising to leave the ton abuzz with anticipation.
Aunt Geraldine glanced up as Juliet and Mrs. Murthy nodded, encouraging her to go on.
“Please change dove to starling, if you will. The change will not go unnoticed. Duncan will know we’re involved in the rumor.”
Aunt Geraldine made the change and continued.
Dear Reader,
Prepare your carriages and your finest attire, for the whispers on the wind speak of an event not to be missedat Aurington Park. It is said that a revelation will take flight like adovestarling and will grace the halls of the Aurington estate, promising to leave the ton abuzz with anticipation.
The nature of this revelation remains shrouded in mystery, but one cannot help but wonder if it will shine a light on the shadows that have long danced at the edges of high society. Will it be a scandal unveiled or a triumph declared? Only the night of the gala will tell.
One thing is certain, my dear readers: every eye will be turned to Aurington Park, every ear straining to hear the secrets it might spill. Even the matriarch of the Glenraven family has been overheard expressing her intent to witness what promises to be the talk of the season.
So mark your calendars and prepare your whispers, for this spectacle promises to be as enchanting as it is enigmatic.
Yours in anticipation, The London Chronicle’s Society Scribe
“That’s brilliant. You have a real talent for gossip.” Juliet teased. “Next, I think one for Mrs. Murthy to help circulate would be good.”
“It should be about gems or something valuable that’s been found,” Aunt Geraldine said. “Possibly an heirloom. Everyone likes a mystery. What do you think, Mrs. Murthy?”
The housekeeper didn’t write anything down. She beckoned the others to come round her. They huddled in close. “Have you heard? A treasure once thought lost has been rediscovered. An item of no small significance, I heard, and it’s set to make quite a stir at the Aurington Gala.” She straightened up. “But, oh, don’t mind me. I’m just sharing a bit of harmless chatter.”
Juliet and Aunt Geraldine straightened, their jaw open. They glanced at each other and started laughing.
