Page 26 of A Hunter for Luna

Servants swiftly brought in trays of refreshments as we settled onto the plush sofas.

"You both look positively radiant," Lucretia gushed. "I'm so glad you could visit. There's so much to catch up on. I haven’t chatted with you inmonths."

Rose smiled sweetly. "We wouldn't miss a chance to see you, Lady de Vinci. You always have the most fascinating news to share."

I nodded in agreement, and Lucretia preened.

“Please, try the sweetmeats. The honey-glazed pecans are wonderful; my chef has outdone himself.”

We settled on the small couch, and each took a different sweet.

“Has anyone new arrived to spend the summer?” Rose asked artlessly.

"You hadn't heard? The Valenti brothers are causing quite a stir. So handsome, and both of them command legions," Lucretia divulged with a conspiratorial wink.

As she prattled on about the handsome siblings and their rumored exploits, I listened attentively, sifting through her chatter for any useful tidbits.Who are the de Valenti's connected to? I'll need to look into that.

"And of course, everyone is buzzing about the upcoming social events," Lucretia said animatedly. "The de Rossi's soirée next week is sure to be the talk of the town. Will you be attending, my dears?"

"We wouldn't miss it," I said with a polite smile.

A servant entered the room with a samovar and a collection of teas. Herbal, of course, but Lucretia was also fond of the expensive green teas, from very far away.

Lucretia poured, assuming Rose and I would desire the green tea.

We sipped as she regaled us with more tales of scandals and intrigues, I kept my attention on her, absorbing every morsel of information. Rose played her part flawlessly, engaging our host with her gentle charm while I absorbed each detail.

I smiled and laughed at the appropriate moments, maintaining my façade while my mind raced with plans and possibilities. The game was on, and I was determined to win.

A servant approached with a silver tray laden with fruit and tiny dumplings, the aroma of savory fillings. As she speared a dumpling, Lucretia leaned forward, her eyes sharp with excitement. "Have you heard about Tulliano Lucardi's masquerade tomorrow night?"

I feigned polite interest, raising an eyebrow. "Really? Do tell."

Lucretia grinned, relishing the opportunity to share her knowledge. "It's going to be the event of the season. He's sparing no expense, as usual. I hear he's even hired performers from the Yeflad islands."

Tulliano had always did have a flair for the dramatic. But Lucretia would not normally honor him by gossiping about him, so I braced myself for the coming revelation.

"Do you know who is expected to attend?" I asked, taking a delicate sip of my tea, its warmth spreading through my chest. It was very sweet, she’d used a lavish hand with the honey

Lucretia leaned in conspiratorially, her sharp gaze intent on my face. "Everyone, my dear. But here's the juiciest bit. I even heard rumor that your husband is coming. Is that true? He rarely shows his face at these events. I wonder what could have enticed him to come this time."

My pulse stuttered, but I kept my expression neutral, hiding my reaction behind another sip of tea. So, it was confirmed that Benedetto would be there. This was the perfect opportunity.

Outwardly, I nodded my head demurely, a false smile playing on my lips. "Of course, we will be there. I wouldn't miss it for the world."

As Lucretia chattered on about the anticipated grandeur of the event, I began plotting my next move.

If Benedetto was attending, this was my chance.

With a graceful smile, I focused on Lucretia, determined to extract every last bit of useful information from her gossip. The tea in my cup had gone cold, but I barely noticed, my mind already whirling with possibilities and plans.

Tomorrow night. I would make it happen.

When other guests arrived, we made our excuses and left Lucretia's home, stepping out into the late afternoon sun.

Our next stop was the de Bardi estate, a sprawling mansion with ivy-covered walls that seemed to whisper secrets of its own. This time, when the gates opened, Natalina de Bardi waved at us from her seat on a lawn chair. She was an elderly woman with a sweet smile and twinkling brown eyes that masked a shrewd, calculating nature.

The table next to her bore a pitcher full of water and sliced lemons.

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