“I’m afraid not, darling.” Mother stacked the whist cards, butting them together and returning them to the box that held tokens, fish counters, and more cards. “We’re heading to France on a diplomatic mission for the Prince Regent.” She gave the words diplomatic mission extra emphasis, by which Juliette inferred a dual purpose for the trip. “We cannot divulge anything further, but suffice it to say what we learned on the Selby case last month will aid us in our objective.”

Juliette’s heart sank. “You’re leaving? How long will you be gone?” She had just been reunited with her parents after years away at school, only to return to England to find them missing. Restored now, they faced the prospect of being separated again?

“Difficult to say,” her father answered. “We will, of course, be as efficient as possible, but these envoys can take time. We’ll be liaising with the new regime and trying to take their measure while peace is being established. And we’ll have some other work to do behind the scenes.” Father rose and went to stand behind Mother’s chair, his hands resting lightly on her shoulders. “It is good that your mother prepared well for this upcoming Season with the dressmaker and tailor. Otherwise we would not be properly equipped for appearing in French society. Melisande is always considered au courant when it comes to sartorial splendor.” He smiled proudly.

Bereft, Juliette blinked. “Am I to accompany you?”

Mother leaned across the table and squeezed Juliette’s hand. “I am sorry, darling, but no. You are to remain here with Bertie, continue your training, and represent the family at the various functions to which we’ve been invited. I know you’re disappointed. We are too. But duty before personal desire.” She released Juliette’s hand.

Juliette sat back, twisting the gold and garnet ring on her finger, wanting to protest that it wasn’t fair. When would it be her turn to be first in her parents’ lives? How many sacrifices must she make for this birthright they had passed on to her? Her parents were government agents, but did that mean the Crown owned them body and soul? And if so, did the Crown own her now too?

Every which way she turned, she was confronted and thwarted. Not only were her parents abandoning her once again, but they would be no help in investigating what had happened to Mr. Montgomery and the mill.

Bertie propped his hip on the edge of the table, hooking the towel around his neck and holding on to the ends. “You will not be bored while they are abroad. You have much still to learn and many social engagements to attend. The dowager can step in as your chaperone once more, I’ve no doubt.”