скачать книгу бесплатно
‘And that is the response I’m given. I see. Well, the next time I find you in need of assistance, I will ignore you. Is that to your liking, Miss Forrester?’
‘That would suit my needs very well, my lord.’
* * *
The problem was, as much as Hart hated to admit it to himself, he enjoyed matching wits with Miss Forrester and had no desire to ignore her. Women fell into one of two camps. Either they would throw themselves at him or run the other way, afraid of his rakish reputation. Sarah Forrester was different. He had no idea how to charm her and he wasn’t completely certain she even liked him. Not that it should matter if she did. Which it did not. It absolutely did not. But he was discovering how much fun it was to provoke a reaction from her.
He should excuse himself and return to his place across the room, from where he had been contemplating how to steal Lady Everill’s bracelet. Placing that much physical distance between them was the proper thing to do, considering they were both unmarried. Instead he gave her his most charming smile, settled back into the red brocade cushions and waited.
She let out a long, exasperated sigh, which caused her breasts to rise and fall in her yellow-and-white-striped gown. He took another sip of brandy.
‘Must we continue to converse?’ she moaned.
He laughed at the audacity of that statement by an American to a peer of the realm. ‘We don’t have to. We could sit in companionable silence. I’ll enjoy my brandy and you can read your book.’
Those keen brown eyes of hers, which he knew missed very little, narrowed. ‘I cannot imagine you could remain silent for very long.’
As hard as he tried to prevent it, a small smile snuck out. ‘I find one can learn many things about a person when neither is speaking.’
‘I imagine you can. However, in this instance, the both of us are clothed.’
He almost spat his brandy back into his glass. He knew she was looking for a reaction and, dammit, he had given her one. This round went to Miss Forrester.
Katrina poked her head into the room, breaking their game. ‘Sarah, I’m terribly sorry about—Oh... Good day, Hartwick.’ She walked towards them and waved him off when he began to stand. ‘I wasn’t aware you were here today.’
‘I was instructed to wait in here,’ Miss Forrester blurted out.
Heaven forbid Katrina think she wanted to spend time with him. Now it was his turn to roll his eyes. ‘I doubt Katrina assumed you were spending time with me by choice...alone...in a room.’
‘I am simply clarifying the situation.’
Just then, Julian stepped into the room and raised his brows at the sight of the women. Perhaps cowbells were in order in this house to keep track of everyone. Earlier, he had encountered the Dowager Duchess. Was she to walk in next?
‘You’re back from shopping already?’ Julian asked.
Katrina glanced at Miss Forrester in an apologetic way. ‘I fear my shopping trips will be brief for some time.’
Some silent communication passed between the couple, before Julian nodded in understanding. Was Julian suffering from financial difficulties? He wished his friend had come to him if he needed funds. Hart would be happy to help him.
The thought of money had him recalling the debacle at Tattersall’s. He took a large gulp of brandy, finishing off the glass.
Katrina turned back to them with a bright smile. ‘It’s actually a happy coincidence we have the two of you together. There is something we wanted to ask you.’
Miss Forrester placed her book on the table beside her and looked as perplexed as he felt.
‘It’s about Augusta,’ Katrina continued.
He knew absolutely nothing about children. He had been one once, of course, but he was an only child and had never even seen a baby before Augusta. What in the world could they want to ask him?
It was obvious Katrina was being polite. She must want Miss Forrester’s opinion on something and didn’t want him to feel slighted. That was just like her. He turned to the woman next to him who was looking at her friend like a startled deer. Apparently Miss Forrester was not at all comfortable with the turn of this conversation either.
‘Go on, Katrina,’ she said before licking those soft, pink, full lips of hers.
He brought his glass to his lips. Bloody hell, he needed more brandy.
Katrina looked to Julian, who stepped up to her side and slid his arm around her waist. ‘Katrina and I were wondering if you would do us the honour of serving as Augusta’s godparents.’
Hart’s brow wrinkled in confusion. ‘Exactly who are you asking?’
‘Both of you,’ Katrina replied, looking between them.
He turned to Miss Forrester, who had grown unusually mute. There were tears in her eyes—actual tears.
‘Katrina, you do not have to... I will buy another—’
‘Sarah, don’t be foolish. I’ve wanted to ask you this since the day Augusta was born. You are like a sister to me.’
‘You’re certain?’
‘Of course, we both are.’ She looked to Julian, who gave Miss Forrester a reassuring smile.
The women hugged and now it appeared Katrina was tearing up, as well. Oh, hell, he hated to see women cry! He sat back with a sigh and looked across at a life-size portrait of one of Julian’s ancient relatives. From the man’s expression, it appeared he couldn’t abide crying women either. Could he leave now, without causing offence?
Eager to get away from the emotional display, Hart stood and walked to his friend. ‘I don’t exactly understand your choice,’ he said, shaking his head.
Julian leaned closer. ‘Katrina insisted on Miss Forrester. They are very close. I couldn’t say no.’
‘That wasn’t what I—’
Julian arched an amused brow, telling him he understood. ‘I think she will be good for you.’
Hart almost swallowed his tongue. ‘Miss Forrester? I assure you I have no designs—’
‘I meant Augusta. Should anything happen to me, I’ll need you to look out for her. Having that responsibility on your shoulders might do you some good.’
‘She is your child. Should anything happen to you, of course I would do everything in my power to see she is taken care of. There was no need to go to this measure.’ Augusta slept a great deal from what he could recall of seeing her after she was born. Katrina had told him the only time she really fussed was when she was hungry. They had similar interests.
‘In any event, I am honoured you have accepted.’
Miss Forrester’s voice carried to where they were standing. ‘But what about when I return home? I might never see you or Augusta again.’
A heavy feeling settled in Hart’s stomach. Was there something wrong with the brandy?
Katrina rubbed Miss Forrester’s arms. ‘We will not think about that day. And when you do, you will make certain to return for visits. We would be happy to welcome your husband and children into our home.’
Her husband? Her children? He crossed his arms, recalling their encounter on the rooftop. Was there someone in particular she planned to marry? After all, he had run into her on a rooftop in London in the middle of the night and it was hard to imagine what else she would have been doing other than fleeing an illicit liaison. Common courtesy demanded he should not bring up the subject with her—however, he was curious by nature. He was determined to find out just what Miss Sarah Forrester was about, but first he needed to fetch that damn bracelet.
Chapter Four (#uc2ee4661-aed7-58d1-b37f-1d9105148723)
The moment Lyonsdale and the Earl left the drawing room, Sarah could breathe normally. She didn’t appreciate the way being near Hartwick left her all fluttery inside. Now that she was alone with Katrina it was easier to concentrate.
‘Again, you have my apologies, Sarah, I know how much you loved those slippers. You’re a true friend to sacrifice them the way you did. I promise to buy you another pair.’
‘I had to do something. You would have run inside and I would have been left to face your perplexed footman.’ She really needed to stop thinking about those slippers. It wasn’t improving her disposition.
‘Have you given any more thought to how you will get Lady Everill’s bracelet?’
‘I have, usually at three in the morning when I’m wide awake and fretting about my parents finding out what my brother did. Searching the Everills’ house was terrifying. I’d prefer not to do that again. And if Lady Everill has been showing it off everywhere, then the only time I could retrieve it is when they’re home asleep. That idea terrifies me even more. It’s maddening to know that bracelet is only the first step in finding the diamond and yet I can’t get my hands on it long enough to study it so I can discover where the stone is hidden.’
‘I think you should practise removing my bracelet again.’ Katrina held her arm out to Sarah. The diamond-and-sapphire bracelet sparkled in the light. ‘If you become proficient, you can slip the bracelet from her wrist the next time you see her.’
‘We’ve already tried. I’m horrid at it.’ She leaned back in her seat and stared at the cherubs looking down at her from the gilt moulding around the ceiling. Why couldn’t they help her figure out what to do? ‘I can’t allow my parents to endure additional suffering because of this vile man and his blackmail. I have a fortnight before he sends word of where the exchange will be made. If I don’t find the diamond by then...’
Katrina held her hand. The warm pressure steadied Sarah’s tremors. ‘Are you certain this is worth keeping from your father? Perhaps you should just tell him.’
‘Katrina, I can’t take that chance. His heart will never survive this. It will destroy him. It will destroy them both. I’m sure of it. I don’t have a choice.’
Their conversation was interrupted when the Dowager opened the door and stepped into the room. She eyed them before scanning the surroundings.
‘Are you looking for someone?’ Katrina asked, removing her hand from Sarah’s.
‘No. No. I was...about to do some reading, but I could not find my spectacles. I might have left them somewhere in here earlier today.’ Her studied gaze swept over Sarah from her half-boots to her hair. ‘I say, Miss Forrester, are you still here?’
‘It would appear so. Would you like us to help you find them?’ Sarah asked, hoping it would distract her enough to give a brief reprieve from her troubles.
‘Find what, my dear?’
‘Your spectacles.’
The Dowager’s brows wrinkled briefly before she seemed to recall why she had entered the room in the first place. ‘Oh, yes...that’s very kind of you, but not necessary. Go about your conversation. Pay no attention to me.’ She walked away and scanned the surfaces of the small decorative tables.
Sarah glanced at Katrina, knowing their conversation was finished. She would go home, crawl into bed and stay under the blankets until she had devised a plan to retrieve that bracelet. It should only take a year—a year she did not have.
She stood and brushed out her skirt. ‘Well, I should go.’
‘I shall walk you to the door,’ Katrina replied.
‘Miss Forrester,’ the Dowager called before they reached the door, ‘I was wondering if you and your parents enjoyed science.’
‘Pardon?’
‘I was planning on having a small gathering in a few nights’ time to show off some of the wondrous things I’ve been hearing about during the lectures I’ve been attending at the Royal Institution.’
‘You were?’ Katrina eyed Julian’s grandmother with suspicion.
Sitting through an evening of dull lectures was not how Sarah wanted to spend her time, even if she did adore the Dowager. ‘I would have to enquire with my mother. It’s possible we have accepted an invitation already for that evening.’
The Dowager’s eyes narrowed. ‘I haven’t told you which evening it will be.’
Sarah looked away, trying to find something to say.
‘I have invited just a few friends,’ the Dowager continued with a graceful wave of her hand. ‘The Tates, the Everills and a few others.’
It was impossible to miss Katrina’s pointed stare.
‘It will be on Wednesday. Shall I send an invitation?’
If it took two days, Sarah was going to master removing Katrina’s bracelet without her noticing. ‘Yes, please. A Wednesday evening that I do not have to spend at Almack’s would be lovely.’
* * *
Three days later, Sarah sat in the Crimson Drawing Room of Lyonsdale House sipping tea and trying not to stare at Lady Everill’s bracelet, which was on prominent display on the woman’s wrist. It had to be the bracelet described in the letter. It was comprised of square gold links and had paintings on porcelain. Sarah was waiting for the perfect opportunity to try to slip it from Lady Everill’s wrist without getting caught and sending the woman into hysterics. It sounded so easy in theory.
‘I must admit,’ Lady Everill said, lowering her teacup to its saucer, ‘I am surprised you’re attending scientific lectures.’
‘There is no sense in wasting away at our age, Harriet,’ the Dowager said, shaking her head from beside Sarah on the crimson silk brocade sofa. ‘And after tonight, you may decide to accompany me to the next one.’
Sarah’s mother stirred her tea. ‘And what do you have planned for us tonight? Your invitation was not very specific.’
‘I would prefer to keep it a surprise.’
‘You always were one for secrets,’ Lady Everill said, adjusting her glove so the gold links of her bracelet sparkled in the candlelight, as was the intention of the movement.
The Dowager leaned in. ‘Why, Harriet, what a lovely bracelet. I don’t believe I’ve seen it yet.’
‘Yes, you have.’
‘No. No, I don’t believe so.’
There was a distinct preen to Lady Everill as she held her wrist out. It was only a few feet away and Sarah had to clench her fist to resist the urge to grab it.
‘It shows exceptional craftsmanship,’ Lady Everill pointed out. ‘Are not the paintings exquisite? I’m partial to the ancient Greek engravings myself. They have been the rage for quite some time and I do not see the design going out of fashion any time soon.’ She turned to Katrina and addressed her directly. ‘Wouldn’t you agree?’
Katrina’s gaze shifted momentarily to Sarah. ‘Oh, I agree. It’s very lovely.’
‘And the images bring to mind such happy memories.’
‘My eyesight is not what it once was,’ the Dowager said. ‘Harriet, do be a dear and take the bracelet off, so I can get a better look.’
Lady Everill visibly bristled at the request, which made her jonquil turban decorated with peacock feathers shift against her grey hair. ‘But...surely you can see it from here.’ She shoved her wrist closer to the Dowager.
‘There is no need to have your hand up my nose. Simply hand me the bracelet so I can have a better look at these exquisite paintings you’ve been going on about.’
‘You can see them from there.’
‘I’m afraid, my dear, I cannot. Honestly, what do you think I will do to it? Is it so poorly made you fear it will break?’
‘Lord Everill would never purchase a shoddy piece.’ Lady Everill’s chin shook as she spoke. ‘Rundell & Bridge sold him this bracelet. They have a royal warrant.’ She raised her nose a bit higher.
