Page 72 of A Very Bellamy Christmas

“I’m sure she will love them,” Kathryn said.

“Your work is so beautiful, and yet the duchess says you no longer do needlework?”

“No, I don’t,” Kathryn said abruptly. But then she smiled. “If you want to see some truly amusing embroidery you should look at Hyacinth’s few attempts. Although I’m not sure where you would find one.”

“Phoebe has one from her!” Lucy said. “In fact, she has one from each of you, all framed—so I have seen her work.” She lowered her voice, as if the Duchess of Chatham might be lurking. “I thought it was a dog, but Phoebe said it was supposed to be a horse.”

Lady Kathryn laughed. “That sounds about right.”

Lucy’s eyes suddenly lit up at something behind them. Stacia knew it would be Lord Bellamy even before she turned to look.

She couldn’t blame the girl for being smitten with him. He was the male equivalent of his beautiful sister Selina. He would look like an angel come to earth if not for his broad grin and the two ridiculously huge cream cakes he held.

“Doddy!” Lucy squealed. “I will never be able to eat all that.”

“I’ll help you, Luce,” Lord Bellamy promised.

They watched as Lucy laughingly took one of the cakes and the two wandered off, side-by-side, chattering away.

“I hope you won’t tell my mother about my brother’s friendship with Lucy.”

Stacia gave Lady Kathryn a guilty look. “Er—”

“I am not angry,” Lady Kathryn said before Stacia could conceive of something to say. “My mother has always tried to use us to spy on each other. It is a delicate balancing act of giving her just enough information to keep her satisfied but not enough to get anyone in trouble.”

Stacia stared, horrified. Lady Addiscombe pitted her children against each other?

“You look surprised, Miss Martin. You forget that we were all subjected to her power for years.” Lady Kathryn chuckled, but there was little humor in it. “Unlike you, however, none of us could quit.”