The letter had been cleverly hidden. If the previous collectors had taken proper care of this volume, the world still would have no idea that something lay just below the surface. She could not help but wonder if other volumes might also contain secrets.

Philippa closed the book as carefully as she could and patted the pages together until they lined up perfectly. She stared at the flowery motif and the abstract lines and swirls. Or perhaps not so abstract. The design was very similar to the illustrations decorating the hidden letter.

When Katherine said she and Agnes had left “part of themselves” in every book, what if they meant letters similar to the one Philippa had found? If she could acquire the rest of the set, she might uncover even more damning evidence against Sir Reginald. Proof that he was a fraud, just like Captain Northrup. And there were two more women whose credit had been stolen.

She had to talk to Tommy.

If there was anyone who could uncover the true identities of Agnes and Katherine, Philippa put her faith in Graham Wynchester. Unfortunately, now that Baron Vanderbean was in high demand, Mother no longer allowed him to escort Philippa to the park unless Mother herself was present to preen at his side.

Sending her discovery and concerns in a letter was also out of the question. Mother inspected all of Philippa’s correspondence before allowing it out of the house—and only if it was in what Mother called “plain English.”

Perhaps in the future, Philippa and Tommy could devise a cipher that didn’t look like an encrypted message, but for now an in-person conversation would have to do.

Was there a supper party or assembly tonight at which they might meet? Mother would have the upcoming weeks’ invitations. Philippa wrapped her damaged manuscript in cloth and tied it with string before replacing it on the bottom panel inside her wardrobe.

Then she raced downstairs in search of her mother.

“Philippa, darling,” Mother sang out with delight as Philippa skidded into the sitting room. “Don’t scurry, it isn’t ladylike. Do you know what I have here?” Mother pointed to the piles of correspondence surrounding her on the sofa. “Invitations to everything, darling. I know you don’t enjoy them, but we simply must say yes to the majority of—”

“Say yes to everything,” Philippa interrupted. “I’ll go. It’s fine. But the next ball isn’t for a week, and I was thinking—”

“A new wardrobe, of course.” Mother cast a critical eye over her. “You’ve worn the same style for longer than is fashionable. Indeed, I regret to inform you that your overabundance of lace has never been fashionable. I’ve just received the latest Ackermann’s and La Belle Assemblée—”

“I like my clothes,” said Philippa. “They’re pretty. I feel comfortable in them.”