Page 20 of The Stolen Sparkler
THE SECRETS IN THE SHADOWS
AFTER BREAKFAST, Lady Rosalynd and I proceeded to Needham’s study to discuss what she’d learned. It took no time to share that information with our host. To say he was troubled was an understatement. So much so, he took pacing before me, his features tight with worry. Only to be expected after what Lady Rosalynd had revealed.
“We must retrieve Eleanor’s necklace without causing a scandal. What are we to do?” His voice held a note of desperation.
I did not immediately answer Needham’s plea but allowed the silence to settle before I spoke. "The situation is precarious. If Lord Burkett exposes Lady Eleanor’s lack of dowry—thanks to Felicity’s betrayal—the engagement will collapse. Worse still, if Lavinia reveals Edwin is Lord Burkett’s illegitimate son, the Needham name could be destroyed entirely."
“I can’t believe Edwin’s mother would have played my brother false.”
“If I may, Lord Needham” —Rosalynd interjected— “we don’t actually have proof of that. Could it be conjecture on Felicity’s part?”
“Edwin was born rather early into their marriage, seven months to be exact. And Burkett has been one of her suitors. But my brother Martin never once doubted Edwin was his son.”
“Maybe he did not know. Maybe the lady dallied with Lord Burkett before their marriage.”
Lord Needham’s brow took a hike. “Charlotte, dally? She was a timid, quiet mouse who barely spoke in social gatherings, even family ones. No. She couldn’t have been involved in a dalliance.”
“And yet, Edwin was born early.”
“He was rather small. Everyone wondered how he survived. His mother, sadly, did not.” Needham glanced at me. “Much like your own wife?—”
I froze as the pain of that memory stabbed at me cutting off my breath.
“I beg your pardon. That was an unforgivable thing to say. I need a drink, and so do you.” Needham approached the cupboard, poured whiskey into two glasses, and handed one to me. Without a word, I gulped down the fiery liquor.
Too late recalling the other person in the room, Needham turned to her. “Lady Rosalynd?”
“None for me, thank you.”
“Of course, my dear.” Needham sipped at his while an awkward silence filled the room.
But it didn’t last long. Lady Rosalynd soon stepped into the void. “Eleanor said your brother Martin will be attending the ball.”
Needham cleared his throat. “Yes, he should be arriving soon. His business interests in London kept him from arriving before today.”
“Forgive me if I’m stepping out of line, Lord Needham. I treasure my brothers and sisters and would do anything for them. But Felicity does not seem to care that her actions would precipitate a scandal that would destroy not only your family’s reputation but her brother, most particularly. And I have to wonder why that is.”
“My brother Martin married twice. His first wife was Felicity’s mother. We cautioned him against doing so. She was too young and too eager to enjoy what life had to offer to settle into the role of a proper wife. Sadly, my words proved to be true. A year after Felicity’s birth, she deserted him. Martin searched for her, of course, only to discover she’d run away with a sugar plantation owner. Their ship capsized on the way to Jamaica. All souls aboard were lost at sea. Her body was never found so Martin had to wait seven years for her to be declared dead. As soon as she was, he married Charlotte. Seven months after that, Edwin was born. You know the rest.”
Eager to move the conversation away from a topic that struck too close to home, I said, “I understand Edwin has the ambition of becoming a solicitor.”.
“Yes, he attended Oxford and got a first in jurisprudence. His father encouraged him to learn a trade. He chose that field of study.”
“A noble profession,” I said.
“Unfortunately, he has not been able to make his way.”
“Why not?”
“He’s seen as a dilettante by those in that field. Untrue. He’s quite serious in his pursuit.”
“Once this matter is settled satisfactorily, I would be glad to put in a good word for him.”
Needham’s surprised gaze found me. “You’d do that?”
“He struck me as a serious young man, and he denounced his sister for her actions. I would need to have further discussionswith him before I take that step, of course. But if I’m convinced he’s everything I think he is, I would be glad to sponsor him.”
“Thank you, Steele. That means the world to me.”
