Page 16 of The Scholar's Key
“I’ve never had much luck convincing a woman of anything.”
That sounded rather like he was feeling sorry for himself, which he didn’t think Percy would appreciate. He cleared his throat. “I do think you should try first. You have a way about you.”
Her eyes widened as she arched back slightly away from him. “What does that mean?”
Why had he said such a thing? Now he had to explain himself.
“You are a… charming woman, Lady Percy,” finding that he was no longer able to look her in the eye.
“Thank you,” she said, although she continued to stare at him with either interest or concern – he couldn’t be sure which. He supposed it wasn’t often that he paid any woman a compliment, and he had certainly never spoken as such to Lady Percy.
“Very well,” she said finally with a shrug. “I will try. Although I will have to be careful, for even my mother, who is rather forgiving, would not be pleased if I publicly make the acquaintance of a woman considered scandalous. I shall wait until she leaves the ballroom, and then see if I can follow her.”
“Do you need anything from me?”
“I shall be fine, I’m sure,” she said, and Noah couldn’t help how drawn he was to the confidence she exuded.
“Oh, there she goes,” Percy said with excitement before leaning in toward her cousins, who were in the midst of a conversation or argument – he couldn’t be sure which. “Excuse me. Elizabeth, Rebecca, I shall return in a moment.”
And with that, she hurried away in a flurry of pale pink skirts, Noah watching after her.
* * *
Mercifully,Percy was able to leave the ballroom without anyone stopping her – most notably her mother, who she was sure would want to accompany her, even if it was to the ladies’ room. Mrs. MacNall entered the small room, and Percy waited, rather impatiently, outside for her to emerge. A small line formed behind her, and when Mrs. MacNall came out, Percy left her place to follow her. When they were out of sight from any prying eyes, she increased her pace a few steps and reached out to touch the woman’s elbow.
“Mrs. MacNall?”
The woman turned, looking down at Percy as she did. She was tall, her face artfully made up to enhance her beauty without appearing artificial. Her gown was as grand as any other lady’s in attendance. She must be paid well to afford such garments if Elizabeth and Rebecca were correct as to her profession.
“Yes?”
“You look lovely this evening.”
The woman simply arched a brow, clearly not interested in any pleasantries, but quite correctly rather suspicious.
“Do I know you?”
“You do not,” Percy said, deciding the truth was best in this instance. “I just arrived from London.”
“I see. Do you know who I am?”
“No, I have yet to make your acquaintance.” So much for telling her the truth. “You have exemplary fashion sense. The velvet crimson you are wearing is simply divine. And your necklace is breathtaking. I was drawn to it.”
The woman raised her hand to the jewels around her neck. Now that Percy was able to take a closer look at them, she was sure they were those that belonged to Mrs. Compton.
“Thank you.”
“I love rubies.”
“As do I.”
“May I have a closer look?” she asked, leaning in, but Mrs. MacNall shifted back away from her.
“I must return to the ballroom.”
“My apologies. I could not help myself, for they have so captivated me,” Percy said, but it appeared Mrs. MacNall was not interested. However, in the brief moment Percy had leaned in, she had seen what she had been looking for – the Spanish inscription. It had to be the Sutcliffe family jewels. But how had they escaped from Mrs. Compton’s locked box to come to rest on the neck of Lord Chesterham’s mistress?
She didn’t have time to ask any further questions, for without another word, Mrs. MacNall turned and walked away from her. Percy sighed, knowing that continuing would be fruitless. She was going to need Mr. Rowley’s help after all. She began her return to the ballroom when a tall, imposing figure blocked her way.
