"You wanted to see me, mother?" Alexis said, returning to the drawing room.

Elizabeth looked up from the papers that she'd been studying, and frowned. "No," she said, looking quizzically at Alexis. "Malcolm and I are going over some things that cannot wait until your father comes home."

Alexis sighed. Shame on her for falling for her sister's lie. She hadn't expected Rebecca to go quite this far in order to get what she wanted.

"All right, mother," Alexis said, turning to leave.

"Oh, Alexis," Elizabeth said, holding up a hand. "There is one thing you might do for me." Alexis looked over her shoulder. "You haven't seen anyone strange around the estate in the last few days, have you?"

Alexis blinked at her mother. "I don't think so," she said slowly. "Why do you ask?"

Elizabeth smiled faintly. "Well, I do admit that I'm something of a homebody, and Rebecca rarely leaves her room. You've been out and about more than either of us in the last couple of days." She sighed heavily. "I'd just hoped," she said wistfully.

Alexis was starting to see her mother with new eyes. She smiled warmly at the older woman. "If I think of anything, I'll certainly let you know," she said, nodding. "And if I see anyone, I'll bring it to your attention immediately."

Elizabeth looked relieved. "Thank you, dear," she said, and Alexis had to bite back her surprise. Her mother had never thanked her for anything.

The moment faded, and Elizabeth returned to the collection of papers on the coffee table. Alexis quietly left the room and headed for the stables. She'd pick up a couple of horses and ride out to the aviary. Perhaps she could catch up with Rebecca and Jigen before her sister managed to work her lies on him, as well.