Page 12 of The Stolen Sparkler
“Yes, yes,” he muttered, scarcely glancing up. “Eleanor does like to have things perfect.”
I noted the strain in his voice. Curious. Last night he hadn’t seemed to have a care in the world. Did the letter hold a clue to his change of mood? I would need to find out. As there was no time to waste, I tossed aside etiquette. “Anything wrong, old chap? You seem a tad upset?”
“Just got unsettling news.”
“Oh?”
“Had my heart set on joining a law practice in London. But they hired someone with more experience.”
“Tough luck, old man. There are others, though.”
“Yes.” He didn’t appear too hopeful. “Thing is, funds are rather low. Needham paid my expenses at Oxford. But now I was hoping . . . well, you don’t really want to hear my woes. I must learn to manage, even when there’s not enough to go around.” His bitterness was unmistakable which made me wonder if he had been tempted to solve his money troubles by pilfering Eleanor’s diamonds.
Having finished with the two cousins, I headed back to Needham’s study. On the way, I saw Lady Rosalynd finishing her conversation with Felicity, who appeared flustered and agitated. Going by Lady Rosalynd’s expression, the conversation had been an enlightening one.
We exchanged but a brief glance, agreeing without words to head toward Needham’s study. But before either of us could do so, our investigation was interrupted by the sound of horses and the crunch of carriage wheels on the gravel outside Needham Manor.
Almost on cue, Lady Eleanor drifted forward from a corridor, her arm curled around Lord Cumberforth’s arm. “That must be Lord and Lady Burkett,” she said as they rushed past us. Moments later, a footman confirmed her statement.
Rosalynd’s eyes narrowed with barely concealed irritation. I didn’t blame her. The arrival of the Burketts was a complication we did not need.
As Cumberforth’s parents made their entrance, Lady Burkett caught sight of me. “Steele,” she greeted me warmly, a bright smile lighting her face. “What a lovely surprise to see you here! Eleanor didn’t mention you’d be visiting.”
I offered a polite bow. “Dull fellow that I am, it must have slipped her mind.”
Lady Burkett laughed. “Oh, come Steele. Last thing you are is dull. Many a London hostess would give her eyeteeth for your presence at one of their balls.”
“You flatter me, ma’am.” I turned to my fellow sleuth. “Have you met Lady Rosalynd, Rosehaven’s sister?”
“Can’t say I’ve had the pleasure,” Lady Burkett said. “How are you, my dear?”
“Fine, ma’am. Thank you for asking.”
While Lady Burkett was a congenial and charming woman, her husband was just the opposite. Burkett was known far and wide for his dour demeanor and critical eye. His scowl deepened as he observed the festive decorations in the hall, his eyes flicking critically from the garlands to the servants bustling about. “A great deal of fuss,” he muttered. “More than necessary, if you ask me.”
Lady Burkett laughed, dismissing her husband’s complaints with a wave of her hand. “Oh, you know Edward,” she said to us with a conspiratorial smile. “Always the practical one.”
I smiled tightly, making a mental note to keep a careful watch on the marquis. Something about his dour mood made me uneasy. He bore watching. Sooner or later, I would figure it out.
Without bothering to acknowledge Lady Rosalynd, Burkett addressed his son, “Stephen, I need a word.”
“Of course, Father. Aren’t you going to greet Lady Eleanor?”
My opinion of Cumberforth rose. He wasn’t quite the milksop I thought he was. Maybe Rosalynd was right.
“Yes, of course. Lady Eleanor.” Burkett barely nodded in her direction. Lady Burkett, on the other hand, exchanged cheek kisses with her. “You’re so lovely Eleanor. Truly a rose in winter.”
Lady Eleanor’s cheeks pinked up, clearly pleased by the compliment. “Thank you, Lady Burkett.”
Just then a gong sounded. “Oh, that’s the signal for our luncheon,” Lady Eleanor said. “It’ll be served in twenty minutes.”
“Well, that should give us plenty of time to refresh ourselves,” Lady Burkett said with an uplift to her lips.
“And for me to talk to my son,” Lord Burkett said.
Every gaze followed the Burketts and their son as they climbed the stairs to the first floor, Eleanor’s the most worried of all.
Catching Rosalynd’s attention, I nodded in the general direction of the study. A few minutes later, after taking different routes, we reached that destination. Once the door was shut, I wasted no time.
