The Case of the Missing Cross

by Felicia Rogers

  “Indeed. I would have expected the guest list to be a bit more exclusive.”

  She nodded. Some of the guests looked more like servants than ladies and gentlemen, leaving her feeling a bit disconcerted. “Are we sure we’ve come to the right place?”

  Justin nodded. “The invitation said the Tyrrel family would be ‘at home’ for the festivities.”

  She nodded and chewed her lip. Less-than-savory characters stepped aside at their approach, and her heart thumped madly in her chest. Not that all of the lower classes were thieves and brigands, but still… it was a disconcerting entrance.

  Together they crossed the threshold, and together they paused just inside, as if they’d rehearsed it like a dance step. Tyrrel held court in the grand entry, standing on a box, his hands raised to the ceiling. “Welcome all to my humble abode. As you may have noticed, this party is not only for those of means, but for those of the lower classes, as well. While society may see a difference between stations, I do not. I welcome one and all to celebrate this grand occasion with me.”

  Phebe Joysey, a young lady who belonged to a wealthy London family and was known for outspoken boldness, cleared her throat and cocked a brow. “And what kind of occasion is it?”

  Tyrrel stepped down from his perch. “Why, the occasion is that my family estate has finally been reverted to my ownership.” Murmurs flew around the room and Tyrrel shushed them with a raised hand. “On this day, I wish to share my wealth with those less fortunate than I. Why should someone be forced to slave at my feet when nothing separates us but our parentage? I say they shouldn’t. So today mi casa, es su casa! Eat, drink, and be merry, for tonight we feast!” Tyrrel clapped his hands and a trio of musicians struck up a lively tune in the ballroom beyond.

  Justin leaned over and whispered in her ear. “I believe we have a problem.”

  She nodded. The list they had planned to compile now encompassed not only polite society, but also their servants. At least for tonight, they knew where each house’s servants were likely disappearing to during their night off.

  With the music starting, couples lined across the ballroom for an English country dance. Justin offered his hand. “Shall we?”

  She accepted and followed him onto the floor. Several familiar people joined them for the set.

  Liam Filbee escorted Hesper Rotherham into the fray. Magnolia squinted but couldn’t make out a single mark on Liam’s aquiline face. Either the fellow had healed from his row with Justin, or Justin hadn’t gotten in as many licks as he’d thought.

  His dance partner, Miss Rotherham — the headmaster’s daughter — strutted onto the floor as if she considered herself a queen to be adored. No doubt the men squabbling over her had only served to increase her vanity. If she could have had every man of the ton swooning at her feet, it wouldn’t be enough.

  The Baron of Eure, Fortescue Cunning, who’d been hosting so many of the questionable balls, and Eudora Fareweather, his ward, also made their way onto the floor. Magnolia narrowed her eyes at them. How was it that two completely unrelated people could resemble one another so much? Both had blond hair and blue eyes. Both were attractive and maintained an air of regal bearing.

  “You’re frowning,” commented Justin as they came together.

  “It is an expression of concentration.”

  “Ah.”

  They parted and she continued to scan the crowd. Bold Phebe Joysey and Randall Kaye seemed at ease as they whirled across the dance floor. Partners changed and Phebe wrapped arms with Liam, leaving Hesper to be twirled by Randall. Magnolia’s lips twitched upward at the unlikely match. Hesper was ostentatious and loud-mouthed, while Randall was meek and quiet. However, stranger combinations had occurred.

  After three sets, the music ended, and Justin guided her off the floor. Her feet ached from the activity and she sighed with relief as they took a seat on a long velvet settee.

  Other couples followed and soon the area was filled. Teacups clattered against saucers as the conversation flowed.

  “I don’t understand this event at all,” commented Hesper.

  Unfortunately, I believe I do, thought Magnolia.

  “Nor do I.” Randall stood behind Hesper’s chair and rocked forward, as if proud he’d contributed.

  Justin squeezed her hand, and Magnolia sipped at her tea and listened.

  Phebe said, “I had heard that Mr. Tyrrel held notions that needed to be dispelled, but this event is preposterous. Why, I wouldn’t have stepped foot inside the house if I’d realized I would be sharing it with ruffians.”

  Liam patted her hand. “Don’t worry, Miss Joysey. I shall protect you.”

  A red hue flushed over Phebe’s cheeks and Magnolia glanced aside in time to see Justin roll his eyes.

  Liam fisted his hands. “Do you doubt my sincerity, Mr. Blakemoor?”

  Justin blinked. “Pardon?”

  “Don’t pretend that you didn’t react less than honorably when I mentioned protecting Miss Joysey. Would you like to meet me in the garden?”

  Best if she headed off any trouble. Magnolia said, “Mr. Filbee, excuse me for interrupting your show of chivalry, but why would you think Miss Joysey, or any of us, for that matter, would be in any danger? The extra guests at this celebration are clearly the servants of the other guests. Can they not be trusted? After all, they handle our jewels and estates without pilfering.”

  Justin relaxed beside her, and she felt the warmth of his hand pressing subtly against hers. Heat flushed her face at his familiar touch, but she kept her mind focused on Mr. Filbee’s answer and prayed no one would notice.

  Liam hmmed and hawed, but didn’t reply.

  Instead Randall cleared his throat. “I believe what Mr. Filbee is trying to say is that riff-raff should know their place.”

  “Well, they are hardly deserving of such a name. So far there has been no disturbance from their presence. They have remained outside and enjoyed one another’s company without hindering our pleasure in the least.”

  ****

  While Magnolia questioned their acquaintances, Justin glanced over those in attendance. Tyrrel had invited everyone of any import, as well as their employees. As the servants milled about the front garden, the beau monde strutted around inside and on the back veranda. Tyrrel offered tours of his home and some of the older guests returned to the main halls spouting about the modern wonders they’d seen.

  He sipped at his tea. Tyrrel’s move was an interesting turn of events and not one he’d foreseen. It was rare to have more than one party in their circle at the same time, because nobody liked to compete for guests, and so this unusual guest list could be the answer to the thief’s dilemma. Perhaps Tyrrel had invited everyone to his celebration so their houses would be left unwatched, giving the thieves time to enact their work. This way they wouldn’t have to worry whether the servants had actually left when given the night off.

  Of course, that implied Tyrrel was one of the thieves, or in their secret, or being used by them unaware.

  “Justin, could we take a turn?”

  He shook his head and blinked. Magnolia had spoken to him. “But of course.” He deposited his teacup on a low table and stood with his arm held out.

  Magnolia wrapped her elbow in his and they sashayed around dancing couples to the walled back garden. One breath of the rose-scented night air and Justin knew she’d made the right choice.

  She huffed a breath. “I have never met a more aggravating set of people.”

  “Hmm.” How could he admit that he hadn’t been listening without upsetting her?

  “They refuse to see that God put everyone on this earth and He didn’t make their arrival any more special than that of their servants.”

  He patted her hand. Magnolia’s loving and accepting nature had always been one of the traits he admired about her, even if it did make her sound like one of those Americans with their strange republican beliefs in equality, or even a Frenchwoman. And now he understood her quandary. “Magnol
ia, don’t let their perspective cloud the issue. We are here to discover the thief.”

  “Yes, yes, of course.” She chewed her bottom lip, an action that caused his heart to jump to his throat.

  Distraction; he needed a distraction, quickly. “Um, have you discovered anything from your questioning?”

  She shook her head. “Other than the strict class distinctions of our set, no, I’m afraid not.” She tapped her finger to her chin. “Let me retract that. I believe I may have discovered something.”

  “Do tell.” He thanked the Lord for his release.

  “I’m sure you’ve already figured this out, but what if Tyrrel invited the servants here to get them out of the houses so his cohorts could rob one of them?”

  “It seems highly unlikely. Why would Tyrrel do such a thing?” He thrilled that she’d come to the same conclusion as he, but he wouldn’t taint her explanation with his own thoughts. Keeping her excited about the hunt would keep her close to him.

  She walked a few steps and stopped. She looked from left to right, lowered her voice, and said, “Because he believes the peerage and beau monde deserve to be put in their place. What better way to bring them down than to steal what they prize most!” She paused, walked a few more steps, and twisted her lips to the side.

  That look of innocence would be his undoing. Justin swallowed.

  She continued. “Of course, he isn’t working alone. While he wines and dines the servants and society, someone else is breaking into the empty houses. Lady Sybil never mentioned that her servants went to a party on the night they took off, so maybe this is the first time the servants have been invited. Maybe, just maybe, this is the night of the biggest haul.”

  “You may be correct. But with all the people here, how do we tell who is missing?”

  A smile tilted her lips upward. “How about a friendly game?”

  Chapter Five: Discovery

  “How did I ever let you talk me into this?” Justin shuffled the cards and Magnolia leaned over his shoulder. Her warm breath struck his neck and he almost melted into a puddle on the floor.

  “You are doing this for Justice and Miss Quinn.”

  He pinched the bridge of his nose to hide his smile. First score to the lady, and the cards not even dealt.

  Tyrrel lifted his arms and announced, “Mr. Blakemoor has asked for a friendly game of cribbage. Who would like to challenge him first? Oh, and Lady Sybil is leading a rousing game of charades in the parlor.”

  No one immediately stepped forward, and Justin feared their plan was too simplistic. From the corner of his eyes, he noticed Magnolia as she edged closer to Liam. Justin’s hackles rose. Why was the love of his life twittering her fan and batting her lashes coyly at his worst enemy?

  But after a few moments of whispered dialogue, Mr. Filbee left Magnolia’s side and sauntered forward. He flipped his tails and settled opposite Justin, and Justin clenched his jaw. It was on the tip of his tongue to insist Liam Filbee stay away from Magnolia when Liam said, “I would like to challenge you.”

  Justin blinked.

  “Don’t look so surprised. Miss Quinn reminded me that I could impress Miss Rotherham if I won and that is what I intend to do.”

  Justin opened his mouth to deny that Liam’s intention of winning was possible, but a look from Magnolia silenced him. Awareness of her goal caused him to bristle. So she wanted him to make the game so entertaining that everyone in attendance would gather around them. This would allow Magnolia to notice those who were absent, which would comprise their list of suspects.

  “Let’s get started,” he said, holding in his groan of irritation.

  ****

  Magnolia was proud of Justin. He had acquiesced even against his desire to trounce Mr. Filbee. Their long-standing rivalry had been something she’d counted on to draw the crowd.

  As the ball’s guests surrounded the two card players, she studied their faces. Canes thumped as Mr. Filbee earned the role of dealer. Oohs and aahs echoed around her as points were scored and the pegs moved up the board.

  Even though Hesper had entered with Liam, she now huddled in the corner with Randall Kaye. Had her loyalties switched from Liam to Randall so quickly? But then again, Hesper had had practically every man fawning over her at one time or another. Her dark brown hair and cocoa-colored eyes drew men like moths to a flame.

  Phebe stood off to the side, her fan twittering faster and faster. No doubt she didn’t like being cast aside, for Hesper or anyone else.

  In the parlor, several elderly men and women interacted in a game of charades. Lady Sybil winked and waved, a clear indication that she felt she had the room covered.

  Justin had this covered; it was time for her to do her part. Wandering on her search through the rooms, Magnolia made a mental note of all those in attendance, hoping she’d remember them all. A liveried footman passed, going the other direction, and she paused outside the half-open library door. Raised voices drifted to her ears.

  “Why would you bring all the servants here?”

  “Because it seemed like a good idea.”

  “Well, it wasn’t. Someone might get suspicious—”

  “Of what? Everyone thinks I’m childish and know nothing of the real world. This will fit perfectly into my character.”

  “What I meant was…”

  The words were drowned out by the moans and groans behind her. Afraid the noise would attract the attention of those hiding and conversing in the library, Magnolia made haste and rejoined the game room.

  Justin was frowning heavily and scooting his chair back beneath the table, while Liam received pats on the back and congratulatory words.

  “Jolly good, old chap. Best game of cribbage I’ve seen in a long time.”

  “Yes, you must teach me your methods. I thought Mr. Blakemoor was unbeatable.”

  Justin’s frown deepened as he scowled at her. She hurried forward, a smile tilting her lips, as she wrapped her arm in his elbow and escorted him outside to the veranda.

  “Rough game?” she asked.

  He whispered hoarsely, “I let him win to keep the game interesting. Remind me never to do such a silly, nitwitted thing again.”

  She smiled. “Of course.”

  “Please tell me my sacrifice wasn’t for nothing and you discovered something.”

  She tapped her finger to her forehead. Couples approached from the house, and she curbed her tongue until they passed en route to the gardens. Once they were alone, she said, “I overheard two gentlemen arguing in the library. I believe one was Tyrrel.”

  Breath hissed between his teeth. “Why?”

  “Because the other was scolding him about inviting the servants to the party.”

  “I see.”

  “Before I could hear exactly what the other gentleman meant, your game ended and the crowd expressed their dissatisfaction.”

  “They had every right to do so,” he said, a tinge of anger in his voice.

  Magnolia rolled her eyes. “Justin, keep on task. The loss of the game is not important. We are here to discover the culprit behind the missing cross.”

  “And after making me lose to my rival, are you any closer to solving the case?”

  The house door opened and Tyrrel exited. He looked distraught, his normally stylish locks flying wild and untamed about his head. He stalked toward them and Magnolia’s heart hammered in her chest. What could cause such a malevolent expression?

  “Kiss me,” whispered Justin from the corner of his mouth.

  “What?” she asked, fighting a measure of shock.

  “Kiss me.”

  “B-but why?”

  Justin didn’t reply, instead pulling her into an embrace and mashing his lips upon hers. The sensation of floating took over her body. Warmth flooded her and pooled in her center.

  When he drew back, her vision was blurry and she had trouble standing upright.

  “That was close. Come, we must return to the party.”

  Magnolia was co
nfused but in no shape to question Justin’s actions as they rejoined the celebration.

  ****

  As they walked back toward the house, Magnolia shivered, and Justin removed his coat and draped it around her shoulders. It was nice to think her shudder had happened because of their shared kiss, but he wouldn’t hope. Magnolia had never pursued more than friendship in their relationship. No matter how much interest he paid her, she remained aloof.

  Inside, he steered her back to the ballroom. Couples danced. Near the refreshment tables, Liam was surrounded by friends who pointed at him with exuberant expressions. Justin sighed. His cribbage reputation was officially over.

  “May we take our leave?”

  “What?” asked Magnolia.

  “Are you feeling all right?”

  She nodded.

  “I believe I’ve had enough of the present company. The most likely suspect is Tyrrel himself. He has invited all the servants here, emptying the houses and thereby creating the perfect opportunity for his minions to break in. I say we return to your home and wait until the morrow to see if there are any further robberies.”

  “Very well.”

  His concern for her well-being mounted. Her normal bubbly personality was lacking. He laid the back of his hand to her forehead but noticed no extra warmth.

  ****

  After that toe-curling kiss, Magnolia had trouble thinking clearly. In all the time she’d spent with Justin, she’d imagined him as behaving with little more than a friendly affection, but with the innocent touch of their lips, intended to discourage detection, her world had changed. A stirring for something more grew in her heart.

  “Magnolia, are you well? You look positively alabaster.”

  She grimaced and moved a stray hair from her cheek. “I assure you nothing is amiss.”

  “If you insist.” He wrapped their arms together and escorted her into the night air.