Conduct Unbecoming of a Gentleman (10 page)

Jerked from a sound sleep by a noise, Laurel sat up in bed, her heart beating so heavily she could barely catch her breath. Fear tightened her chest even more as a shadow loomed out of the darkness. One hand grabbed and covered her mouth. The other slipped around her throat. The odor of a snuff mixture, heavily over-laid with mint, clung to his hands and nearly gagged her. While she stared up at the man’s half concealed face, the moon peered from behind a cloud and a beam of light slashed across his features. Piercing, moss-green eyes ringed with a weathered complexion, glinted down at her. Her breath caught. She would never forget those eyes, cold, deadly and vaguely familiar.

“Don’t go a squawking and I’ll let up. One peep and I’ll be choking you for real.”

Terrified, she sat perfectly still, hardly allowing more than a shallow breath to escape. She couldn’t scream even if she wanted to. Her vocal cords were frozen and everything seemed slowed, each second lasting hours instead of mere minutes.

“I want my gee-gaw. It belongs to me now.” He wheezed out a laugh. “I hear tell his lordship won’t be needing it anymore.” Shifting, his voice became mean again. “I was promised that pendant and I want it, Missy.”

When what he said registered, her breath came in gasps.
How did he know Robert was dead?
Fighting to remain conscious as the room faded in and out, she began to shake. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“It’s blue and big and hanging from a long silver chain.”

“I don’t have anything like that, I swear,” she denied.

“Course you do. I admit you might not know it, his lordship being a covey sort of bloke and all. I been looking high and low and nary a peek of nothing,” he finished in disgust. In a scary reasonable tone he continued, “I’ll give you a chance to think on your answer some more else I’ll kill you.”

Stunned, Laurel couldn’t move, barely breathing when a fist pounded on the door and her heart leapt into her throat.

“Milady, is something amiss?” Horace inquired.

Fingers squeezed her throat until spots danced before her eyes, but before she lost consciousness, the pressure on her neck lifted. Gradually, her vision cleared and Horace stood beside the bed with a candle in his hand.

“Thank God. Horace, I’m so glad you’re here,” she crooked and burst into tears.

“I’m that sorry to bust in, but you didn’t answer.”

Brushing the tears from her eyes, she pulled the blanket up to her shoulders. “I couldn’t answer but I’m fine now you’re here.”

“I thought I heard a noise. I was out and about, checking around.”

“There was a man in here. He threatened to kill me if I didn’t give him a pendant of some kind.”

“A man in here, you say?” His frown expressed his doubt.

“Yes, he was wearing a mask. That villain nearly frightened me to death.” She shivered.

“If it’s the same criminal as was at the inn, likely he followed us to my way of thinking.” He rubbed his chin. “Could be earlier he thought Hester had this pendant thing.”

“I denied having a pendant, but he didn’t believe me,” she said in a weak voice. “He was going to kill me.”

“You rest easy, Milady. Once he failed with Hester, he decided to try you. He’ll be giving up since he didn’t find no trace of any pendant. He’s out to frighten women is all, but I’ll be on my guard.”

“My neck disagrees with you. He was going to choke me to death.”

“But, Milady, you ain’t dead.” His tone was perfectly reasonable.

“Because you came in time.” Her voice rose and she blinked up at him.

“If I could get my hands on the villain, I’d choke the puff out of him for scaring you. I’m here now. You’re all safe and sound.” Horace added with a sneer, “That Rupert is a useless snip. Most likely hid under his bed if he did hear a sound. I’ll kick him out to help keep watch. I won’t be sleeping none neither. You’ll see the scare will blow over by morning.” He quietly shut the door behind him.

Laurel couldn’t rest easy with his conclusions, but she accepted his opinion. She hadn’t told him about the time her room had been searched at Kendlewood because she suspected Rhonda had been poking around as usual. Now she wasn’t sure—of anything.

Chapter 10

Edmond stepped down from the hackney cab into the rising fog. A chilled breeze danced down the cobbled street, billowing his cape as he made his way forward. Suspended from a lamppost in front of the red-bricked Cordly Bank building, a lone lantern cast an eerie glow as he peered around. Further down the footpath along North Needham Way, he spied the faded, engraved sign of Billingsly Jewelry swaying in the wind.

Edmond grimaced when he caught his image reflected in a shop window. His own green eyes stared back at him for a moment before he ducked into the alley and approached the rear entry of the store. “I say old chap, let me in.”

The door squeaked as it swung open and his taut nerves tightened further at the sound. Receiving a hard appraisal at the door from a short, rotund man with a fringe of gray hair around his baldpate, Edmond lifted his chin. He straightened his lapels with a jerk and sniffed, not appreciating his reception one bit.

“So?”

“I have work for you. Let me in.”

The shopkeeper cautiously searched the alley before he moved aside and allowed Edmond to push through the opening. He emptied his pouch on a table and candlelight bounced off the jewels with an enticing sparkle. Edmond allowed a pleased smile to curl his lips.

“I want the usual two copies of every item.” Edmond glanced over at the jeweler. “You need to pay added attention to detail. The last batch had a small blemish and there was hell to pay.”

The jeweler shrugged. “Beg pardon.”

“I had a lot of explaining to do,” Edmond complained with a high whine.

“Rest easy. No more flaws. You got my promise. I’m a careful sort of bloke.” The jeweler looked over the top of his glasses as he examined the gems. “Same price for each item.”

“That seems satisfactory. I expect this in record time, you understand.”

“You wanting perfection or speed?”

“I expect both,” Edmond snapped. “There are plenty of people around that would meet my needs.”

The jeweler grinned. “Ah, but none so thorough as me. Tain’t many as fine a craftsman as me neither or what can keep a still tongue in their heads. I’m the best even if I do say so.”

Edmond raised his hands. “I admit I haven’t had many problems and I don’t want any now. I’ll see you in a few days.” He peered out the door before he disappeared into the darkness.

Adron pulled the door shut behind him and headed for the stairs. At the landing, whisper soft voices floated up to him from the stairwell. He understood only a few brief snatches of the conversation.

“Rubies—blue diamond.”

“Sh-h.”

“Find . . . a mint.”

Adron glanced over the railing and from the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of a brown skirt, but he had no idea whose voice he’d heard. A door softly closed. Brushing the whispers aside, he headed down the stairs. He was late for his morning ride.

Before Adron could leave the house, Rhonda caught him. “Adron, you provoking creature. I wanted to ride with you, but Melissa informed me that was her privilege. I assume you have proposed to her?”

“My personal affairs are not your concern, my dear.”

“But Adron, you and I are cousins. I tell you everything. Surely . . .”

He sighed. “No, Nosey, I’m not engaged.”

“Don’t marry her, please,” Rhonda, begged. She gifted him with a tender smile “I love you so. Perhaps . . .”

Adron firmed his voice with a discouraging tone. “Of course you do—like a brother.”

She shook her head and stepped closer. While she touched his arm, the expression in her eyes pleaded with him. “More than a brother. Cousins marry all the time.”

“No, Rhonda, it would never work between us.” He patted her hand. “I care for you deeply, but the answer is still absolutely no.”

“Give me a reason then. I don’t understand,” she said, stomping her foot.

“Rhonda, my dear, I’ll give you a very valid reason. I would take the reins into my own hands and you would be forced to follow my lead. Not exactly your cup of tea.”

“But.”

“Our disagreement at Landings should have taught you that truth. You need someone easily managed. Possibly a young, up and coming gentleman where a nudge from you in the right direction would suffice to further his career.”

“I’m an old maid and if I can’t have you, I don’t want anyone,” she cried.

“Nonsense. You’re barely twenty-four, wealthy and lovely as well.”

“I’m on the shelf, I tell you. And well you know it. Besides, I rather like my uncluttered state,” she said, her chin raised in defiance.

His voice filled with irony. “Your uncluttered state—my point exactly. As I said, we wouldn’t suit. I could never allow my wife to take the bit between her teeth. I’ll always have a firm hand on the bridle.”

With a blatantly wistful expression she sighed. Her lips curled and her voice filled with suspicion. “If not Melissa or me, I suppose you prefer someone like whiney little Laurel?”

He laughed. “None of your business, but I haven’t noticed Laurel whining about anything. Feisty to be sure but I’ve never heard her issue a complaint.”

Rhonda’s lips tightened and her eyes glittered with a rebuke. “She stole my brother from me and now you as well.”

Before he could deny her accusation, a footman rushed down the hall.

“Milord, the mistress is calling for you. In the drawing room.”

Adron strode to the doorway of the sitting room where his grandmother sat in an overstuffed chair. Heloise’s personal servant, Mary, stood in the middle of the room. Her eyes were filled with tears and she nervously brushed her nondescript brown hair behind her ears.

“What’s all the uproar, Gran?”

Mary, flustered and ringing her hands, stared at Rhonda and Adron before she rushed into speech. “Milord, her ladyship’s emeralds is missing.” She glanced at Rhonda and pleated her hand together. “Your grandmother’s necklace and her bracelet and all. I was straightening your jewelry to decide which needed a good cleaning just as you told me, along with her ladyship’s.” She nodded her head toward Heloise. “I searched everywhere. It’s gone.” Mary bowed her head into her hands and sobbed. “Forgive me,” she wailed when she could catch her breath.

Rhonda gasped. “Not my emeralds.” She glared at Heloise. “You should have given the jewelry to me when you gave away my grandmother’s sapphires.”

“I didn’t give the sapphires away,” Heloise flared. “My sister, your grandmother, did—to her grandson. The sapphires and the emeralds as well as a few other pieces belonged to our mother. For sentimental reasons Leona gave the sets to me to enjoy while both you and Robert were young. She knew I would pass the jewelry along at the proper time.” Heloise sighed and lifted her chin. “And I should have allowed you to take the emeralds when I parted with the sapphires. My mistake. Being perturbed with you is my only excuse. Of all the childish rubbish, enacting a drama fit for the theater simply to gain your own way. You should have been caned.”

“Aunt Heloise,” Rhonda cried in shocked dismay.

“I wish now I hadn’t allowed you to provoke me. I didn’t see the immediate need to allow you to have your way, so I said no. I thought to teach you a much-needed lesson, but it seems I failed.”

“We’ll get to the bottom of this,” Adron said and turned to Mary. “When is the last occasion you actually saw the necklace?”

“It couldn’t have been more than a week ago. The emeralds was in the box then,” the servant replied.

Adron eyed the women grimly, “Very well. We’ll have all the servants mount a search. Winwright can take charge. Everyone will be questioned as well. Mary, please ask him to see me in my library in ten minutes.”

Mary curtsied and withdrew.

Rhonda gazed around. “Where is Laurel or Melissa for that matter?”

“Laurel’s aunt is ill. I believe she went to London on a visit. Earlier, Melissa had intended to try on a new riding habit.” Heloise arched her brows. “Why?”

“Adron said everyone should be questioned. I find it suspiciously convenient that Laurel isn’t here,” Rhonda snapped.

She twisted to face Adron. “The few pieces of
my
grandmother’s jewelry Aunt Heloise had in her possession are missing. Laurel isn’t here to give an account for herself. It seems an awkward moment to disappear from the scene. Her rather abrupt departure is hardly the way to avoid suspicion, is it?”

“And why would suspicion fall on her?” Adron asked.

“Well, she has little. Robert left her practically nothing. She loved it when Robert allowed her to try on the jewels from the collection.”

“Let it rest, Rhonda.” After a moment, Adron’s sense of humor emerged and he grinned. “Loving jewelry isn’t a crime else several women I know would be arrested, including my one female cousin.”

Rhonda grimaced. “But several pieces of my own jewelry came up missing from time to time. Robert wouldn’t go so far as to accuse Laurel but I know he despaired of her thirst for new gowns and parties. I think he had his suspicions, as did I.”

Adron’s brow puckered. “That is a serious accusation. She’s proven how kind, tolerant and understanding she is with the children. She’s behaved admirably. With the family as well I might add.”

“Perhaps. But that doesn’t mean she isn’t a thief. Little miss perfect never puts a foot wrong when you’re around but what about when your back is turned. You’ve only known her for, what is it, three months? I tell you, she has nothing.”

“I’m sure Robert provided for his family beyond the entailment. I’m to meet with Robert’s solicitor next week or rather his son.”

Rhonda’s eyes widened. “Why? There is no need and certainly no other Will. Percy Dimty assured me of that after Robert’s death.”

His lips thinned. “Percy Dimty is only the steward and has been in charge far too long. I have Robert’s letter naming me as guardian to Jamie, but little else. I now have the reins firmly in my hands and a thorough tally of the accounts will be conducted by my banker.”

“You must listen to me,” Rhonda cried. “Nothing good will come of pouncing on poor Percy more. He’s done his best in a trying situation.”

“Percy’s integrity isn’t in question here but I’ll not condemn Laurel unless I have proof.”

“I thought I saw her wearing one of my grandmother’s bracelets.”

“Not exactly proof, Rhonda.”

Great tears gathered in her eyes. “You wound me, indeed you do. How can you doubt me as close as we have always been—you, Robert and me?”

Unease triggered a sigh. What if Rhonda was right about Laurel? After all, she and her brother had known Laurel far longer than he.

“How can you doubt me about something that serious?” she sniffled.

Immediately contrite, he smiled at her. “I don’t doubt you, Rhonda, but I need substantial proof.”

Shrugging one shoulder, she stifled a sob. “My missing emeralds are not insignificant, in fact a rich prize for one with nothing. I hope you wake up to her true nature before it’s too late.” She kissed him on the cheek. “You’re all I have left since I lost Robert. Laurel doesn’t want me to interfere with Jamie. Laurel always turns a cold shoulder to me. I couldn’t lose you as well.”

Adron drew her close and gave her a squeeze. “You won’t lose me. I promise. Now don’t cry. You know neither Robert nor I could ever stand to see you upset.”

Rhonda laughed and dashed the tears from her cheeks. “I know and I love you more than ever.”

He shook his head. “No need for all this upset. Perhaps there has been a careless mistake and your jewelry will be discovered by one of the servants. Else I can’t imagine how a thief has gone undetected within these walls. I maintain that all this dust up over the emeralds will prove to be no more than a tempest in a teacup.”

“I only hope you’re correct.”

“When your emeralds are restored to you, as I have no doubt will be the case, I will have the set examined by the appraiser to make sure everything is all right.”

“That won’t be necessary, Adron.” Her lips trembled when she smiled. “If I have my jewelry restored to me, I’ll ask no more.”

“Nonsense, I’ve sent for a jeweler to inspect the entailed jewelry.” He brushed the underside of his jaw with his knuckles. “Brigs, with Brigs and Straten, is sending his eldest son to examine the jewels tomorrow. A complete inventory of Robert’s estate gems will set my mind to rest and yours as well. There will be no extra trouble to appraise your jewelry too.”

“As you say.” Rhonda nodded, hugged him and left the room.

Heloise stared after Rhonda. “I didn’t want to disturb the scene she enacted so I said nothing more, but that little madam is spoiled. She needs to be broke to bridle. Do her a world of good.”

Adron stared after her as well, his mind in a whirl, troubled, confused, bitter, but determined to get to the bottom of the situation without allowing his involvement with Laurel to cloud his judgment. After all Rhonda was his cousin and he had known her before she could walk.

“Gran, I’ll be in my library if you need me.”

Adron sank into his desk chair, his thoughts clouded by Robert. His cousin had entrusted the care of his son and heir to him, not his wife. True, a woman had little power but surely that wasn’t the only reason for his choice. Adron still couldn’t bring himself to believe Laurel was as perfect as she seemed.

He’d sent for all of Jamie’s possessions, thinking Laurel would understand his determination to remain true to the trust his cousin had placed in him. His throat tightened with guilt every time he thought of his cousin. Robert had been younger than himself by five years, so young to be cut down by Adron’s own blind carelessness. He wouldn’t allow himself to fail Robert again especially if Laurel was involved in the theft of Rhonda’s emeralds.