Lilia looked down at her hands, ‘you mentioned this is to do with Grace?’ She asked quietly.
Was there still hope? George wondered, had his persistence been rewarded? He unfastened the top drawer, taking out the missives he’d discussed with Edith earlier in the day. Laying them before Lilia he watched the expressions on her face. She was a quick study, features drawn in a frown of confusion before her lips parted. She recoiled in disgust as though the parchment stank of rotting fish. What he had been looking for, and what he had seen, was recognition. Tentative hope surged again.
‘You know who it is?’ He lent forward on his arms, studying her features intently.
‘I do…I…’ Lilia swallowed again. ‘I was asked to collect a package by the Duchess.’
‘The King’s niece?’ George sat back in h
