The Bunch sisters crossed their arms, eyes narrowed. “I remember you. You were watching us compete. Lady Juliette, check your coin purse. Daddy said there might be pickpockets about today.” Anna patted her own pockets as she glared at Daniel.

Daniel bowed, and Juliette smothered a smile at the redness creeping into his cheeks. “I assure you, I am no cutpurse. I merely stumbled on the grass. New boots. My humble apologies.” He inclined his head toward Juliette and beat a hasty retreat.

“He may be handsome, but I don’t believe he tripped. There’s nothing but open ground here. He was practically hugging you.” Rebecca stared after Daniel until he disappeared around one of the vendors’ booths. “Do you think that was his purpose? Pretending to stumble so he could embrace you?”

“I doubt it very highly. No real harm has been done except he was embarrassed.” How she would tease Daniel at the first opportunity. He had demonstrated as much grace as a bull on ice. Juliette kept the note in her palm. “Did you see that display of dresser scarves?”

Thankfully, the girls were easily distracted, and she had a moment to read the paper. It was written in a simple code, and she deciphered it in her head.

Mrs. Carlyle’s husband suspect in Montgomery murder. Subtly question her about possible affair with Montgomery.

Juliette had heard the rumor at the reception before the funeral, but she had given it little countenance. Mr. Montgomery, after another man’s wife? She couldn’t believe that. But Daniel thought Clarissa’s husband a murder suspect? Daniel must have his reasons, but how did he expect Juliette to broach such a subject with a woman she had barely met, whilst in the midst of an archery tournament?

If you cannot get the information without betraying your intent, stop trying. Better to live to fight another day.

The instruction from Uncle Bertie came back to her. She would try, but if she couldn’t accomplish the task, she would tell Daniel so. Did this qualify as meddling in the investigation? Going contrary to Uncle Bertie’s wishes?

When she caught up to the Bunch twins, they had made their purchases—identical silver-backed hairbrushes with matching mirrors. They seemed pleased, though bemoaned having spent an entire month’s allowance.

“Let’s go find Mrs. Carlyle,” Juliette said. “It must be nearly our time to compete again.”

“She’s probably surrounded by men. She’s always surrounded by men.” Anna swung a small paper-wrapped bundle by its string ties. “She has more men buzzing around her than a dog has fleas.”

“Really, Anna, can you not find a less vulgar description?” Rebecca chided her while hugging her parcel to her chest.