Page 6 of The Stolen Sparkler
“Steele, you know my daughter, Eleanor.”
I came to my feet, “Of course. A pleasure to see you again.”
“And the other young lady is Lady Rosalynd, Rosehaven’s sister.”
I’d only seen her from a distance across Grosvenor Square. She couldn’t be missed. Her hair, a shocking shade of copper, had always caught my attention. What I had never been close enough to appreciate was the perfection of her face. Porcelain skin, a bloom of pink on her cheeks, and eyes a striking shade of blue. After a brief hesitation, I advanced and bowed over her hand. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Rosalynd.”
“Your Grace.” Her curtsy was everything it should be. Her expression was not. There was a hint of aggravation in her gaze. Clearly, she was not pleased to see me.
But I had no chance to wonder about it as Needham was coming to his feet. “Anything wrong, Eleanor?” His voice held a tone of alarm as if he was expecting yet more bad news.
“No. I’m sorry to interrupt, Father,” Eleanor began, her voice shaking slightly. “But Rosalynd and I have been discussing my missing necklace, and—” she hesitated, glancing at her friend for support.
Rosalynd stepped forward, her expression resolute. “I’ve offered to help investigate its disappearance, Lord Needham. Eleanor is beside herself with worry. I believe I may be able to assist in finding the necklace.”
Needham’s eyes flickered with surprise, but before he could respond, I cleared my throat. “Lady Rosalynd,” I said, slightly inclining my head. “You intend to investigate?”
Her unflinching sharp blue eyes met mine. “Yes, Your Grace. I have experience in solving such matters.”
I suppressed a smile. Lady Rosalynd Rosehaven may very well have many talents, but the idea of her successfully conducting an investigation into a theft of this magnitude seemed . . . improbable, especially given the short amount of time to be had. This was no drawing-room mystery but a matter of serious consequence.
Still, I was not one to dismiss anyone’s abilities outright. She had a determined look in her eye, and perhaps there was some merit to her involvement—if only to keep her occupied while I conducted the real investigation.
Needham must have sensed the tension between us because he quickly intervened. “The duke has graciously agreed to assist us as well. I was just asking for his help before you arrived.”
Rosalynd’s lips pressed into a thin line. “I . . . see.” She appeared none too pleased with that suggestion, but then she recovered quickly enough. “Perhaps we should work together, Your Grace.”
I raised an eyebrow, surprised by her response. “Together?”
“Yes.” Needham seized on the suggestion. “It would be better if the two of you joined forces. Lady Rosalynd has a unique perspective, and you, Steele, have your own . . . expertise. Between the two of you, I believe we can solve this before Saturday’s ball.”
I wasn’t so sure about that, but it was clear Needham wanted Lady Rosalynd to be involved. And after everything he’d done for me, how could I refuse?
“Very well,” I agreed, though my tone remained doubtful. “We’ll work as a team.”
Lady Rosalynd’s eyes flashed with amusement. Seemingly, she’d correctly interpreted my hesitation. “How very gracious of Your Grace,” she said, amusement clear in her voice. “With your . . . expertise, and my unique perspective, we’re sure to find the necklace in no time.”
I bit back a retort. What else could I do? I was bound to Needham by friendship and duty, and now I was bound to Lady Rosalynd as well—though how much help she would be remained to be seen.
CHAPTER 4
QUESTIONING THE STAFF
AFTER THAT TENSE MEETING in Lord Needham’s study, we proceeded to the dining room where our luncheon was being served. Eleanor’s cousins, as well as Lord Cumberforth, were all present. Having met them before, I knew what to expect.
I quickly found my name card, located between Alistair, one of Eleanor’s cousins, and Lord Cumberforth. No doubt Eleanor had chosen that seating arrangement to keep her female cousins from vexing her fiancé. I, on the other hand, would say nothing to irritate him. It would not be a difficult thing to accomplish.
As the son of a marquis, Lord Cumberforth could have been a vain, pompous sort of man, especially given his father's arrogance. But the gentleman was kind and unassuming. And most importantly, clearly in love with Eleanor evidenced by the warmth in his gaze whenever it lighted on her. A sentiment she fully reciprocated.
Eleanor, the very definition of an English rose with her dark ringlets and fair complexion, had received many offers of marriage since her debut. But she’d held out for a love match. Clearly, she’d found it in him. Striking him off my list of suspects, I vowed to do whatever was needed to ensure she got her heart’s desire.
Unfortunately, the fond glances exchanged between Eleanor and Cumberforth did not go unnoticed by Eleanor’s cousin, Miss Lavinia Needham. Similar in coloring to Eleanor’s she was known for her penchant for gossip. “A little birdie told me to expect an announcement this weekend,” she hinted with a smirk. “Care to share what that could be, Eleanor?”
“I’m afraid you’ve been misinformed,” Eleanor asserted, tearing her smitten gaze away from her fiancé.
Lavinia pruned her lips. “Oh?” That simple word communicated pure skepticism. She didn’t believe Eleanor for a moment.
“Stop teasing Eleanor,” her brother Alastair said in a pleasant voice. “She’s not going to reveal anything. At least not before it’s time.” He winked at Eleanor.
