Page 12 of The Lady Glass
She shook her head, attempting to smooth her hair by her ears. “It is not something a person would simply leave out in the open. Once word gets out that I’m searching for it, it could disappear forever.”
“It sounds valuable,” Granger said, lighting another candle to brighten the room.
“You have no idea.” Her eyes closed momentarily, and a long breath pulled from her full lips.
“Let’s say I believe you.” Rolland tilted his head and studied her. “Tell me who you think stole this precious but unnamed item.”
“I . . . I did not see his face.”
Her story was not a strong one, which actually gave him greater reason to believe her. If she were a true spy, she would have been trained on how to respond should she be caught. “Can you tell me anything about him, then? How can you be sure he’s here?”
“I did not see him, but I heard his voice, and I am certain I would know it again. And he was very clear that he was to be a guest at the duke’s house party.”
The house party? But they had only invited his parents and a handful of particular people to stay on after the ball. And each one of those people were either highly suspect as traitors to England or the most trusted Rolland knew. “And what reason would this thief have to take something from you?”
“I cannot say. Only, it is a rare piece and worth a small fortune. He attempted to buy it, but it was not for sale.”
Granger smirked. “If what was stolen was worth so much, how’s it thatyoucame to ’ave it in the first place?”
Rolland wanted to know the same thing. He eyed her straight shoulders and spine, the delicate way she clasped her hands in front of her, and the battle to keep her features schooled. Was itproof of a proper upbringing? Or was it all an act? She had been dressed differently the first time they’d met. Which was costume and which was not?
Her expressive brows won out and furrowed in the middle. “You don’t have to believe me, but it was given to me by my father and is rightly mine.” She raised her chin, daring them to defy her claim. It almost made Rolland believe he was speaking to a refined lady of some social standing.
Regardless of who or what she was, it was not worth arguing with her. No harm had come from any of this besides some throbbing in his shoulder and likely a bruise or two for her. He blew out his breath, pulled himself to his feet, and extended his hand to her. “May I offer my assistance?”
She curled away from him, her cheeks darkening. “Forgive me. I do not touch half-dressed men.”
He had already forgotten about his missing waistcoat and jacket. He was used to being around men, not ladies—especially not one so beautiful. He shrugged sheepishly. “I am sorry I did not dress to greet you. I was far more worried for my life than my attire. Granger, will you do the honors?”
“Certainly, Cap’n.” Granger held out his hand to the woman, and she took it. Once she was on her feet, she dusted off her full skirt.
Suddenly her head whipped upward. “Wait. Did you say Captain?”
Granger glanced at him before answering. “Yes.”
The title seemed to connect some unseen dots in her mind, because she gave a succinct nod. “I am glad to know I had the sense to pick your room. A captain should feel some obligation toward justice. If you’ll excuse me, I must be going.”
Rolland nearly laughed. The woman thought to excuse herself as if they had just had afternoon tea.
She moved to the door.
He had to stop her. “Unless you want the reputation of a light-skirts, I wouldn’t go that way.” While his words were said lightly, the suggestion made even him uncomfortable. He had worked hard to maintain a moral standard for himself. His lack of vices had gained him the trust of men in various fields, particularly among his fellow soldiers in battle. He was not prepared to lose his good name over this indomitable intruder. Especially with his parents and closest friends in residence.
Her feet froze and her hand went to her neck. “I... I did not think of that.” He had been relatively certain ofhermoral standing when she blushed over his exposed chest and refused to touch his hand, but her reaction now solidified it. “I suppose I should return through the window.”
“You’re saying you climbed through the window in that dress?” Rolland frowned, reaching for his waistcoat.
Granger hurried to his side and assisted him with it. Once his arms were through the garment, he discovered the woman staring at the window with great reluctance. She forced a small smile and crossed to it, pulling it open.
Rolland came to her and looked down to see how difficult the descent would be. The sight made his jaw slacken. “How did you manage?”
She bit her lip and pointed to the lattice beside the neighboring window. “I climbed up there and used the small ledge to cross to here.”
Ledgewas a generous description. It was more of a trim. “There will be no returning that direction.” He pulled back and found Granger looking rather amused. “Do you have any suggestions?”
Granger coughed into his hand. “No, sir. The corridors will be mighty unpredictable tonight since the guests will go to bed whene’er they please.”
“We will have to risk it,” the woman said.
