Page 31 of The Earl's Error
“Nor can I,” Joceline agreed, as her other friends nodded their understanding of all she had said. “But I must now speak to Lord Albury about it all. Mayhap he will be able to help.”
Lady Rosalyn’s eyes widened. “He will know which of her friends – if you can call them that – has known her for the longest time. Goodness, Joceline, it may be that you will find the culprit this very day!”
Joceline nodded slowly, her brow furrowing as she thought of what would become of her if she did find out the truth. Her connection to Lord Albury would be at an end, though he would know for certain that she was innocent, at least. Why did she find that thought troublesome? Why did she seem hesitant to accept that? There could not be a desire to linger on in his company, could there? After all, only some ten days ago, he had been demanding to know what she had done with the necklace, believing her to be the one who had stolen it! But now… now things were beginning to change between them and Joceline had to admit that she found the idea of stepping away from him a trifle unsettling. “I must speak with him,” she said, slowly, looking down at her hands. “And just as soon as I can.”
14
“Come.” Theodore glanced up from his papers as the butler came in. “Yes?”
“My lord.” The butler appeared a little uneasy, glancing at the door before he came a little closer to him. “My lord, there is a young lady here who has come to call.”
“A young lady?” Theodore repeated, setting his quill down. “And her mother or father, I presume?”
The butler shook his head. “No, my lord. Though she did say it was on an urgent matter and she would not be more than a few minutes standing with you.”
Theodore took the card from the butler, his eyebrows lifting as he saw the name. He knew that Miss Trentworth was a little unorthodox given that she was a bluestocking but to call upon a gentleman without a chaperone was more than that! It was deeply improper, for if anyone was to find them alone together, then a good deal of difficulty might follow thereafter.
“Send her in.”
Surprising himself by the eagerness and fervency with which he spoke, Theodore rose to his feet. “Send one of the maids in also. And leave the door wide open. I know why she is here andit is on a very grave matter indeed, so you are not to breathe a word of her presence here this afternoon to anyone. Not even the housekeeper.” Knowing full well that he could trust the butler implicitly, he gestured to the door. “Show her in. And make sure whichever maid you choose is also one who will stay quiet.”
The butler nodded and then disappeared, leaving Theodore to prepare for Miss Trentworth’s arrival. Though he was surprised at her coming unannounced and unchaperoned, there was also a sense of happiness within him that he would, once more, be in her company – and without anyone to interrupt them! Ever since he had accepted her offer of help, there had been a slow-growing change in their connection, especially when he had seen just how little she held against him despite his suspicions and poor behavior. Knowing that she was a bluestocking actually brought within him a sense of admiration rather than criticism and the more time they spent together, the more Theodore appeared to desire it.
Though once we find the necklace, then what shall become of our relationship such as it is?That thought brought a frown to his face and Theodore turned his head away, looking out of the window rather than gazing expectantly at the door. He ought not to care as to whether or not Miss Trentworth had a close connection to him… but his heart appeared to be demanding otherwise.
“Thank you for letting me speak with you, Lord Albury.”
“Miss Trentworth.” Theodore took in her flushed cheeks, the sparkle in her eyes, and the small smile dancing about her lips and felt his heart turn over in his chest. She was, he had to admit, quite lovely in her own way. Recalling how they had danced together, how he had been able to take her in his arms, Theodore felt his face heat and, hastily, directed Miss Trentworth to a chair. “Sit down, please. Shall I send for tea?”
It was a foolish suggestion given that the lady ought not to be here alone in the first place and Theodore was not in the least bit confused when she refused.
“No, I thank you. I will not be long.” She pressed her lips together, her green eyes fastened to his. “I know that coming to call without a chaperone is most untoward and I do hope that both yourself and your mother will not think poorly of me for it.”
“My mother is gone to visit Lady Yarmouth – her sister and my aunt – and shall stay there for dinner,” Theodore reassured her, “and I quite understand. If there is something urgent to be said then there is every need for you to be here.”
At this, Miss Trentworth’s shoulders dropped and she smiled a little easier. “I appreciate that understanding, Lord Albury, for I have come with some news and with some questions.”
He spread out his hands. “I should be glad to hear both!” When she leaned forward in her seat, clearly eager to tell him all, Theodore’s heart ricocheted in his chest and he was forced to drop his gaze from hers for fear that something more – something more obvious – would show in his expression.
“I was speaking with the other ladies and we have determined that we ought to speak to Hamilton and Sons, for that is the establishment that many of thetonuse when they require some paste jewelry.”
Theodore’s eyebrows lifted. “Is that so?”
Miss Trentworth nodded. “In addition, though we have previously discussed that the person who switched the necklace would have had to have seen it on more than one occasion, we did not appear to make the connection that it would have to have been a long-established relationship.”
A little uncertain as to what she was saying, Theodore frowned. “What do you mean by that?”
“Only to say that the person responsible would have had to have known your mother for a very long period of time, wherethey would haveseenthe necklace regularly.” Her eyes searched his. “I presume that the necklace was not often worn?”
Theodore shook his head, beginning to understand what it was that the lady meant. “My father permitted my mother to wear them on occasion but it was not a regular occurrence.”
“So, then,” Miss Trentworth continued, getting to her feet and beginning to pace up and down the room as she thought aloud. “We can ascertain that the person who switched the necklace must have been at most of these events, yes?”
A dull thud of his heart made Theodore close his eyes, a sudden thought coming to him.No. Surely it could not be?
“Lord Albury?”
Opening his eyes, he looked at her. “I have had a thought, Miss Trentworth, that is all.”
