Inverness knew the necklace she meant. His father had been wealthy, but he hadn’t splashed out in jewelry. When he did, it was very special. His mother knew that. She would never lose something as special as that necklace. It held a lot of sentimental value.
But it meant something more sinister. One that Inverness wasn’t sure he could comprehend.
“Are you saying we have a thief in the house?”
“I’m afraid so.” His mother bit her lip. She looked just as uncomfortable about it. “I’m not likely to lose things like that, Inverness. I may be getting old but I’m not that forgetful.”
“I know you’re not.” Inverness didn’t like where this was going at all. “But you know that you’re practically accusing Rita of stealing your jewels, don’t you? She’s the only one with regular access to your rooms, and she would know where the jewels were.”
“I know.” Duchess Christine shook her head. “And I don’t believe she would steal it. Besides, if she had money problems, she would come to me. I would help her out.”
“I don’t think she would do that, Mother. She’s too proud for that.”
Inverness was certain about it. Rita was a proud woman. She wouldn’t ask for anything unless she was really desperate. He knew her well enough for that. Rita was determined to take care of herself. She would never ask anyone for money. That would be a case of swallowing her pride.
But she wasn’t the type of person to steal. Inverness found her to be too honest. She couldn’t have taken his mother’s belongings, could she?
“But who else could do it?”
“I don’t know.” Inverness pushed his plate away, his appetite now gone. “But I won’t believe it’s Rita.”
“We do need to speak to her, Inverness.”
Inverness knew what that really meant. And he didn’t like it at all.
“You mean I need to speak to her,” he grunted. “Thank you for that kind gesture, Mother. I’ll make sure to remember it.”
“Well, you are the duke. And I don’t think I could do it.”
The dowager duchess was looking increasingly unhappy, her hands twisting around her handkerchief in her lap. Inverness surveyed his mother. She was good to all the household, but there was something special about how she was with Rita. It was almost like a mother-daughter relationship. It didn’t take a smart man to know that Duchess Christine was very fond of Rita. To accuse her of stealing was unthinkable for her.
But she was right. He would have to speak to her. This wasn’t going to be a conversation Inverness wanted to have. But Rita needed to be spoken to about it. If she wasn’t the thief, Inverness would make sure to apologize to her. But if she was, he would have no choice but to dismiss her from his service.
That left a very nasty taste in his mouth. Inverness could only hope it didn’t come to that.
***
“Rita?”
Rita looked up. She had been sitting in the dowager duchess’s rooms, fixing one of her gowns. Duchess Christine had accidentally ripped the skirt and Rita offered to fix it herself instead of sending it to a seamstress. It was certainly cheaper and gave Rita something to do.
Something that didn’t involve wandering around the house hoping to catch a sight of the Duke of Inverness.
Rita lowered the dress as the buxom housekeeper came hurrying in.
“Yes, Mrs. Lassiter?”
“The duke wants your presence in the library.” Mrs. Lassiter’s normally bright countenance was overdrawn. She didn’t look happy at all. “He says it’s urgent.”
“I’ll go now, Mrs. Lassiter.”
This had to be about the missing jewels. Rita was the first one to know about it when Duchess Christine couldn’t find them. She didn’t think the dowager duchess was forgetful enough to lose her jewels; the older woman was very careful. But they were nowhere to be found.
Someone was certainly stealing them. Did they think it was her? Rita would never do that, and certainly not to the dowager duchess. They got on really well and Rita loved her job. Why would she jeopardize it by stealing?
Nevertheless, Rita knew she was the main suspect. And she would have to face the duke to plead her case.
She went downstairs and into the library. Inverness was pacing around by the open terrace windows. It had stopped snowing the week before so that was all gone, but it was still cold. Rita hovered near the door, not wanting to leave the warmth emanating from the fireplace.
Chapter 7
A Theft in the Household
Then Inverness stopped and looked up. His jaw was tight and his expression stern. He beckoned Rita over.
“Come here.”
Rita hesitated. But she couldn’t deny him. She walked past the fireplace and towards Inverness. A cold gust of wind came through the doors and Rita shivered. Why had he gotten the doors opened? It was not the time. Then Rita noticed that Inverness was barely shivering. He was made of stronger stuff. Maybe he didn’t even notice.
Inverness didn’t stop pacing as Rita approached. But the moment she was close enough, he spun around fast and grabbed her shoulders. Rita started and tried to pull away, but Inverness wouldn’t let go.
“I’m going to be frank with you, Rita.” His voice was low, almost a growl. “And I need you to answer me honestly.”
Rita knew what he was talking about. She met his gaze without blinking and shrugged his hands off, stepping back out of his reach and out of the draught.
“No, Your Grace.”
“No?”
“I have not taken any of your mother’s jewels. You’ve been questioning everyone else. I had a feeling it would be my turn soon, seeing as I’m the one with regular access to the dowager duchess. I would have ample opportunity, wouldn’t I?” Rita lifted her chin and gave Inverness a defiant glare. “I haven’t stolen anything.”
The duke closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Was that relief Rita saw? Then it was gone in a fleeting moment, Inverness opening his eyes and locking gazes with her.
“I do hope you’re right,” he said quietly, “because everything points to you.”
“I know it does. And I can’t get you to believe me beyond my words.” Rita squared her shoulders. She must not lose her composure. “Just believe my word when I say I would never do that.”
“And if you had told me that ten minutes ago, I would have believed you.” Inverness reached into his pocket. “But now…”
What was going on? He looked as though someone was taking him to his own execution. Rita then saw the brooch nestled in the palm of his hand, held out for her observation. She recognized it immediately.
“One of your mother’s brooches? Her favorite.”
“It was taken yesterday. Mother found it missing when she was getting ready for her daily walk.”
“I know that. I helped her search the bedroom, but we came up with nothing.” Rita blinked up at the duke. “Where did you find it?”
“The upstairs maid Victoria found it.” Inverness paused. “In your wardrobe.”
Rita stared.
“What? But…I don’t even use my wardrobe. There’s nothing in there.”
“Well, it was in there and only you use it.”
“And in a room that no one else is supposed to go into,” Rita shot back. “What was Victoria doing in my room?”
“She said Carstairs asked her to help search the house. That’s where she found it.” Inverness’s expression was turning into stone. “I don’t think you can argue with the evidence.”
Rita could. But she had a feeling it would fall on deaf ears. The evidence was clear she had taken it. But if she had, it would be more likely that she would hide it among her own belongings instead of in an empty wardrobe. It was just a superfluous piece of furniture. However, from the look on Inverness’s face, he wasn’t about to believe it. He wanted to, but he couldn’t.
The duke lowered his hand, shaking his head.
“We trusted you, Rita.”
“And I’ve never br
oken it, I swear!”
“The finding of it in your room says otherwise.” Inverness sighed heavily and turned away, putting his mother’s brooch onto the table. He rubbed his hands over his face. “You’re going to have to pack your things and leave.”
Rita couldn’t believe her ears.
“You…you’re dismissing me?”
“I have no choice!” Inverness almost bellowed, slamming his hand on the table. Rita jumped. “But, if you give back the rest of the jewelry or tell me where it is now, then I might be generous enough to give you a good reference for your next place.”
Confess to something she hadn’t done? Rita couldn’t do that. It wasn’t the right thing to do. And she had no idea where any of the jewels were. She could feel her heart beginning to crack. How could he not believe her? Rita thought she knew the man better than that.
Clearly, they weren’t meant to know the other well. They were still master and servant. She stiffened her back, folded her hands in front of her, and looked Inverness in the eye. She wasn’t backing down now.
“Don’t bother, Your Grace. I did not take the jewelry, so I have no idea where it is. Threaten me with no employment, if you like, but I know what I’ve done and not done. And I haven’t stolen anything. If you’re not willing to believe me as you have done many times before, so be it. I won’t stay where I’m not trusted.”
Now all Rita needed to do was leave with her dignity intact. She had to walk out, up to her room and pack her belongings. Then she would head home. Her parents would be distraught but there was nothing Rita could do.
If only the duke would let her leave. He hurried after her across the room.
“Rita…”
“I will start packing immediately, Your Grace.” Rita didn’t stop walking. “If you don’t mind, I would like permission to use your carriage to get my things home. That’s all I ask of you now.”
“Of course.” Inverness caught up with her and grabbed her arm. “Rita, please…”
Rita reacted on instinct. She spun around and slapped him. The sound of the slap reverberated around the room. Inverness froze, a look of shock passing across his face. Rita knew she was going to be in real trouble now. And she needed to get out of there now.
“Don’t touch me.” She backed away and the duke let her go. “Just…don’t.”
Then she was running, scrabbling for the door handle before charging into the hall. And the duke didn’t follow her.
***
Inverness stood at the window and watched as Rita’s trunk was put onto the back of his carriage. She was talking to Cook, who was crying into a handkerchief. Inverness had never seen the tough old lady break down like this.
He wasn’t the only one Rita had managed to charm.
Rita comforted Cook and then spoke to Carstairs, who looked just as upset despite his schooled expression. She kissed his cheek and then turned towards the carriage. Her eyes landed on Inverness and she froze. Her small smile faded and her face paled even more. She looked moments away from crying.
Inverness wanted to go out there. He wanted to bring her back in. But everything said Rita was the thief. That wouldn’t do his family any good if they kept a thief on. She had to go.
And he didn’t want her to leave.
Inverness was still watching the carriage pulling away from the pavement that he didn’t hear the door opening and closing, or the angry swish of skirts. He was only aware that he wasn’t alone when his mother’s voice snapped at him.
“What do you think you’re doing, Paul?”
It had been a while since his own mother had called him by his Christian name. Inverness turned away from the window. Duchess Christine had a look of fury in her eyes. If looks could kill, Inverness would be a bubbling mess on the floor.
“I’m in trouble again, am I?”
“You certainly are,” Duchess Christine snapped. “Cook just told me that you’ve dismissed Rita from her services.”
Inverness sighed and sat on the window sill. He could feel a headache coming on.
“She had your brooch, Mother.”
“What?”
“In her wardrobe. Victoria found it when she was searching for the jewels. I can’t overlook the that she was the thief.”
Duchess Christine snorted.
“You don’t believe that, do you?”
“Of course I don’t. But it’s going to take more than my gut instinct and your conviction about her to put her in the clear.” Inverness pressed his fingers to the bridge of his nose. “I don’t know what to do, Mother.”
“Well, you certainly shouldn’t have fired her.”
“I didn’t have a choice.”
“We all have a choice,” the dowager duchess shot back sharply. “And you had a choice to believe the woman you love that she isn’t a thief. I don’t believe she is and from the look on your face, you certainly don’t.”
Chapter 8
Groveling For Forgiveness
Her words were like a physical thing hitting Inverness in the face. He shot to his feet.
“What did you say?”
“I don’t believe she’s a thief…”
“No, the bit before that. Did you just say I love her?”
His mother gave a very unladylike snort.
“It’s obvious for anyone who knows you like I do, son. You’ve been in love with her for a while.”
He was in love with her? Inverness had thought about it but had dismissed it. He couldn’t entertain something that could never happen. If he had even entertained the fact he cared for Rita more than he should, it would bring them, especially Rita, into disrepute. He wouldn’t do that to her.
Maybe he did love her if he wanted her not to come to harm.
“It’s not proper, Mother.” Inverness began to pace. “I know it’s not proper. What are people going to think?”
“Son, since when have you cared what people think?”
“I care what you think.”
Duchess Christine folded her arms.
“And I think while Rita isn’t exactly the woman I would choose due to her social standing, I think she could hold her own as a duchess. I like her. But I don’t think you’ll have her as a wife unless you go to her and you grovel for forgiveness. Someone wanted Rita out of here and they got it. The question is why.”
“I don’t know.” Inverness was still pacing. “I’ve been going over and over it and it doesn’t make any sense. All I know is it’s a personal thing but is it against Rita or myself?”
“How arrogant of you.” The dowager duchess rolled her eyes. “It’s always about you.”
“It has to be, Mother. Rita is a part of my household. If you can notice how I am around her, then so can everyone else. It has to be against me.”
Duchess Christine snorted.
“I love arrogance in men,” she drawled. “I’m surprised you can stand upright with that big head of yours.”
“Enough, Mother.” Inverness went back to the window. “I need to find her.”
“Maybe Cook can help you.” Duchess Christine smirked. “But that might mean groveling to Cook as well after the way you dismissed Rita.”
Inverness would do anything. As soon as he had dismissed Rita, he had known it was a mistake. But keeping her on when the rumor of being a thief was over her head would make things worse.
He had to find her.
***
“Rita?”
Rita turned. She had taken refuge in her room under the pretense that she needed to finish some sewing. But she had ended up staring at the opposite wall, her needlework in her lap. She couldn’t focus. Nothing would keep her settled for more than a few minutes.
That duke was the cause. Rita’s whole world had been turned upside-down. She had been dismissed from service and branded as a thief. No one would want to hire a thief, no matter how hard she worked. Rita had nothing now.
She had arrived home in despair, her parents shocked and horrified by what Rita told them. H
er father had wanted to confront the duke about it, but Rita managed to persuade him to leave it. She didn’t want any more trouble. No one was going to believe them, not against the Duke of Inverness.
There was nothing to do except keep her head down and hope the rumors died down. If not, try to find work outside of London. Rita didn’t want to leave, but she wasn’t about to scrounge off her parents. They didn’t have much and Rita’s salary made things a little better. Now they were back where they had started.
Rita wanted to curse the duke all the way to hell and back. But not in front of her mother, who was in the doorway of her bedroom.
“Forgive me, Ma.” Rita put her sewing aside. “I didn’t notice you.”
Lucy Salem didn’t say anything about it, choosing to bypass the awkward moment.
“There’s someone here to speak to you.”
“I don’t want to speak to anyone, Ma.”
“He won’t leave until he has spoken to you.”
Rita stiffened.
“He?”
“A noble gent.”
Rita didn’t need to ask who it was. She knew. The duke was here. How had he managed to find her? And what was he doing here? Rita’s despair was now replaced by anger. How dare he came here, following her? Couldn’t he see that he had ruined her? Following her after dismissing her was going to give her a very bad reputation.
Didn’t he realize how much damage he was doing?
“I don’t want to see him,” she said curtly.
“Rita, you can’t refuse a nobleman.”
“I can.” Rita stood. “He’s the one who dismissed me. I won’t see him.”
Lucy looked like she was going to argue but thought better of it. She sighed and nodded.
“All right. I’ll tell him to leave.”
She left the room. Rita hurried after her, sneaking down the back stairs and out into the garden. She had a feeling Inverness would go up to her room to find her himself and Rita didn’t want to be around. She would either slap him or throw herself into his arms. Or both. That could never happen.
Regency Romances Page 57
