I glared at him, my hands balling into fists at my sides. "You could have come up with another reason!”
“Such as?”
“We were having a private word with Lady Burkett.”
“Regarding what?”
“Fashion.”
He chuckled. “With me along? Burkett wouldn’t have believed that for a moment.” His lips twitched, as though he were suppressing a smile. "Lady Burkett’s amusement providedthe perfect cover. She practically handed it to us on a silver platter. I merely . . . accepted her interpretation."
"Her ‘interpretation’ will spread through this house faster than a kitchen fire," I shot back. "By supper, every guest will think I’ve been cavorting with you in private chambers!"
Steele leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial murmur. “Lady Burkett won’t spread the tale. I believe we can trust her.”
Maybe so, but I couldn’t let go of my grievance. “What if she does?”
He tossed a languid hand in the air. “Then let them think what they will. While they’re gossiping about us, no one will suspect what we’re truly after."
I stared at him, caught between fury and mortification. “That’s quite a turnaround from last night, and even this morning, when you warned me about such a thing.”
“It would serve a greater purpose. Misdirection is a wonderful strategy.”
How could he be so dense? “I have a sister to bring out this season, Your Grace,” I hissed out through gritted teeth. “Any scandal that touches me touches her. I cannot afford rumors to be spread about my lack of virtue, especially when they are utterly false.”
He suddenly grew serious. “My apologies. I didn’t think.”
“You wouldn’t. Scandals rarely prove detrimental to men even as they destroy women’s lives.”
He glanced back over his shoulder. “Should I return to Lady Burkett and ask her not to spread the rumor?”
For a few moments, I considered his suggestion. “No. I believe you’re correct. She won’t say anything.” I bit down on my lip. “But her husband might.”
“No.” He shook his head. “He won’t.”
“How do you know?”
“I’ll have a quiet word with him.”
“And what would that word entail?”
“That he might be missing some teeth if he so much as breathes your name.”
“Violence never solves anything.”
“It’s not violence, only the threat of it.” He straightened, his expression softening just enough to reveal a flicker of sincerity. “I apologize for making light of what just transpired. I did not mean any harm. But if even the hint of it comes to light, I give you my word I’ll do my utmost to repair any damage to your good name."
“Thank you." That was the best I could hope for even if it would do no good. No one would believe him.
"Trust me," he said. "By the time we’ve solved this mystery, you’ll be the heroine of the hour."
“I seek no glory, Steele. I only want Eleanor’s necklace found.” I pinned a hard gaze on him. "But I promise you this. If you ever put me in such a position again, I’ll make sure you pay the price."
"Duly noted, my lady," he said, his tone laced with amusement. As much as I hated to admit it, the sound warmed me. In the next moment, however, he became serious once more. “We need to let Needham know we were not successful.”
“Yes.” I was not looking forward to that discussion. I’d been so sure we’d find the necklace in Lord Burkett’s chamber.
Our walk back to the study was cloaked in silence, the air heavy with unspoken disappointment. We had searched Burkett’s quarters thoroughly, but the necklace remained elusive.