Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Daniel sat at his desk, the morning's scandal sheet still lying open before him. The words accusing Isabella of theft and deceit swirled in his mind, despite his resolve to believe in her innocence. He sighed, rubbing his temples in an attempt to clear his thoughts. Just then, a knock on the door broke through his reverie.

"Enter," he called, straightening in his chair.

Michael stepped inside, his expression grave. Daniel felt a knot form in his stomach. Michael's serious demeanor rarely boded well.

"Michael, what is it?" Daniel asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

Michael hesitated, his eyes meeting Daniel's with a look of deep concern. "My lord, I must report that one of the jewels that belonged to your mother is missing. A necklace of sapphires."

Daniel's heart sank. The necklace was one of his mother's most cherished pieces, one she wore often. It had sentimental value far beyond its monetary worth.

"Are you certain?" Daniel asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Yes, my lord," Michael replied reluctantly. "I conducted a thorough search. I checked the jewelry box and the drawers. I even spoke with the other servants to see if it had been misplaced or taken for cleaning. It is nowhere to be found."

Daniel could see the discomfort in Michael's eyes. He was clearly pained to bring this news, and that only made the situation worse. Michael was not one to jump to conclusions, and his thoroughness was well-known.

If he was saying the necklace was missing, then it truly was.

The implications of Michael's report were immediate and devastating. The scandal sheet's accusations against Isabella echoed in his mind. Daniel did not want to believe she was capable of such betrayal, but the timing was too coincidental.

"I understand," Daniel said, his tone more clipped than he intended. "Thank you for informing me, Michael."

Michael nodded, lingering for a moment as if he wanted to say more, then left the study, closing the door softly behind him.

Daniel stood and walked to the window, staring out at the well-manicured gardens without really seeing them. He had trusted Isabella, and he had defended her against the malicious rumors, and yet now a piece of his mother's jewelry was missing. He felt a pang of guilt for doubting her, but the circumstances were damning.

He paced the room, trying to sort through his thoughts. Could Isabella have deceived him? The idea seemed so at odds with the kind and gentle woman he had come to know. Yet, the missing necklace suggested otherwise. He could not afford to ignore the possibility, not with his mother's legacy at stake.

Determined to get to the bottom of this, Daniel decided he needed to speak with Isabella again. This time, he would have to confront her about the missing necklace directly. The truth had to come out, one way or another.

He stood, intending to find her immediately, but a glance at the clock on the mantel reminded him of his obligations. There was another ball tonight, an important one he could not afford to miss. His presence was expected, and his absence would only add fuel to the already blazing rumors.

Daniel sighed, running a hand through his hair. Confronting Isabella now, with his emotions running high, might do more harm than good. He needed to approach this with a clear head. Perhaps it was better to wait until after the ball when he had had time to calm down and think things through more rationally.

***

As Daniel arrived at the ball, the grandeur and opulence of the event did little to lift his spirits. His mind was still consumed by the missing necklace and the accusations against Isabella. He moved through the crowd, exchanging polite greetings and nods, but his focus was elsewhere.

And then he saw her. Lady Marie, resplendent in a deep emerald gown, surrounded by admirers. Normally, Daniel would have avoided her, finding her company overly tedious and self-indulgent. But tonight, he had a purpose.

Steeling himself, he made a beeline for her, weaving through the throngs of guests. Lady Marie looked up as he approached, her eyes widening in surprise and then delight.

"Lord Berkshire!" she exclaimed, her voice dripping with feigned warmth. "What a pleasant surprise."

"Lady Marie," Daniel replied, bowing slightly. "Might I have the honor of a dance?"

She beamed, clearly thrilled. "Of course, my lord. I would be delighted."

Daniel extended his hand, and they moved to the dance floor. As they began to waltz, he kept his expression neutral, his mind racing with how best to broach the subject of the missing necklace and the accusations against Isabella.

"You are quite the elusive one, Lord Berkshire," Lady Marie said with a playful smile. "I hardly ever get the chance to speak with you."

"I have been preoccupied with various matters," Daniel replied smoothly. "Speaking of which, there is something I wish to discuss with you."

"Oh?" Her interest was piqued, and she leaned in slightly, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"It concerns Isabella Monroe," Daniel began, watching her reaction closely. "There have been rumors circulating about her involvement in certain...thefts."

Lady Marie's expression turned serious, and she sighed dramatically. "Ah, yes. Poor Isabella. Such a tragic story, really. But one cannot ignore the facts, can they?"

"What facts are those?" Daniel asked, his tone carefully measured.

"She grew up an orphan, you know," Lady Marie said, her voice laced with condescension. "Those types often develop a certain...resourcefulness. It is hardly surprising that she might turn to less than honorable means to secure her future. I mean, we cannot blame people without money for what they do to get by, but that does not give them a right to our belongings, you know?"

"Resourcefulness does not equate to dishonesty," Daniel countered, trying to keep his frustration in check. "I have found her to be nothing but loyal and trustworthy."

He wanted to know the truth, but he did not want Lady Marie to be cruel.

Lady Marie gave him a pitying look. "You are too kind-hearted, Lord Berkshire. I admire that about you. But you must not let your sympathy cloud your judgment. I have it on good authority that she has a history of such behavior."

"And what authority is that?" he pressed.

She shrugged delicately. "The whispers of society, my dear. They are rarely wrong. Surely, you have seen the scandal sheets?"

Daniel's jaw tightened. "Whispers and rumors can destroy lives, Lady Marie. They can be more damaging than any truth."

Lady Marie's expression softened, and she reached up to touch his arm. "I know you wish to see the best in people, Daniel. But when the truth comes out, and you see her for what she truly is, know that I will be here for you."

The dance ended, and they parted with polite smiles. Daniel's mind was a whirl of conflicting emotions. He had hoped for answers, but all he had received were more insinuations and a reinforcement of the doubts already planted by the scandal sheets.

Doubts he truly did not want.

Daniel could not shake the gnawing feeling in his gut as he made his way through the ball. The opulence around him felt hollow, a stark contrast to the turmoil in his mind. The missing necklace and the scandalous rumors about Isabella weighed heavily on him, making it impossible to enjoy the festivities.

As the clock struck ten, Daniel decided he had had enough. He excused himself from a group of well-wishers with a brief but polite farewell and slipped out of the ballroom. The cool night air was a welcome relief, though it did little to clear his troubled thoughts.

His carriage took him back to his estate, the journey feeling interminable. By the time he arrived, the mansion was quiet, the only sounds being the distant murmurs of the night. He hurried inside, his mind set on confronting Isabella. He had decided he could no longer wait. The doubts and accusations needed to be addressed head on before he lost his mind.

The servant's quarters were at the far end of the mansion, a place Daniel rarely ventured. The hallway was dimly lit, casting long shadows on the walls. Daniel's footsteps echoed slightly as he approached Isabella's small room. He knocked softly, but there was no response. He hesitated for a moment before knocking again, a bit more firmly this time.

Still no answer. His heart raced with a mix of frustration and urgency.

"Isabella?" he called, louder this time.

Receiving no response, Daniel felt a wave of anxiety surge through him. With a deep breath, he turned the door handle and pushed it open. The sight that greeted him sent a chill down his spine: Isabella was hastily packing her belongings into a small, worn-out suitcase.

Her back was to him, and she did not notice his presence at first. Daniel stood frozen in the doorway, a whirlwind of emotions crashing over him—shock, confusion, and an overwhelming sense of betrayal. Was she really planning to leave without saying a word?

"Isabella," he finally managed to say, his voice strained.

She jumped, whirling around to face him. Her eyes were wide, and for a moment, they were filled with something that looked like guilt. But then they softened, and he saw only sorrow and resignation.

"Daniel." Her eyes were everywhere but on his. "I did not know that you were going to be back so soon."

"I can see that!" Daniel snapped. "What on earth is going on here?"