Page 10 of The Scholar's Key
“I didn’t think she would give it to me. That would be foolish,” he said, and Percy’s spine straightened as she wondered if that was how he saw her. “I only meant to ask her if I could see it — if she does, indeed, have it, as Ashford and Lady Covington suspect she does.”
“And what if you determine that the key and the necklace might connect?”
“Then I would distract her while I tried the key.”
“How would you do that alone?” she asked, interested in hearing just how he had planned to accomplish such a thing.
“Mrs. Compton will see you now,” the butler interrupted, and Percy sprang backward, realizing just how close she had stepped toward Mr. Rowley during their discussion.
As they followed the servant, Percy leaned in to whisper in Mr. Rowley’s ear, “I think we should make a plan.”
“Together?” he whispered back, and she nodded. “What do you suggest?”
“I shall tell her that Cassandra has told me all about the necklace as I so love jewellery. Especially rubies. Then once she brings it out, I will take a closer look at it and try the key while you distract her.”
“How am I to do that?”
“You’re a smart man. Think of something.”
“That’s not really—”
It was too late for their plan to be fully designed, however, as they were led into a drawing room where Mrs. Compton awaited them. She stood in the middle of the room, lengths of gauzy, vibrant fabric flowing off of her body, a turban sitting on top of her head. Her dress lacked any structure as per the style of the day, but it was nothing like the usual pastels that were most often seen amongst theton. Percy recalled Cassandra saying that her Aunt Eve was an interesting character, but she had never said she was eccentric. Percy was now quite excited to become better acquainted with her.
“Lady Persephone and Mr. Rowley, I am told,” Mrs. Compton said, her voice melodic. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?”
“We are friends of your niece and nephew, Lord Ashford and Lady Cassandra – well, Lady Covington, I should say now.”
“I see,” Mrs. Compton said, her brows furrowed. “That still does not explain your visit.”
Percy exchanged a look with Noah before returning her attention to Mrs. Compton.
“Cassandra asked me to call upon you, for she would like me to give you a letter.”
“A servant could have brought it round.”
“Yes, but she had hoped that I could meet you.”
“She is checking in on me, then.”
Percy grinned, not at all put off by the woman’s forwardness but rather enjoying it. “I suppose you could say that,” she said. “She also told me about a necklace she believed might be in your possession. I have an eye for beautiful jewellery, especially rubies, and she thought I might be interested in seeing it.”
“I see,” Mrs. Compton said, eyeing the two of them. “And you, Mr. Rowley, are you here accompanying Lady Persephone? Are you her paramour?”
Percy couldn’t help but laugh when Mr. Rowley nearly choked.
“No,” Percy said. “We just happened to arrive together. I am accompanied by my mother, although she stopped outside to speak with an acquaintance.”
“Then what are you doing here, Mr. Rowley?”
“Just paying my regards,” he said as Mrs. Compton eyed him with suspicion, and Percy couldn’t help but roll her eyes. However, had he thought he would have managed this visit alone?
“Well, you might as well sit,” Mrs. Compton said. “I shall go find the rubies.”
“You have them, then?”
She gave them a smile that could only be described as mischievous. “My grandmother always told me that they were to be mine. My mother wasn’t so pleased about that, so my grandmother gave them to me directly and always told me to keep it between us.” She shrugged. “I guess it doesn’t much matter anymore, though, does it?”
“Oh, no rush at all,” Percy said. “I did not mean to impose.”
