Oh, no. “Don’t tell me that you hid them again?”
“Something like that.”
She leaned back over her drawing. “Do you see anything unusual about this? Look. The shadows are missing. Where in America do you think the sun could set at this height and there be no shadows?” She gnawed her bottom lip, and he looked away. Had she lost her mind?
“Do stop worrying about my sanity. I have a case.”
“You do?” She was in the midst of being accused of theft and she was working a case? She was a woman after his own heart.
“Evander has lost the woman he loves, and this drawing of a painting is his only clue to her location. I’m trying to help him find her.”
His heart soared. She was still free. Evander didn’t love her. Miracles did happen.
“The problem is that I can’t find the location.”
“I’ll help you.”
“You will?” Her eyes widened. Her big beautiful eyes.
He touched her hand. “Of course, but first we need to resolve the issue with Hesper’s jewelry.”
“Oh, yes, that.” She twisted her hand in her skirts.
“How did the jewelry get here?” He needed every detail, but she seemed so tired. She needed rest.
She narrowed her eyes. “I have absolutely no idea. I was working on my drawing and they fell from the plant.”
He might have an idea, but she wasn’t going to like it. “We need to find who did this to you and why.”
“Agreed, but how?”
“I have an idea.”
She groaned. Good, she was feeling better already.
Chapter Eight: No Charges
Justin almost bit his tongue in two. Opting to meet at the Rotherham’s had been so Father wouldn’t know of his involvement, but it also seemed dangerous. Fortunately, Hesper had agreed to leave for the day and to meet him later. That was one entanglement that was gone.
He faked his excitement. “I’ve been thinking about the note and I know who has the jewelry.”
Turning Magnolia over to the authorities wasn’t his idea of a happy occasion, but it was the only plan they’d been able to come up with.
“I’ve been thinking as well. I think we’re looking for an old woman in the park. I see her there feeding birds every day…”
The constable droned on about his suspicions. Justin tapped his foot. Now he was happy he’d convinced Hesper to go away for the day. She hadn’t seemed to mind. Perhaps she was meeting Liam and telling him it wouldn’t be much longer now. Maybe he should have planned for Liam to find the jewels, and then he could have been a hero and Mr. Rotherham would have been more pleased about the couple.
The constable stopped and he hurried to jump in. “As I was saying, I know who has the jewelry.”
“I do too! Phebe Joysey!”
“What?” He must need to clean his ears. First he’d spoken of an old woman in the park and then he jumped to Phebe? Something was remiss.
“She is the most likely suspect. She is extremely jealous of Miss Rotherham, and who wouldn’t be. If I was but a few years younger, I’d—”
“Do be quiet.” The constable blinked and Justin rushed headed. “Magnolia Quinn has the jewelry.”
“Huh?”
He sighed. “Miss Quinn has had a grudge against Miss Rotherham for years. Seeing her happy was the last straw. She stole the gems.”
“But how could you turn in your friend?”
“Because it is the right thing to do.” It was the only thing he could do.
The constable placed his hat on his head and stepped toward the hallway. “You should come with me since you know so much.”
He nodded and forced himself to follow, glad the offer had been made and he didn’t have to concoct a reason to tag along.
The sunlight was blinding. How he’d convinced himself this was the best way, the only way, he still wasn’t sure.
The hackney ride was a blur. When they climbed out before Magnolia’s home, his stomach plummeted. The constable rushed to the door, slinging his paunch back and forth with his fast waddle. Lenoir opened it a crack and the law officer shoved his way inside.
“Where do you think it’ll be?”
“The note mentioned flowers. So maybe a plant?” Did the words sound like a real question? He hoped so.
The constable disappeared into the parlor.
“Mr. Blakemoor, should I retrieve Miss Quinn?”
“Yes, Lenoir, I believe you should.”
The last word left his mouth and he looked up to find Magnolia leaning over the upstairs railing. She was ready to play her part. Now if everything went as planned then all would be well. He hoped.
****
“Please, I must.”
He tired of Hesper’s continued pleas. “Whatever for?”
“I promised to meet Mr. Blakemoor at Miss Quinn’s address. He said it would be of the upmost importance.”
Hmm. Perhaps Mr. Blakemoor had found the jewelry. Perfect timing. Hesper needed to see that Magnolia was the suspect. She would spread the rumors far and wide. Then Miss Quinn would be shoved to some remote jail and Mr. Blakemoor wouldn’t be far behind. Leaving him free to resume his activities.
“If you insist.”
Hesper leaned against the side of the rented carriage. One day he would own multiple carriages of every variety. The worthless title bestowed on him by some unknown relative had come with little. He remained destitute and forced to take from others to achieve his desired lifestyle. Eudora was no help. She spent more money than her meager allowance.
The carriage drew to a halt. He feared exposing himself to those inside, but truth be told he knew he could convince them that he knew nothing of the circumstances. The only harm that would come was that he was out with a woman said to be courting another. That would harm her reputation enough so he wouldn’t be able to be seen with her, which would release him from his obligation and remove the detectives from his trail. It couldn’t have been better designed if he’d planned it himself.
The door opened and Hesper placed her dainty hand upon his chest. He was going to miss her in some ways. She was beautiful to look upon, and her skin was like silk.
“You can’t go in with me.”
“Why ever not?” Again she played the role without his assistance. Yes, he would miss her.
“Because Father would be appalled!”
“We’ll simply explain that we were in the same location and I offered you a ride, and that you were so distraught that I walked you inside.” He waited patiently. Her idea of him waiting was the safest way, but he couldn’t miss his handiwork being revealed. That was the fun part.
“Very well.”
She took the bait as he knew she would.
She stepped down, lifting her skirts and making her way to the door. He lowered his hat and followed. He didn’t want to reveal his presence until the time was right.
Justin Blakemoor leaned against the doorframe, his legs crossed at the ankles. His brow was cocked, but he didn’t seem upset.
He opened his palm. “I’m glad you made it.”
Hesper hurried up the last remaining steps. “Was it her? Did she take my jewelry?”
“Let’s talk inside.”
He followed the couple in and closed the door behind them. The foyer was covered in a dark paneling that must have been imported from South America. A fresh coat of dust settled on every surface. They were still unable to procure servants. Such a pity. He would need to remember not to sit upon the furniture.
Constable Roskin rounded the corner and ushered them into a parlor. A pale Miss Quinn sat on a longue with her hands folded neatly in her lap.
“Thank you for coming, Miss Rotherham.”
“Of course.”
“Can you tell me if these belong to you?”
The jewelry had been poured onto a tray. The drabness blended with the wood. Hesper narrowed her eyes and lifted a stone.
“I believe so. It is so dark in here. May we open
a drape?”
He stepped back. The last thing he needed was to be recognized too quickly.
Justin pulled the drapes back. “Better?”
“Yes.” Again she fingered the jewelry. If they had been better pieces he might have kept a few for selling, but he’d returned them all. Well Magnolia had.
“These are definitely mine.” She placed her hands on her hips and stalked to Miss Quinn. “Why? Why did you steal my jewelry?”
Miss Quinn lifted her chin; an evil glint entered her eye. “Why are you here with another man?”
“Wh-what?”
Magnolia inclined her head. “Him? Did you come with him?”
Hesper looked between him and the others in the room. He wouldn’t speak, his voice could be a dead giveaway to the constable. Although he’d spoken to him before and fooled him. Perhaps he should. It might be fun.
Hesper thrust her shoulders back. “Not that it is any of your business, but I was with this gentleman when the news came to me, and I was so distraught he agreed to escort me.”
“News? But I told you to meet me here at a precise time.”
Hesper looked back and forth again. “I-I—”
He almost felt sorry for her. Almost.
Justin clasped his hand on her arm. “Don’t worry, my dear. I understand. I’ve always understood. But now that I know who you truly care for, you can tell your father or I can.”
“No, no, you can’t!’
“It’s all right, my dear. Your father has a right to know about us.” It felt so good to push her further over the edge. The poor dear was so naïve.
“B-but he won’t approve!”
“Then that is the risk we have take.” He paused. “And what of the jewelry?” He was determined to bring the conversation back around to the most important part. He could rid himself of Miss Rotherham later. Scandal was so easy to fabricate.
“I have no idea how the jewelry got into my home, Miss Rotherham, but I’m truly sorry.” Miss Quinn came to Hesper, grabbed her hand, and placed the jewelry inside. “Please accept my apology.”
“Since Miss Quinn has volunteered to return the items and she truly seems surprised by their location in her home, I see no reason to press charges.” Roskin thrust out his chin.
What was happening? No charges! That couldn’t be. Hesper had to file charges! Miss Quinn had to be put away for investigating him.
“What do you think, Miss Rotherham?” Justin looked into her eyes with a thoughtful look.
He wanted to stomp his foot. This was not the way it was supposed to happen! Miss Quinn and Mr. Blakemoor needed to be ruined. What was he going to do now?
Chapter Nine: Surprise
“I can’t believe Hesper gave up.” Magnolia felt safe for the first time in weeks.
“Well she did receive her jewelry, worthless though it was.”
Justin had his arm wrapped behind her on the longue and was popping grapes into his mouth. It was the most relaxed she’d been in two weeks. It was hard to believe only two weeks had passed since their return trip to Odell.
“Who would have thought that Fortescue Cunning was her secret love?”
“I am as surprised as any. I thought Eudora had him on a tight string.”
“I still believe there was an ulterior motive.”
“Of course there was! Mr. Cunning never does anything without a motive.”
“Know Mr. Cunning, do you?”
She had to admit that she didn’t know him. In fact, she’d only spoken to him a handful of times. No one really knew Cunning.
She shrugged. “Maybe I don’t know him, but it seems like something he’d do.”
“Well one thing that came out of this is that I’ve been released from Hesper. She admitted her affections for Cunning and her father scolded her and told me I was free.”
“And I’ve been exonerated. Even if I don’t know who planted the jewelry in my plant.”
“Do you think it could have been Evander?”
She faced him. “You would like that, wouldn’t you?”
He pointed to himself. “I have nothing against Evander.”
He looked properly chastised, but who knew with him. He was a good actor.
“Hmm, I don’t believe a word you say. But you needn’t worry about him. He’s left for America.”
“I take it that you found him a clue.”
“I did. I hope I sent him in the right direction. He promised to write upon his arrival.”
“You are a very good detective, Miss Quinn.” His lips twitched upward.
“As are you, Mr. Blakemoor.”
Now if he’d only realize that she was his secret love. Then all would be well.
****
How was Justin going to keep her at his side? He could mention Tyrrel’s leader or the constable’s puppet master, but maybe it was time for a different tactic.
He twirled a ringlet of her reddish hair around his finger. Still smooth as silk.
“I was thinking.”
“Oh, that never goes well.” She smiled. Good, she wasn’t upset.
“Ha, ha. As I was saying, perhaps we should give the detective business a rest and maybe travel to the countryside. My family has a nice cottage beside a lake.”
“Hmm, sounds scandalous.”
“Indeed.” He needed a valid excuse for inviting her. Should have thought of that before.
“I doubt Father would allow me—”
“Oh, I forgot to mention. Father is taking a hunting party out there and he wanted me to invite you and your father. Of course there will be others in attendance.”
“Of course.” She lowered her head. Was she disappointed that they wouldn’t be alone?
“It would give London the opportunity to find another focus besides my failed love life and your financial concerns.”
“Yes.” She fiddled with the folds of her gown.
“I heard rumors that your father has been able to secure promises from servants.”
“A few.”
“That is good news.”
“Yes.”
“So you’ll go?” He held his breath.
She nodded. “If Father is all right with it, then yes, I’d be delighted to attend.”
Good. All he needed to do was get her to the cottage and woo her until she never thought of another fellow.
Chapter Ten: A Story
“Lord Eure—“
“Please call me Mr. Cunning.” The worthless title was so insulting.
“I understand that you’ve been gallivanting around London with my daughter.”
Was the room growing hotter? “That is not exactly the truth, Mr. Rotherham.”
“Then what is the truth?”
The man had secured himself behind a large desk and leaned across it with his hands clasped. Intimidation was the game he thought to play, but he was trying it with the wrong adversary. He didn’t intimidate easily.
“The truth is that your daughter is infatuated with me. Foolishly I allowed her entrance into my home on one occasion and she believed we were in love.”
“Is that so?” Mr. Rotherham didn’t seem convinced. He’d have to work harder.
“Yes. I tried to tell her that our relationship wouldn’t work. I’m hardly the type of man that a father seeks for his daughter.”
“You’ve got that right.”
The words stung but he would allow them. The disdain played to his advantage.
“As I was saying, she wouldn’t listen. I tried to put her off on several occasions, but she refused.”
Mr. Rotherham shuffled papers around his desk. Perhaps he knew of his daughter’s unwillingness to let things go.
“Does this sound like your daughter?”
Mr. Rotherham lifted his head. “I would advise you to leave my home and never return.”
“And Hesper?”
The familiarity of the name caused Mr. Rotherham to jerk. Good, let him feel awkward. The feeling was mutual.
�
�Miss Rotherham will be told that I disapproved the union and that you stepped back graciously.”
“Ah, to save her the embarrassment of my dismissal. But what of the peerage? Rumors have escalated of our involvement. What shall I tell my friends?”
The old man’s brows dipped and his shoulders sagged. A pity he had to bring the man so low and his plans had gone so awry. Magnolia and Justin held their reputations and he’d lost his opportunity to continue his thefts without investigation. He would just need to be sneakier.
“We’ll tell them that you were writing a story about her!”
So the gentleman had found a way out that forced him to use his talents that others found detestable, interesting.
“So you want me to write a story?”
“Would you?”
“I’d be delighted.” The day couldn’t have gone better.
Author’s Note
So Fortescue Cunning is the culprit behind it all. I wonder how long it will take our detectives to discover this information.
Join me in The Case of the Chinese Boxes as Magnolia and Justin take a trip to the countryside. Unfortunately the trip to the country could become a trip on the high seas.
The Case of the Secret Love (A Justice and Miss Quinn Mystery Book 3) Page 5
