Page 75 of Ten Lords for the Holidays

“How could you know such a thing?”

“When you were walking with the duke, our cousins were gossiping. They said he has nothing to his name but debt. He’s something of a black sheep.”

“But the earl expected him. Mr. Cushing must have had some reason for coming,” Daphne said. “In fact, I believe he acted as a courier for his uncle, Mr. Timothy Cushing.”

“Maybe he means to steal the Eye of India!” Eurydice declared.

Grandmamansnorted, then sneezed again. “From what I hear, he must have come to ask for money. Or a rich wife.” She peered at Daphne. “Don’t let him lead you astray, my dear, tempting you under the mistletoe or kissing you in the moonlight.”

“Daphne has no money,” Eurydice contributed. “Perhaps she won’t tempt him.”

“Any man might be tempted by Daphne, even if he couldn’t do anything honorable about it,” her grandmother corrected sternly. “I will not have scandal over a man like Nathaniel Cushing. Am I understood?”

“Yes,Grandmaman,” Daphne and Eurydice agreed in unison.

What about a scandal over a man like the Duke of Inverfyre? Daphne didn’t ask, but counted the moments until dinner.

“Now tell me,” their grandmother demanded. “Just how richly was the church decorated for the holidays? I hope there was holly and a fine Advent wreath...”

* * *

“I’m not certain you would be wise to sleep in this chamber,” Rupert said with some aggravation. “That wretched vine might completely engulf you during the night.”

Alexander stared at the plant in question. While he had been at church, the plant had grown with astonishing speed. It was the size of a small shrub, both growing upright and trailing over the table. It was covered in deep red blooms and the scent of it was dizzying. Rupert had opened the window, admitting a damp chill, but the plant did not wilt.

Alexander thought of Daphne, the suspicion that she had pierced his disguise, and let admiration fill his heart.

The plant grew before his very eyes.

Rupert swore with enthusiasm. “I should chuck it out!”

“Not until my quest is complete.”

“I fail to see what this infestation has to do with springing the trap.”

Alexander knotted his cravat with care, declining to tell Rupert that he referred to another quest altogether. He liked the scent of the red flowers. The perfume seemed to lighten his heart, and optimism was a fine asset.

Miss Goodenhamhadadmired his buttonhole. He took a fresh flower and a bud, twining them with several leaves to make a more elaborate buttonhole for dinner. He then turned and flaunted his splendor for Rupert, who shuddered.

“You are a vision that will be impossible to forget, Your Grace.”

“Indeed.”

Rupert brushed the shoulders of Alexander’s silk brocade coat. “Are you certain Lady Tamsyn has received the gem?”

“Yes. I hope she will wear it at dinner, as Mr. Timothy Cushing requested.”

“Surely the villain will not attempt anything more than admiration before the household?”

“Surely not.” Alexander met Rupert’s gaze in the mirror. “The sooner it has been admired, the sooner he will steal it. And then we shall finally discover how he removes his prize from the house.”

“He has never been caught with the stolen gems on his person, no matter how thoroughly house and guests are searched.”

“Never. But mark my words, the Eye of India will be his undoing.”

CHAPTER4

Daphne was doomedto disappointment when she reached the dining room, due to the order of precedence and the vast size of the party at dinner. The duke might as well have dined in Bocka Morrow, for all her opportunity to speak with him. He was at the head of the table, which at least meant she could observe him from her place near the other end, but she couldn’t even hear his words.

---