Priscilla frowned as a maid announced that Mrs. Monroe had come to see her. "Charlotte," she greeted. "I didn't think we had anything scheduled today."

Charlie slipped off her jacket. Priscilla paused to admire the elegant blue and black corset dress. "We didn't," Charlie admitted. "Do you mind if I stay?"

"Of course not. I was just about to put some tea on. Come sit with me."

Maids scurried to set another place for Charlie. The two women settled across from each other and Priscilla poured them both tea. "I am sorry for bursting in on you," Charlie sighed.

"It's fine. I'm always happy to have friends over." Priscilla looked the young woman up and down. "You've been to see Miles, I take it."

"I was just there," Charlie nodded. "It's…depressing."

"How so? Is he still drinking?"

"Like whiskey was water."

"I thought you put a stop to that."

"I tried. He's still getting it from somewhere." Charlie sipped her tea. "I was hoping I could ask a favor."

"You know I'd do anything for a friend."

"I need you to find out where he's getting his store from." Charlie shook her head. "I don't want him to die, Priscilla. He's the closest family I have and he's just letting himself go. It's like he doesn't even care anymore."

"Couldn't you just ask him where he gets it?"

"Don't you think I've tried? Miles won't talk to me. He won't talk to anyone but those two harlots he keeps holed up with him. But he's killing himself and I want him to stop."

Priscilla calmly sipped her tea. "I suppose you don't' want me to use the usual methods then."

"That's why I asked you rather than William. The whole point of this is to keep Miles from being hurt."

Priscilla was pretty sure Miles Matheson could do with getting hurt. But she was smart enough not to say so in Charlie's presence. "I'll do it of course. Give me a day to get things ready. This is a delicate situation."

"No doubt," Charlie agreed. She smiled softly, looking more her age than she usually did. "Thank you so much for all of this. I owe you a favor now."

"You owe me nothing until I provide you with results." Priscilla was nothing if not fair in her dealings with Charlie. "Now let's talk of more pleasant things. How is Sebastian doing? He's been working so hard the past few days. Almost no one has seen him in nearly a week."

"That is true. But it's hard work running an entire continent." Charlotte smiled. "Still, my Sebastian is a born leader. Though I do intend to have him take a break soon. I wouldn't want him to wear himself out. Now tell me about your daughters. They're doing well I hope?"

The two women chatted idly about their families as they finished their tea. Soon it came time for Charlie to go. "I will take care of that problem for you," Priscilla promised.

"Thank you again. And you'll let me know what you find out?"

"I'll do one better. I'll bring them straight to you."

Charlotte grinned. "Priscilla Strausser, you are a true friend."

"I do what I can," Priscilla replied modestly. She shut the door and paused for a moment to gather her thoughts. Then she went to her garden to gather herbs. Charlotte was the sort of person you wanted to keep happy at all times. And Priscilla had learned from Julia Neville's mistakes. Her family wouldn't be taking risky jobs any time soon. They would stay in their comfortable mansion right here in the capital and focus on keeping the ruling couple happy.