Page 5 of The Stolen Sparkler
The Earl of Needham was not a man easily rattled, and the sight of him looking so deeply troubled set off alarm bells in my mind.
As I clasped my friend’s hand, my gaze scanned his features. “You look as though you’ve seen a ghost. What’s happened?”
Needham sighed, running a hand through his graying hair. “I intended this weekend to be one of joy and celebration, but this morning has brought . . . complications.”
“Complications?” I would need more than that.
Needham nodded as he moved to his desk, where a glass of brandy sat untouched. After he gestured for me to sit, heleaned heavily against the edge of the furnishing. “It’s Eleanor’s necklace. The family heirloom—the diamond necklace that was given to an ancestress of mine by Charles II. It’s gone. Stolen.”
I narrowed my gaze. “Stolen? How so?”
“We discovered the theft this morning. Eleanor was planning to wear the necklace on Saturday at the ball to mark her engagement to Lord Cumberforth. That’s to be kept a secret for now. But when she checked her jewelry box this morning, it was missing.”
“The engagement was to be announced Saturday?” I asked, my mind already turning over the possibilities.
Needham let out a humorless chuckle. “Yes, provided the necklace is found. Lord Cumberforth’s father, the Marquis of Burkett, already disapproves of the match. If the necklace isn’t found, it will be another strike against Eleanor. The marquis has made it no secret that he wishes his son to marry a wealthy heiress, not a young woman who, by his estimation, brings little to the table.”
My thoughts sharpened. “Burkett would have something to gain from the necklace remaining lost, then. And the timing of this theft . . . just before the engagement announcement. It’s suspicious.”
Needham nodded wearily. “Yes, but he has an unimpeachable alibi. He hasn’t arrived.”
“He wouldn’t have performed the deed himself. He’s too clever for that. No, he would have arranged for another person to do the task. But one can’t accuse a man of theft without proof. Burkett is no fool. If he’s behind this, he’s covered his tracks well.”
I paused for a measured length as I considered the situation. My expertise in matters of investigation—especially those concerning delicate political and social entanglements—was well known in certain circles. It was why Needham had subtlymentioned the theft to me now. The earl wasn’t asking directly, but his unspoken plea for help was clear.
“I’ll help you, Needham,” I said finally. “I’ll look into the matter.”
The earl’s relief was palpable. “Thank you, Steele. I knew I could count on you.”
“Do you have any leads?” I asked.
“None so far,” Needham admitted. “Although Eleanor discovered the theft this morning, she believes the necklace was taken yesterday afternoon or evening. She can’t fathom how it happened. The jewelry box was locked, and there was no sign of forced entry.”
“Have you questioned the staff?”
“Not yet. I was waiting until you arrived before taking on that task. I would hate to think any one of them has taken it.”
“Understandably so.” I would feel the same. A man was entitled to feel he could trust his staff. “Which guests have arrived?” I inquired.
“Lord Cumberforth arrived yesterday afternoon, as did several of my nieces and nephews. And Eleanor welcomed Lady Rosalynd, Rosehaven’s sister, this morning after the necklace had gone missing.”
I arched a brow at the mention of Lady Rosalynd’s name. “Lady Rosalynd? She’s here?”
Needham offered a faint smile. “Yes. Eleanor’s oldest and dearest friend. Do you know her?”
“Not an acquaintance, but I do know her by name and sight. The Rosehaven London residence is situated on Grosvenor Square.”
“Same as yours.”
I nodded. “But we belong to different circles. She has a reputation as a social reformer.”
“Not a priority of yours,” Needham said, somewhat amused.
“No,” I agreed. My particular interest in the House of Lords was the security of the nation and everyone who resided within. “We’ll need to speak to everyone who was in the house since yesterday afternoon. Servants and family—no one can be excluded.”
Before Needham could respond, the door to the study burst open without so much as a knock. Lady Eleanor, her face a study in anguish, stood in the doorway with Lady Rosalynd close behind her.
“Father, we—oh!” Eleanor stopped short, her eyes widening as she spotted me.
