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and here they were in her aunt’s bedroom with lamps turned high, putting the finishing touches to Lord Truefitt’s column so that it could appear in the afternoon paper. Millicent thought her opening had been a perfect depiction of the events of the Season.
    It would be best for her to cajole her aunt and not try to upset her. Millicent would tweak the writings before putting them in an envelope to be taken to the address where her aunt dropped off the column each morning.
    â€œTruly, Aunt, don’t get upset. Remember it concerns Hamlet when you fret. I forgot that you said the readers of the gossip sheets don’t like too much reality in the columns. Not to worry, I’ll change it.”
    â€œThank goodness.” She patted Hamlet’s head affectionately and he licked her hand noisily. “You’re here to help me keep my column, not see to it that I lose it. Worst of times, indeed! We must write only what our readers want to read. They don’t refer to them as scandal sheets because we write about weather and politics.”
    â€œI understand. I won’t forget again, and I’m pleased you didn’t have a problem with the line from Shakespeare that I added at the last minute.”
    Lady Beatrice seemed to consider her answer before saying, “No, I must admit that it didn’t bother me. In fact, I thought it rather clever. I’ve always enjoyed his writings. Especially the sonnets. That’s why I’ve sent you so many copies of his work over the years. But, you should have obtained my permission first.”
    Millicent took the reprimand silently.
    â€œThe wording seemed to fit what we wrote. I suppose it was all right, but you really must not add things like that, dearie, after we have finished a column, without consulting with me first.”
    â€œI’ll remember that.”
    â€œSee that you do.”
    â€œNow, you are certain you heard Lord Dunraven is personally looking for the Mad Ton Thief.”
    â€œYes. Although I didn’t meet any of the Terrible Threesome earls tonight. There was plenty of talk about them at both parties we attended.”
    â€œThere always is, and I’m sure you will meet them soon enough. Most evenings they leave early to gamble or go to private parties where not even I can gain entrance. Listen to anything they have to say, but do not let any of them talk you into agreeing to a private meeting with them.”
    â€œOh, I wouldn’t, Aunt. You can trust me on that,” she said, feeling somewhat guilty, since she’d just this evening been alone with a handsome gentleman. She must make sure that didn’t happen again.
    â€œI’m sure you will behave splendidly, dearie. But it is interesting that Lord Dugdale might be thinking about settling down and making a match. I do wish I could be out and about myself. I know just the questions to ask that wouldn’t raise suspicions.”
    â€œI was careful.”
    â€œI know. It’s always such a delight to hear what is going on with the earls.”
    â€œFrom what I heard, Aunt Beatrice, it’s clear Lord Dugdale is paying more attention to the young ladies at the parties this year and staying later for dancing at the balls.”
    â€œOh, it would be so delicious to have one of them finally wed. Maybe now that the earls are reaching their thirties they are finally growing up. But it will be such a shame to lose them. They’ve been splendid to write about all these years, but not a person among the ton will care a pence about them once they are married.”
    Millicent watched her aunt’s expression soften as she talked about her work. “You seem to actually enjoy what you do,” Millicent said.
    â€œDearie, I do. I do. I can’t imagine what it would be like not to have my column to write. It’s my life. Now, did anything else interesting happen?”
    Millicent immediately thought of the gentleman she’d