Page 84 of Ten Lords for the Holidays

Daphne shook her head, impatient with such details. “He bade me put it back and said there would be a search called this morning. If not, I’m to encourage one.”

Eurydice sat back in horror. “But then you’ll be named...”

“No,” Daphne said. “He said he’d defend me if so, but he thinks it will not be so. I am to observe who searches our chamber and report to him.”

“Why would the thief hide it here?”

“The duke has a notion that he would see proven.” Daphne glanced about herself again then whispered even more quietly, “He thinks the thief uses an unwitting guest as his accomplice to remove his prize from the house, then pilfers that person’s luggage later.”

“What a devious fiend.”

“Indeed.”

“And he is here, perhaps a guest at the castle.” Already Eurydice was reviewing the list of guests and considering which was most likely to be a jewel thief.

“So it appears.” Daphne frowned. “I believe the duke’s sister’s reputation was soiled by this man and his schemes.”

“Then he must be caught.”

“Agreed.”

Eurydice reflected upon the matter. “If I were to organize a search to find such a missing treasure, I would wait until all the gentlemen were in the dining room, as well as whatever ladies were coming down. I would then search the gentlemen’s rooms quietly, without their awareness, and search the ladies’ rooms after they had made their way downstairs for the activities of the day. It could all be accomplished with great discretion, save the searching of individual persons.”

“Do you think the earl will allow that?”

“Not if he wishes to keep the theft and the search secret. It will be up to the butler, Morris, to orchestrate the details. You should dress and go down for breakfast as soon as possible, to learn as much as you can of their scheme.”

“And you?”

Eurydice smiled. “I fear I am too sick to leave our chamber.” She sneezed with gusto and pretended to sniffle. “Jenny has already told me to remain in bed. I will do as much and feign sleep. Then I will see who searches our chamber and where he or she looks.”

“Jenny should remain with you.”

“If I were the thief, I would not search the chamber until she was gone.”

“Do you think it quite safe for you to be alone here?”

“Perhaps not, but it is devilishly exciting.” Eurydice smiled. “Like something from a novel. Return before luncheon and I will tell you what I have seen. After all, I would not have you be without tidings for your duke.”

Daphne gripped her hand. “Thank you, Eurydice.”

“I still cannot fathom what you find appealing about the man.”

Her sister’s smile was quick and triumphant. “Perhaps love works in mysterious ways.”

“Love?!” Despite her protestation, not another word about the duke could Eurydice pry from Daphne’s lips.

* * *

Daphne listened with care as she descended the main staircase. She could hear the murmur of men’s voices, and thought she detected a thread of urgency. The earl was conferring quietly with the butler, Morris, the pair of them very solemn.

“And are you not a fine sight with which to greet the day, Miss Goodenham?” Mr. Cushing demanded cheerfully, his voice behind Daphne enough to make her jump. “I daresay you are the prettiest girl in Cornwall.”

“I thank you, sir,” she said, taking his elbow to continue into the dining room. “Do you mean to ride today?”

“Oh, I think not,” he said easily, then wagged a finger at her. “You neglected to give me a tour yesterday.”

“Indeed, I did. I am sorry but my grandmother required our attendance.”

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