there aren’t.” Doris shook her head. “There’s one that’s thought to be Lord Nicholas, I believe. But quite a few of them were lost during the Civil War. They were taken out with many of the family treasures, and many were never recovered.”
“I’ll have to be sure to look for the one of Lord Nicholas,” Olivia said, glancing at her watch. “I guess I should go change into my costume for the revel. Can you tell me how to get to the changing area from here?”
“Oh, yes. It’s very easy.”
After another promise to call her in London, Olivia said good-bye to Doris Parmell and made her way through the long corridors to the changing rooms in the converted stables. Another woman in a blue smock directed her to a locker where a blue satin dress and a flowered wreath hung from a wooden hanger. The costume was cleverly arranged to look more authentic than it actually was—a white lace ruff helped conceal a zipper, and the farthingale was actually a large hoop sewn to the skirt, rather than a separate article of clothing. Olivia had just finished pulling the dress over her head when she was startled to see Alison, wearing a green satin gown, hurry into the room, glancing over her shoulder as though she was afraid someone was following her. “Allie?”
“Oh, thank God, Liv. Are you finished dressing? Do you need some help?”
“No, I think I can manage. But you look like you’re running away. What’s the matter?”
“I am running away. From that dreadful Jim Hicks.” Alison gave a mock shudder. “I don’t know why I’m such a nerd magnet. You look great. I look like a green satin Titanic.”
“Oh, you do not.” Olivia laughed as she placed the wreath on her head. “Where’s yours?”
“My wreath? I already look ridiculous enough, thank you. Come on. Let’s go see if the coast is clear. They were heading for the maze when I slipped away. Now that you’re back you can run interference for me.”
“You think my notes will be all right here?” Olivia looked around dubiously.
“Everyone left their purses here. The lockers lock. See?” She held up her wrist, from which dangled a little key on bright elastic. “We’re going to miss the eclipse.”
“That wouldn’t be the first thing we’ve missed. Everyone at home’s probably amazed we made the flight.”
“And won’t they be surprised when we actually make it home.”
“Yeah, well, we haven’t done that yet. Let’s not make any assumptions.” Alison led the way to the door. “So did you find what you were looking for?”
Olivia adjusted her bodice. “Well, yes and no. I found out some interesting stuff. For example, did you know that Lord Nicholas Talcott left specific directions in his will in 1624 that under no circumstances was the maze ever to be torn down? Isn’t that strange? And he married an Olivia in 1587—which makes the timing perfect for her being the Dark Lady. But there are hardly any details about her that I can find. I might have to come back the day after tomorrow. Will you mind?”
“Only if I have to wear this thing again. I can find something to keep myself busy in London. But you think this could be the one?”
“I think I’m pretty close—” Olivia broke off as Alison placed her finger to her lips. “What’s wrong?”
“I want to make sure that guy’s not waiting out here. I thought he might follow me all the way to the ladies’ room. I guess he gave up,” Alison said after peering around the deserted gardens. “The maze is this way.”
“Then, come, my dear lady Alison. Let us make haste to the revel!”
Alison led the way into a wide stone courtyard. She looked up at the sky, which was thick with grayish white clouds. Almost imperceptibly, the sky seemed to darken. “I think it’s starting. We should hurry.” Picking up their skirts, they shuffled as quickly as the billowing fabric would allow.
“So much for dignity,” Olivia said as they scurried past the wide herb beds. All