Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3

THE DUKE'S ARRIVAL

T HE EARLY MORNING MIST clung to Needham Hall as my carriage rolled up the gravel drive. The reason for my presence was a rather simple one. Needham had summoned me here to discuss a measure that would soon come before the House of Lords.

In recent weeks, my mind had been consumed with political matters. So many, they had commandeered my life. You’d think I would wish to avoid more of the same. But strangely enough, I’d found myself anticipating this weekend. Why? I had no idea. Maybe it was the pleasure of seeing an old friend. He didn’t visit London often enough.

But even if I’d wished to cry off, I wouldn’t have done so. I couldn’t say no to Needham, not after everything the man had done for me. Years ago, in the wake of a deeply personal tragedy, Needham pulled me back from the brink of despair. The debt I owed him was one I could never fully repay.

As the carriage came to a halt, my valet, Roberts, leapt down to open the door. As I stepped out, my eyes took in the array of festive decorations adorning the manor’s facade. Garlands of holly and ivy were draped along the railings, wreaths adorned with scarlet ribbons hung on every door, and the scent of pine lingered in the crisp air. Years past, I would've enjoyed such a vision, not so much anymore.

A footman appeared from within the manor to escort me inside. I followed him without delay, my strides purposeful as I crossed the threshold into the great hall. The manor bustled with activity as servants rushed about to complete preparations for the upcoming Christmas Ball. Yet, even amidst the hustle, something felt off. The energy in the air was strained, as though a shadow had fallen over the household.

“Your Grace, this way,” the footman said. Acknowledging his prompt, I followed him through a series of corridors toward the familiar room I’d visited more than once—Needham’s study.

As I entered the space, I found my old friend standing by the hearth, gazing into the crackling fire.

“Needham,” I greeted him, in a calm and steady voice.

The earl turned, his face pale and drawn while offering a weak smile. “Steele. Thank you for coming.”

The Earl of Needham was not a man easily rattled, and the sight of him looking so deeply troubled set off alarm bells in my mind.

As I clasped my friend’s hand, my gaze scanned his features. “You look as though you’ve seen a ghost. What’s happened?”

Needham sighed, running a hand through his graying hair. “I intended this weekend to be one of joy and celebration, but this morning has brought . . . complications.”

“Complications?” I would need more than that.

Needham nodded as he moved to his desk, where a glass of brandy sat untouched. After he gestured for me to sit, he leaned heavily against the edge of the furnishing. “It’s Eleanor’s necklace. The family heirloom—the diamond necklace that was given to an ancestress of mine by Charles II. It’s gone. Stolen.”

I narrowed my gaze. “Stolen? How so?”

“We discovered the theft this morning. Eleanor was planning to wear the necklace on Saturday at the ball to mark her engagement to Lord Cumberforth. That’s to be kept a secret for now. But when she checked her jewelry box this morning, it was missing.”

“The engagement was to be announced Saturday?” I asked, my mind already turning over the possibilities.

Needham let out a humorless chuckle. “Yes, provided the necklace is found. Lord Cumberforth’s father, the Marquis of Burkett, already disapproves of the match. If the necklace isn’t found, it will be another strike against Eleanor. The marquis has made it no secret that he wishes his son to marry a wealthy heiress, not a young woman who, by his estimation, brings little to the table.”

My thoughts sharpened. “Burkett would have something to gain from the necklace remaining lost, then. And the timing of this theft . . . just before the engagement announcement. It’s suspicious.”

Needham nodded wearily. “Yes, but he has an unimpeachable alibi. He hasn’t arrived.”

“He wouldn’t have performed the deed himself. He’s too clever for that. No, he would have arranged for another person to do the task. But one can’t accuse a man of theft without proof. Burkett is no fool. If he’s behind this, he’s covered his tracks well.”

I paused for a measured length as I considered the situation. My expertise in matters of investigation—especially those concerning delicate political and social entanglements—was well known in certain circles. It was why Needham had subtly mentioned the theft to me now. The earl wasn’t asking directly, but his unspoken plea for help was clear.

“I’ll help you, Needham,” I said finally. “I’ll look into the matter.”

The earl’s relief was palpable. “Thank you, Steele. I knew I could count on you.”

“Do you have any leads?” I asked.

“None so far,” Needham admitted. “Although Eleanor discovered the theft this morning, she believes the necklace was taken yesterday afternoon or evening. She can’t fathom how it happened. The jewelry box was locked, and there was no sign of forced entry.”

“Have you questioned the staff?”

“Not yet. I was waiting until you arrived before taking on that task. I would hate to think any one of them has taken it.”

“Understandably so.” I would feel the same. A man was entitled to feel he could trust his staff. “Which guests have arrived?” I inquired.

“Lord Cumberforth arrived yesterday afternoon, as did several of my nieces and nephews. And Eleanor welcomed Lady Rosalynd, Rosehaven’s sister, this morning after the necklace had gone missing.”

I arched a brow at the mention of Lady Rosalynd’s name. “Lady Rosalynd? She’s here?”

Needham offered a faint smile. “Yes. Eleanor’s oldest and dearest friend. Do you know her?”

“Not an acquaintance, but I do know her by name and sight. The Rosehaven London residence is situated on Grosvenor Square.”

“Same as yours.”

I nodded. “But we belong to different circles. She has a reputation as a social reformer.”

“Not a priority of yours,” Needham said, somewhat amused.

“No,” I agreed. My particular interest in the House of Lords was the security of the nation and everyone who resided within. “We’ll need to speak to everyone who was in the house since yesterday afternoon. Servants and family—no one can be excluded.”

Before Needham could respond, the door to the study burst open without so much as a knock. Lady Eleanor, her face a study in anguish, stood in the doorway with Lady Rosalynd close behind her.

“Father, we—oh!” Eleanor stopped short, her eyes widening as she spotted me.

“Steele, you know my daughter, Eleanor.”

I came to my feet, “Of course. A pleasure to see you again.”

“And the other young lady is Lady Rosalynd, Rosehaven’s sister.”

I’d only seen her from a distance across Grosvenor Square. She couldn’t be missed. Her hair, a shocking shade of copper, had always caught my attention. What I had never been close enough to appreciate was the perfection of her face. Porcelain skin, a bloom of pink on her cheeks, and eyes a striking shade of blue. After a brief hesitation, I advanced and bowed over her hand. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Rosalynd.”

“Your Grace.” Her curtsy was everything it should be. Her expression was not. There was a hint of aggravation in her gaze. Clearly, she was not pleased to see me.

But I had no chance to wonder about it as Needham was coming to his feet. “Anything wrong, Eleanor?” His voice held a tone of alarm as if he was expecting yet more bad news.

“No. I’m sorry to interrupt, Father,” Eleanor began, her voice shaking slightly. “But Rosalynd and I have been discussing my missing necklace, and—” she hesitated, glancing at her friend for support.

Rosalynd stepped forward, her expression resolute. “I’ve offered to help investigate its disappearance, Lord Needham. Eleanor is beside herself with worry. I believe I may be able to assist in finding the necklace.”

Needham’s eyes flickered with surprise, but before he could respond, I cleared my throat. “Lady Rosalynd,” I said, slightly inclining my head. “You intend to investigate?”

Her unflinching sharp blue eyes met mine. “Yes, Your Grace. I have experience in solving such matters.”

I suppressed a smile. Lady Rosalynd Rosehaven may very well have many talents, but the idea of her successfully conducting an investigation into a theft of this magnitude seemed . . . improbable, especially given the short amount of time to be had. This was no drawing-room mystery but a matter of serious consequence.

Still, I was not one to dismiss anyone’s abilities outright. She had a determined look in her eye, and perhaps there was some merit to her involvement—if only to keep her occupied while I conducted the real investigation.

Needham must have sensed the tension between us because he quickly intervened. “The duke has graciously agreed to assist us as well. I was just asking for his help before you arrived.”

Rosalynd’s lips pressed into a thin line. “I . . . see.” She appeared none too pleased with that suggestion, but then she recovered quickly enough. “Perhaps we should work together, Your Grace.”

I raised an eyebrow, surprised by her response. “Together?”

“Yes.” Needham seized on the suggestion. “It would be better if the two of you joined forces. Lady Rosalynd has a unique perspective, and you, Steele, have your own . . . expertise. Between the two of you, I believe we can solve this before Saturday’s ball.”

I wasn’t so sure about that, but it was clear Needham wanted Lady Rosalynd to be involved. And after everything he’d done for me, how could I refuse?

“Very well,” I agreed, though my tone remained doubtful. “We’ll work as a team.”

Lady Rosalynd’s eyes flashed with amusement. Seemingly, she’d correctly interpreted my hesitation. “How very gracious of Your Grace,” she said, amusement clear in her voice. “With your . . . expertise, and my unique perspective, we’re sure to find the necklace in no time.”

I bit back a retort. What else could I do? I was bound to Needham by friendship and duty, and now I was bound to Lady Rosalynd as well—though how much help she would be remained to be seen.