Page 43 of Temptress in Disguise
Gibbs cleared his throat. “Daventry asked me to give you a message. He saw me while on his way to the Hart Street office.”
The office was a mere stone’s throw from the Belldrake. “I’m surprised he didn’t burst into the theatre and take over the investigation.” The agent liked to pry into everyone’s affairs.
“He has a case in court but said Miss Fontaine’s known lovers will be at Lady Stretton’s ball in Mount Street tomorrow night. He can get you an invitation. Said it will save you the time and trouble.”
Aramis inwardly groaned. The only balls he attended were those hosted by the demi-monde. He had no desire to mingle with men who owed his club money.
Naomi offered her excuse. “It’s been years since I danced, and I’ve never attended a society ball. I’ve nothing suitable to wear.”
Her reluctance should have been a blessing, yet it stirred his temper. He would not have his wife feel she was in any way inadequate. And he would enjoy seeing thetoncrumble beneath the weight of his stare.
“Let’s speak to Mrs Boyle before we decide.” He placed Naomi’s script on the seat beside him and alighted. “Bring the journal,” he said, offering Naomi his hand. “We must keep it safe until we’ve read Budworth’s notes.”
They entered Mrs Boyle’s emporium—a shop selling everything from walking canes to petticoats and pipes. Upon hearing the tinkle of the overhead bell, a middle-aged woman with a mass of red hair appeared from a door behind the oak counter.
“Can I help ye?” she said in a broad Scottish accent. Her green gaze scanned their clothing, quick to assess if they had money to spend. Then recognition dawned. “Bless the Lord. ’Tis good to see ye, Miss Grant. There’s nae need to say any more. I ken why ye’ve come.”
“It’s Mrs Chance. I married recently.”
Mrs Boyle offered her felicitations and rounded the counter. “Well, isn’t that the best news? Have ye had any luck finding yer sister?”
“No, but she sent a letter assuring me all is well.”
Being distrustful of most people, Aramis came straight to the point. “You said you knew the reason for my wife’s visit.”
“Aye. Once she made the discovery, I knew she’d come knocking.”
Making a quick assessment of their surroundings, he approached the Scotswoman. “Are you referring to Mr Budworth’s sudden demise?”
“Och, I’m nae speaking of murder. The man had wandering hands. ’Twas only a matter of time before a disgruntled husband sought revenge.”
He quickly dismissed the image of a vengeful Jacob Adams. “Is that what Maddock told you? Or did you hear it from Edwin Budworth when he visited your premises secretly last week?”
Mrs Boyle tutted as if he were an errant boy she’d caught scrumping in the orchard. “Yer mind is running away with ye. I’m nae gossip, but I’m sure it’s nae secret that Mr Maddock keeps an eye on Edwin Budworth’s investment.”
Clutching Budworth’s journal to her chest, Naomi stepped forward. “You say you knew I’d come. What other reason would I have for calling?”
The lady’s bright smile warmed her features. “Because Mr Maddock said yer a kind lass with a generous heart. I knew ye’d find a way to gather the funds. ’Tis why I never sold them.”
Naomi cleared her throat. “Sold what?”
“Yer mother’s ruby brooch and earrings.”
Mrs Boyle’s reply had Naomi stumbling back.
Aramis slid his arm around her waist to steady her balance. “Explain yourself, madam. As you can see, my wife is somewhat confused. Why would you have her mother’s jewels?”
“I’ll explain once I’ve found ye a chair.” Mrs Boyle hurried to the door, turned the key in the lock and pulled down the blind.
“There’s no need.” Naomi gathered herself. “Forgive my shocked reaction. My mother’s jewels went missing the day my father died.” She turned to him and whispered, “Melissa was furious and interrogated me at length, but the last I knew, they were locked inside my father’s safe.”
“Would you recognise them if you saw them?” he said. The last thing they needed was another mystery to solve.
“Most certainly.”
He turned to Mrs Boyle. “May we see the brooch and earrings? Then you might explain how they came to be in your possession.” The answer was obvious, though he would wait for Mrs Boyle to break the news to Naomi.
“Aye, of course.”
