Three days later, at the Garden of St. Trinians. . .
"Pru, thank you for stopping the exposé."
"You didn't give me much of a choice." Pruscilla waves her hand. "Danae threw a fit, of course. Fortunately she's more into hurling invective than javelins."
"I'll make it up to you. Rumors say a new operative is skulking around Belgravia." Elizabeth touches her fencing mask. "But first I need to practice." She glances at the practice yard. "You nearly had me the other day."
Patsy and Jill Jakks continue their play.
" Hah! Short again, Pat-the-Patsy!"
As the fencers change positions, a reversal of fortune.
Elizabeth steps forward. "Must you always do theatrics?"
"She started it - Oh, I don't know. Makes it seem more real."
"Well, Come on. Let's give it a try. But I'm not taking a dive."
Again swords flash!
Elizabeth takes a breather.
A lady in red awaits.
Elizabeth eyes the woman. "New to our group, are you? Any good?"
"Perhaps."
"A small contest, then?"
From behind her grille, the red-caped swordswoman smirks. "Thought you'd never ask."
Elizabeth extends. "Well, at least you know the moves."
"A few of them," Red answers.
"Good, then. Let's fence."
With her best thrust parried, Elizabeth asks, "Who ARE you?"
"Does it matter?" Red takes a breath.
Elizabeth renews her attack.
"Ooh, got me. Nice hit."
The woman in red lowers her sword. "Another time, Elizabeth of Scrye."
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