If you want information," he said in his low tones, "I am willing to take up my...

If you want information," he said in his low tones, "I am willing to take up my old connections and provide it. You need write to no one or speak to no one. It's common enough for people to summon their own artisans for special projects." He patted his satchel. "You are wealthy enough to enable me to sustain the cover."
"You mean I should order some jewelry made?"
He nodded. "If you please, my lady."
"Of course--that's easy enough. But to backtrack a bit, what you said about spies on both sides worries me. What if the Renselaeuses find out you're here? Will they assume I'm plotting?"
"I have taken great care to avoid their coverts," he said. "The two who met me face-to-face last year are not in Athanarel. And none of the family has actually seen me."
Once again I sighed with relief. Then an even more unwelcome thought occurred. "If my movements are known, then other things have been noticed," I said slowly. "Are there any I ought to know about?"
He gave his nod. "It is known, among those who observe, that you do not attend any private social functions that are also attended by the Marquis of Shevraeth."
So much for my promise, I thought dismally. Yet Shevraeth hadn't said anything. "So…this might be why Flauvic granted me that interview?"
"Possibly," he said.
"I take it servants talk."
"Some," he agreed. "Others don't."
"I suppose the Merindar ones don't."
He smiled. "They are very carefully selected and trained, exceedingly well paid--and if they displease, they have a habit of disappearing."
"You mean they're found dead, and no one does anything?"
He shook his head, his mouth now grim. "No. They disappear."
I shuddered.
"So whatever I find out must be by observation and indirection."
"Well, if you can evaluate both sides without endangering yourself," I said, deciding suddenly, "then go ahead. The more I think about it, the less I like being ignorant. If something happens that might require us to act, you can help me choose the correct thing to do and the way to do it."
He bowed. "Nothing would please me more, my lady," he promised.
"Good," I said, rising to fetch my letter from the Marquise. "Here's her letter. Read it--and as far as I care, destroy it." I handed it to him, relieved to have it gone. "So, what's in your bag? I will want something special," I said, and grinned. "For someone special.