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recognized many of them at once. They were all women who had managed to survive in
myth and legend in spite of what Augusta called the general historical bias against
females. Harry was beginning to wonder just how much history had been lost because it
had pertained to women and had therefore been deemed unimportant.
"Makes a man curious about what females get up to and what they actually talk about
when they are on their own together with no men around," Peter observed quietly. "Sally
always said I'd be surprised if I knew."
"She used to tell me I'd be shocked," Harry admitted wryly.
He watched the black velvet cloak swirl around Augusta as she walked over to a
Greek pedestal. There was a large, leather-bound volume lying on top.
"This is the notorious betting book?" Harry walked across the room to join Augusta.
"Yes. And it is closed. Just as she said I might someday find it." Augusta opened the
volume slowly and started turning the pages. "I do not know what I am searching for."
Harry glanced at some of the entries, all in feminine handwriting.
Miss L.B. wagers Miss R.M. ten pounds that the latter will not get her journal
returned in time to avert disaster.
Miss B.R. wagers Miss D.N. five pounds that Lord G will ask for the Angel's hand
within the month.
Miss P.O. wagers Miss C.P. ten pounds that Miss A.B. will cry off her engagement
to Lord G. within two months.
"Good God," Harry muttered. "So much for a man thinking he has some privacy."
"The ladies of Pompeia's are very fond of wagers, my lord." Augusta sniffed again.
"The club will close now, I suppose. I shall miss it. It was a home to me. Nothing will
ever be the same here."
Harry was about to remind Augusta that she did not need Pompeia's because she had a
home of her own when a piece of notepaper fluttered between two pages of the book.
"Let me see that." He snatched it up and examined the list of names.
Peter came forward to peer over his shoulder while Augusta craned her head to get a
peek.
"Well?" Peter demanded.
"It's a list of names, all right. No doubt a partial membership list of the Saber Club.
This is Sally's writing."
Peter scowled at the list. "I do not recognize any of those names."
"Hardly surprising." Harry pulled the lamp closer and studied the list more closely.
"It's in the old code Sally was accustomed to use for her messages to me."
"How long will it take you to decode all those names?" Peter asked. "There must be at
least ten there."
"Not long. But after we know who the members were, it will take some time to
determine which ones could possibly be the Spider." Harry folded the paper and stuck it
safely into his pocket. "Let us be off. We have much to do before dawn."
"What do you want me to do?" Augusta asked quickly.
Harry smiled grimly and readied himself for the battle ahead. "You must go home and
awaken the household. Then you will see that you and Meredith are packed and ready to
leave for Dorset by seven o'clock."
She stared up at him. "Seven o'clock this morning? But Harry, I do not want to leave
town now that we are so close to finding Sally's killer and the identity of the Spider. You
must let me stay."
"There is not a chance of me allowing you to stay. Not now that the Spider is aware of
this list and will stop at nothing to get it." Harry took her arm and hauled her toward the
door. "Peter, perhaps your fiancée would enjoy a short stay in Dorset?"
"I think that would be an excellent notion," Peter replied. "God knows I would just as
soon she was out of town until we find the Spider, and I am certain Augusta would like
the company."
"I do wish the two of you would cease making plans for me as though I were not able
to think for myself," Augusta said loudly. "I do not want to go to Dorset."
"But you will," Harry said calmly.
"Harry, please "
He thought fast, searching for the most effective lever to use in this argument. When
he found it, he applied it mercilessly. "It is not just your own pretty neck I am worried
about, Augusta. There is Meredith to consider. I must be certain my daughter is safe. We
are dealing with a monster and we do not know to what depths he will sink."
Augusta was clearly thunderstruck by the implications. "You believe he might threaten
Meredith? But why would he do that, my lord?"
"Is it not obvious? If the Spider reasons I am the one trying to find him, he could use
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