“What will you say to the duke and duchess?”
“That you were feeling ill and wanted to return to London. You’ve done exactly what was needed. The duchess has seen you and will cease trying to pair me off with her friends’ daughters. I know this was a risk.” Daniel let out a breath. “I can only thank you.”
He was correct. I’d played my part, as brief as it was, and had no more need to stroll a duke’s garden in finery. That suited me. As pleasant as it was to wander among the beautiful flowers with Daniel, I’d prefer to shuck this gown for my own sensible clothes and spend time with my daughter.
The duke and Lord Clifford moved down the steps of the terrace to the garden. Daniel and I circled around and climbed up the terrace’s far side, scooting into the house behind their backs.
“Wait here,” Daniel whispered, stationing me in a shadow under the monstrous staircase. “I’ll find James, and he can escort you back to London.”
“I am certain I can find London on my own,” I told him. “It is a rather large city, and my train will be marked To London.”
Daniel’s smile made his face even more handsome. “You won’t go on your own dressed like that without causing a scandal. James will make certain all is well.”
He had a point. As myself, I could walk about with impunity, but a lady of the middle or upper classes would mar her reputation, or at least be talked about heartily, if she dared go anywhere alone. Best I did not draw attention to myself or Daniel.
I backed into the cool gloom under the staircase while Daniel hastened out the front door. The glass case filled with ancient-looking spoons and a knife or two helped shield me. I could study the interesting antiquities and ponder the possible ways a person could harvest and use poisonous plants while I waited.
Steps echoed in the hall, followed by male voices. One man mumbled in a low voice, and the tones of Lord Clifford rose over his.
“Do think about it, dear chap. It would save me no end of bother.”
Oh Lord. I pressed myself beneath the corner of the staircase and peered around it as the small, silver-bearded duke and taller Lord Clifford halted in the middle of the hall. Something sparkled and winked in Lord Clifford’s hand.
“May I see it again?” The duke stretched out a hand, and Lord Clifford spilled what looked like a diamond necklace onto the duke’s palm.
The duke brought the necklace to his eyes, studying it carefully. The strand dangled, catching what little light filled the hall.
“It’s been in the family for donkey’s years.” Lord Clifford glanced about and lowered his voice. “My wife gets worried . . . well, you know. Women grow fond of things, don’t they?”
“Indeed.” The duke slid a loupe on a chain from his pocket and examined the diamonds with an air of expertise.
I remained fixed in place, staring hard at the pair until my eyes began to dry. Cynthia had told me many times how Lord Clifford had run through the money of the estate and lived on nothing but what he could charm from his friends. Was the necklace part of the jewels of the earldom? If so, why hadn’t Lord Clifford sold them long ago? Why was he offering them now, to this particular duke?
My hands tightened as worry squeezed me. If the duke was involved with the anarchists, and Lord Clifford was found to be giving him diamond necklaces, he could be implicated as well. Which would destroy Cynthia.
Lady Clifford truly seemed to wish to get Cynthia married, but Cynthia—and I—suspected Lord Clifford of an ulterior motive for his journey to London. Had Lord Clifford simply planned to sell a valuable necklace to a rich duke and pocket the cash, or did he sympathize with the Irish cause? I read Lord Clifford as a selfish man who likely cared for no cause but his own comfort, but he might be coaxed into the duke’s schemes with the promise of reward.
“It certainly is beautiful.” The duke continued to peer at the diamonds while Lord Clifford again scanned the hall, as though ready to bolt if anyone appeared.
My greatest fear was that Daniel would dash back inside. I doubted Lord Clifford would recognize him—Daniel hadn’t been around much since Lord and Lady Clifford had arrived—but Daniel would be looking for me, the duke would ask Daniel where his companion had got to, and lies would tangle with lies.
Lord Clifford paused when his gaze reached the shadows of the stairs. I drew back silently. Had he seen me? Would he call me out of hiding?
I held my breath, but nothing happened. Lord Clifford either hadn’t seen me or thought me a harmless young lady gazing at a case full of spoons.
“May I leave it with you, then?” Lord Clifford asked. “I’d be chuffed if I could. I’ll be in London awhile. Staying with my brother-in-law in Mount Street.”
The duke slid the magnifier into one pocket and the diamonds into the other. “Yes, I will be happy to help.”
“Excellent. Well.” The earl clapped the duke on the shoulder, nearly overbalancing the man. “I will find my wife and partake of your generous tea. Haven’t got anything a bit stronger than the old British beverage, have you?”
The duke chuckled. “I believe I do.” He removed a flask from his pocket. “Dollop that in your tea, and I’m certain you’ll be a happier man.”
Lord Clifford laughed merrily. He took the flask, dropped it into his pocket, gave the hall one last scrutiny, and followed the duke out the door to the terrace.
Daniel entered through the front in the next moment. I gathered my skirts and scurried to meet him.
“Forgive me,” Daniel said, sotto voce. “I had to wait until they’d gone. Did they see you?”
“I don’t believe so.” We left the house and crossed the gravel drive to James, who opened the door of the landau that had driven us here. I remembered the chill of Lord Clifford’s gaze falling on me, but he could not have known who I was even if he’d seen me. A woman in the darkness, hidden by a hat and veil? I’d been well concealed.
“I will make certain they did not.” Daniel pressed my hands and drew me closer. “Thank you, Kat. And do take care.”
I nodded. I did not dare kiss him, though I suppose young Mrs. Holtmann might kiss her fiancé good-bye. But I did not want to draw more attention, and I was supposed to be feeling unwell.
I hated to withdraw my hands and climb into the carriage, not knowing when I’d see Daniel again. I hoped he’d swiftly discover whether the duke was guilty or not and have done with hunting down anarchists. And then have done with doing anything for the cold-eyed Mr. Monaghan.
Daniel gave me a faint smile and assisted me into the landau.
“Do take care, darling,” he said for benefit of the coachman and anyone else nearby. “I’ll call upon you later, shall I? Not certain when.”