Page 12 of The Duke's Stolen Heart
Chapter 5
February 4th, 1826
Dear Miss Lowry,
I trust you have recovered from your recent river excursion.
In accordance with the understanding we reached last night, you are invited to see Charles Kemble’s production ofCymbelinetomorrow night. I desire to formalize the details with you on the subject of payment for your services. While your request is an absurd sum, I am prepared to offer a very generous one thousand pounds. Two hundred up front, as a retainer, with the remainder due upon completion. We may discuss further in the privacy of my box.
Yours,
Havencrest
P.S.: Maria Theresa Kemble makes rare appearances these days, but when she does, it is often in male dress. I think you’d enjoy that.
* * *
February 6th, 1826
Dear Miss Lowry,
Your absence yesterday was not in keeping with the understanding we reached after your disastrous nighttime jaunt in the river. As the saying goes, there to be no honor amongst thieves. Nonetheless, I find myself disappointed.
The Dowager Duchess of Summervale will attend a musicale this evening. I have it on good authority that Evendaw has been invited. Meet me for a game of whist and I shall enlighten you as to the details of the mission for which I have hired you.
Respectfully,
Havencrest
* * *
February 7th, 1826
Dearest Miss Lowry,
One thousand pounds was, upon reflection, a considerable insult to your professional skills. I am prepared to offer five times that—five hundred in advance, the remainder upon delivery of the Heart’s Cry diamond necklace to me.
Regretfully,
Havencrest
* * *
February 8th, 1826
Miss Lowry,
I dislike making threats. If one is not prepared to follow through, one ought to refrain from making them.
Meet me tomorrow in the British Museum. Bring your companion, if her health is up to it. Ten thousand pounds is my final offer.
If you are not there at noon, I shall be forced to inform the magistrate where the lady in the pink silk ruffled dress who was recently fished out of the Thames was last seen—and with whom.
Havencrest
P.S.: Your silence is enough to shake a man’s faith in womankind.
* * *
