Leo reached for Tiki’s hand and assisted her in straightening up. He inclined his head.
“You are breathtaking tonight, miss,” he said. “And so cleverly disguised that I cannot discern your identity, but something tells me we’ve not met before.” He paused, as though hoping Tiki would offer her name, but she remained silent. “Therefore, I will be forced to call you the Unknown Beauty until I learn your true name.”
“Another to your list of Unknown Beauties, Leo?” Wills chuckled. “How do you possibly keep them all straight?”
The prince turned to face the young man. “Perhaps you could save me from this awkward moment, then, Wills, and introduce me to your friend.”
“So you can sweep her away? What do you take me for? A complete fool?”
Leo laughed out loud. “A contest for the hand of the Unknown Beauty, then?” He nudged Wills in the ribs. At that moment, the orchestra struck up a waltz. Before Wills could respond, Leo turned to Tiki.
“Shall we dance?”
Chapter Thirteen
“OH, well … I’m … not a, er … very good dancer,” Tiki stuttered.
“Nonsense, I’m sure you’re an excellent dancer.” Leo leaned close. “And I am an excellent dance partner, so between the two of us, I daresay we shall be fine.” He took Tiki’s glass and handed both drinks to his friend. “Wills, old chap, would you be so kind?”
Without waiting for a reply, Leo held out his hand and led Tiki into the swirl of dancers.
Hours of dance lessons she’d been forced to endure came back to her as she followed the prince’s lead. One, two, three, one, two, three. Tiki stared at her feet as she concentrated on counting the waltz steps in her head, the familiar tune reminding her of practicing the dance with her father.
Her dance instructor, Madame Broussard, had been most insistent that a waltz, or a valse, as she liked to call it, was an essential bit of knowledge for any properly brought up lady. A valse was the easiest dance to learn if you knew the simple steps, she had insisted. Tiki stumbled over Leo’s foot and immediately felt a blush stain her cheeks. Why had she not thought to practice before coming to a dance? How could she be so daft?
“You’re doing beautifully,” Leo whispered in her ear. He whirled her around until her gown flared out with every turn and Tiki began to enjoy the rhythm of the music. “I’ve danced with many”—he rolled his eyes in a charming way—“far too many of the ladies here, and I can say with confidence that you are one of the better dancers in the group. And certainly one of the prettiest.”
“How very kind of you,” Tiki replied. She was starting to enjoy the game she played. A prince of England was flirting with her. She couldn’t wait to tell Fiona. What a laugh they’d have over this. “Please forgive my ignorance, but do I call you sire, sir, Your Highness…?” Her voice trailed off.
“Just call me Leo. I don’t need any fancy titles among friends.” He gave her a warm smile.
“Then, tell me, Leo,” she said, “do you pay such outrageous compliments to all of your guests? Or just those who need dance instruction?”
“No, of course not.” Leo pretended to look aghast. “I only fawn over those who can provide some political advantage to the crown, those who might be related to the crown, and those who live on or near lands held by the crown. Let me see”—he pretended to think—“have I left anyone out?”
Tiki giggled and shook her head. “No, I don’t think so.”
“Good.” Leo smiled at her. “Then perhaps I’ve earned my keep here for another day.” He twirled her again and then drew her close. “And how do I categorize you? Are we related?”
“No,” Tiki said. “But, if we are to share confidences, tell me where your favorite places are in London.”
Leo frowned and regarded her for a moment. “Now that’s a question I’m rarely asked.” He paused to consider his answer as he swept her along in the dance. “There’s the Birdkeeper’s Cottage in St. James’ Park. A woman who has tended my mother most of her life lives there. Her husband was the birdkeeper for many years. It’s surrounded by gardens and overlooks the lake. I like to ride out there when it’s warm. The gardens are very picturesque and you feel like you’ve escaped into another world.”
“That sounds wonderful,” Tiki murmured. “And where else do you like to ride?”
“Well, if you follow Rotten Row, over in Hyde Park, you’ll pass by the Upside Down tree—have you seen it?”
“I don’t believe I have.”
“Fascinating tree and quite old. Some type of cypress, I believe. The branches grow toward the ground rather than the sky, creating an umbrella effect. You can walk right underneath and be hidden from the world.”
“Surely your guards don’t let you ride alone?”
Leo grinned at her, his youth suddenly evident. “What they don’t know won’t hurt them. It’s finding the time to escape my responsibilities and obligations that is the difficult part.” He winked and lifted his arm to twirl her again. “But one can’t live life being followed and coddled all of the time.”
The violins and piano swelled to a grand finale as the waltz concluded. Tiki dropped into a deep curtsy. “Thank you for the dance and the lovely conversation.” She turned and made her way to the edge of the dance floor. She hadn’t planned on dancing tonight, as if she’d actually been invited to the ball. Now that she’d placed the ring, she needed to get out, just as she’d told Shamus she would do. And somehow manage not to be caught.
“But wait.” Leo took a few hurried steps to catch up with her. “You’ve not told me anything about yourself. How am I to discover who hides behind the mask if you don’t give me any clues? What is your name?”
Tiki laughed. “I’m quite sure there’s nothing about me that you’d find interesting,” she replied. She took a few more steps, then realized that this was her golden opportunity. With a coy look she said, “However, there is something about you that I find fascinating.”
“Only one thing?” Leo asked in mock disappointment.
“I’ve wondered why the palace has offered such a high reward for the queen’s ring that has recently gone missing.”
“Oh.” The prince’s expression hardened. “You’ve heard of the ring?”
“I just overheard some ladies talking about it,” Tiki lied.
“Yes, well, it holds great sentimental value for my mother, and she wishes to have it returned.”
“And it was stolen?”
“Unfortunately, yes. We know where the ring was last seen, but we can’t locate it now and have to assume it’s been taken. My mother is quite insistent upon having the ring returned. And believe me”—Leo lowered his voice—“you don’t argue with my mother.”
Tiki walked along beside the prince, her hands clasped in front of her. “Have you any clue what happened to it?”
“No,” Leo replied. His expression sobered. “The disappearance is quite worrisome, actually.” He came to a stop at the edge of the dance floor and turned to face her. “May I offer you something to drink?”
“But you’ve offered a reward because you think it was stolen?”
A small frown flitted across his brow. “Impossible though it seems, there’s really no other explanation. We’ve questioned the staff and posted handbills, but it seems to have vanished.” He eyed her with curiosity. “Tell me again how you know of it?”
“I heard several ladies discussing it over there.” Tiki pointed to the far corner of the crowded ballroom.
Leo’s gaze followed the direction she pointed, his eyes scanning the crowd. “Hmmm, that’s curious.” He took two goblets from the tray proffered by a footman. “Wine?”
Tiki nodded. She was treading on thin ice, and would feel more confident holding something in her hand.
“It sounds like a great mystery.” She gave Leo her best smile. “But if the thief wanted to claim the reward, how would they return the ring without being arrested?”
“Yes, well, that is a very good ques
tion indeed.” Leo surveyed the crowded room again before he lowered his voice. “I suspect the thief would somehow convey a message to one of the palace guards, then we would negotiate the proper exchange of ring for reward.” He took a drink from his glass, letting out a contented sigh. “Now, where were we? Ah yes, your name…”
“Elizabeth.” Tiki said the first name that popped into her head.
“Elizabeth.” Leo sighed. “A lovely name for a lovely girl. Elizabeth suits you.” He peered closer at her mask. “Did you know your eyes are a most unusual shade of green? They remind me of emeralds.”
Tiki smiled at him, thinking of the emerald earring tucked in the folds of her dress. “Thank you, Leo. But, tell me,” she persisted, “how would a thief contact a guard without being caught? I’m sure if you truly want the ring back, then you must have a system of exchange planned out.”
Leo sighed. “I’m sure we can find more interesting topics of conversation other than thievery and blackmail, but being the gentleman I am, I will strive to satisfy your curiosity. There have been occasions in the past when we’ve exchanged goods in certain, shall we say, extreme situations, where a person sends a sealed note or letter that contains some identifying information that would suggest they are indeed in the company of an actual missing item.” He leaned forward and put his lips near her ear. “For instance, the missing ring has an inscription inside the band that has never been publicly revealed.” His eyes dropped to the low-cut neckline of her dress and lingered there.
At his words, Tiki was transported back in time. It was as if she stood in the library again, peering at the inscription inside the ring. Na síochána, aontaímid: For the sake of peace, we agree. She could see the flowing script inside the gold band reflected in the flickering light of the gas lamp perfectly.
Leo took another sip of wine. “Only someone who has handled the ring would have that information,” he continued. “So should a person provide a letter claiming possession of the ring with the words from the inscription, along with instructions of where to leave a large sum of money, we would be inclined to believe what they said and most likely do as they ask.”
“I see.” Tiki nodded, trying to hide her elation. Without thinking, she took a sip of her drink and immediately started coughing again. The stuff was awful!
“Too much wine?” A familiar voice spoke.
“Ah, Wills, there you are.” Leo turned with a broad smile. “And Isabelle Cavendish.” He nodded at the tall young girl in the striking blue dress. Her brown hair was uplifted in an elegant pile of curls, and a few stray strands of hair dangled around the creamy skin of her narrow face. Her mask was adorned with peacock feathers, and their iridescent colors seemed reflected in her blue green eyes.
“Leo,” she said in a low, seductive voice, “I’ve been wondering why you didn’t invite Wills to your parties anymore.” Her lips curved in a mischievous smile. “I thought perhaps he’d left town.”
“He’s always invited.” Leo chuckled. “Getting him to show up is the challenge. I saw that the two of you took a turn on the dance floor.” Leo’s gaze traced the exotic feathers that adorned Isabelle’s mask, then dropped briefly to the brilliant blue sapphires that glittered from her chest. “You make a fetching pair, you know.”
Tiki caught the wink that Leo threw to the dark-haired young man, and she turned in curiosity to see his reaction.
“Actually, I’m anxious to make the acquaintance of this young lady as well.” He inclined his head toward Tiki. Isabelle shifted her gaze toward her, and Tiki was stunned by the malice in her eyes. “Allow me to introduce myself. I’m William Becker Richmond.”
“Oh, allow me, Wills,” Leo interjected. “So sorry, I thought you two knew each other. This is Miss Elizabeth, uh…” He turned to Tiki, expecting her to fill in her last name. Instead Tiki dipped into a deep curtsy.
“So pleased to meet you, Mr. Richmond.” She fought the panic that was fluttering in her chest. She needed to find a way out of this room. Too many questions, too much attention. There was something about the intensity of this dark-haired stranger that worried her. Not to mention Isabelle Cavendish trying to burn her with her eyes.
To her amazement, instead of returning her bow as she expected, the tall young man reached for her hand and took a firm grip. He lifted her fingers to his lips, his eyes never leaving hers. “The pleasure is all mine,” he said. Beside him, Isabelle’s lips pinched together in anger.
As if in slow motion, Tiki watched his hand lift hers. The thick lace at the end of her sleeve fell back, revealing the dark swirls of her birthmark. For one long second, William Richmond’s gaze shifted to her wrist before his eyes returned to hers with startled surprise.
The sound of a wineglass shattering on the marble floor disrupted the low hum of conversation. As one, heads turned to find the source of the noise.
With a gasp, Tiki jerked her arm away, allowing the sleeve to cover her wrist again. Her eyes flicked over to Leo. He stood with his mouth ajar, his now empty hand still frozen in place.
Leo’s eyes were transfixed on her arm.
“What is that mark on your wrist?” Leo’s voice was faint as he raised questioning eyes to her.
Panic stopped Tiki’s breath in her throat. He recognized her.
This was the only opportunity she was going to get to escape.
“My gown!” she half shrieked, staring down in horror at the red wine splattered all over the skirt of her gold dress.
“M-my apologies,” Leo stuttered. His focus shifted to the reddish purple stains on the front of her dress. “I don’t know how that glass slipped out of my hand.” Several footmen converged from different directions to clean up the mess. “I will certainly pay for the repair of your gown, Miss … Miss … Elizabeth…”
“Excuse me, please,” Tiki cried. She lifted the skirt of her gown and hurried through the stunned crowd, praying the prince wouldn’t follow her. Several of the women turned as if they might try to help, so she sped up.
“Pardon me…” Tiki shouldered her way through the crowd. “So sorry. Excuse me.”
Tiki raced out into the long hallway. She took a sharp turn to the right, then turned hard again and hurried down the Grand Staircase, making a dash for the hidden servants’ passageway that would lead to the exit by the kitchens. She dared one glance over her shoulder. No one had followed her yet.
She raced past the kitchens, and with a gasp she exploded into the coolness of the night. It was all she could do not to scream Shamus’s name at the top of her lungs. Tiki scanned the shadows beneath the trees, but a fog had moved in, making it difficult to see. She had to escape before the prince came and found her. Or worse, his dark-haired friend.
She hurried down the steps, her long gown floating behind her, and ran into the misty night.
“Miss, wait!” a woman’s voice called from behind. “Are you lost?”
Tiki raced on, pretending she hadn’t heard. The queue of carriages that had delivered their passengers to the front of the palace now stretched along the side road that led to the Royal Mews. Where was Shamus?
She hurried toward the line of hansom cabs, her eyes searching the night for any sign of Binder’s wagon. The pebbles in the courtyard hurt her feet through the thin soles of her slippers, but she welcomed the pain to help keep her alert. She was on dangerous ground right now in more ways than one.
There. She saw Binder’s wagon across the street, ready to depart at a moment’s notice. “God bless Shamus,” Tiki whispered as she ran.
Shamus spotted her and slapped the reins, urging the horse to move in her direction. The dark silhouette of their borrowed wagon, with the signs propped above the doors, was a welcome sight. Shamus pulled up on the reins, intending to dismount to help her into the carriage, but before he could move, Tiki waved him off. She reached up and yanked the door open.
“Go, Shamus, go as fast as you can.” She got one foot on the step and dove ungracefully into the wagon, falling to her
knees on the floor. She didn’t bother to get up. Tiki turned and gathered the trailing mounds of her gown, pulling the door closed. Outside, Shamus slapped the reins again and the wagon jerked forward.
As they clattered their way down the tree-lined lane and Buckingham Palace disappeared from view, Tiki leaned her head back against the edge of the seat and let out a sigh.
She’d done it.
A wave of relief washed over her, leaving her feeling giddy. She’d danced with a prince, mingled with the aristocracy, and best of all—she’d hidden the queen’s ring in the palace without getting caught. They were safe once again. Safe from the royals, from faeries, maybe even from Rieker. They couldn’t take from her what she didn’t have. A ripple of laughter erupted from her lips, and she had to cover her mouth for fear she would laugh hysterically until she cried.
Tiki gathered her skirts and climbed onto the seat as Shamus drove them through the night toward Charing Cross. She closed her eyes, imagining the magnificent ballroom and beautiful gowns. All of it was like a glorious dream. She hummed along with the music in her head.
Another shaky laugh escaped her lips as she thought of Leo. The look of shock on the prince’s face when he saw her birthmark was almost laughable. The word thunderstruck suddenly took on a whole new meaning. And little did he know that he had provided her with the exact bit of information she’d needed to claim the reward for the ring.
Suddenly she sobered, her happiness tainted with a sliver of fear. Leo had recognized her birthmark, she was sure of it. The expression on his face as he had stared at her arm made her stomach turn. But even if he did put together the fact that “Elizabeth” and the street urchin he’d met in the park were one and the same, it didn’t matter, she tried to reassure herself, for the prince would never see her again.
Tiki freed the emerald earring she had nicked from the small pouch she had created in the voluminous fabric of her dress. She examined the gem with a critical eye. Her work tonight had paid off handsomely. This would give them a good start toward being able to pay for Clara’s care. Once she negotiated the reward for the return of the queen’s ring, they would never be hungry again.
The Faerie Ring Page 11
