Madeleine finished with Bella and turned to the other ladies. For one sweet, satisfying moment, no one breathed too loudly.
Good. At least fear still worked in England. Their tea was weak, their weather miserable, and their food a crime against the human tongue, but at least they carried manners.
"Which one of you is called Livia?" Madeleine asked.
Nobody moved. The women stared at her as if she had suddenly spoken in tongues. She waited.
Nothing.
"Okay…" Madeleine drew the word out, her smile thinning. "Is there anyone named Livia in Whitehall?"
Again, no one moved. Not even a twitch. Madeleine looked from face to face, growing more irritated with each passing second.
"Are you all dumb?" Madeleine snapped. "I asked a simple question."
Before anyone could answer, a low voice broke through the silence.
"You did it."
Madeleine turned slowly. Bella had spoken so softly that, for a moment, it seemed the words might have come from the fire.
"What?"
