Page 16 of An Unbending Lady for the Desperate Earl
“May I leave now? Only, I promised to attend on the Countess this afternoon, and I would hate to keep her waiting,” Miss Jennings murmured.
Lord Galbury gestured to the door. “Of course, Miss Jennings. And thank you again for your information. If Lady Isabellaisfound, it will be, in no small part, due to your help today.”
Appearing utterly overwhelmed by his compliment, Miss Jennings rose on shaky legs and exited the room as swiftly as she was able, leaving Victoria and Lord Galbury alone. Ironic, considering her position as chaperone. But Victoria didn’t agree with the concept that women should be watched at all times. Why, if she had to wait on the company of a chaperone, at all times, she would never get anything done.
I would not be part of this world, for love nor money.The restrictions alone made her feel claustrophobic. Constantly being told what one could and could not do, and having to behave in a precise manner, every hour of every day… no, that was not for her. Maybe that was the cost of being ordinary; the world was a more dangerous place, but at least her sort of people were freer to do as they pleased. But most importantly, how she pleased.
“So.” Victoria looked to Lord Galbury. “We are looking for a well-spoken man with dark eyes, maybe brown, and a golden ring on his little finger. Any thoughts?”
Lord Galbury stared back, his face pale. “Yes. I think I may have a suspect.”
Chapter 8
Christian had listened intently to the worried words of Miss Jennings, utilizing all of the skills he had learned during his spell in the military. People often said more with their expression than they did with their voices. And he had picked up on a small uncertainty in Miss Jennings’ expression that gave him hope that he may be on the right course.
“You have a suspect?” Victoria replied, her tone doubtful.
Evidently, she does not think me capable of such deductions.He held his tongue, for he understood that he was standing firmly in Victoria’s territory, even though they were within a fine house that leaned more towardhisproverbial turf. He had promised not to get in her way, and he was much too polite to point out that she was being unjust in her assessment of his ability.
“I believe so.” He glanced at her, once again caught off-guard by her peculiar, almost entirely black eyes. On occasion, he had found them startling. On others, intriguing. At that present moment, he discovered a mixture of both.
“Well, go on. It is rude to leave a woman in suspense.” Victoria tapped her foot impatiently.
“There was something in Miss Jennings’ demeanor when she mentioned the thin associate who had accosted her with this other wretch. I cannot say for certain, but I think Miss Jennings may have recognized him, and does not dare to say so. Which means, he must be of excellent standing—so excellent that her very life would be at stake, if she were to reveal even a single aspersion toward him.”
Victoria arched an eyebrow. “I did not see such a change in Miss Jennings’ demeanor.”
“That is because you seem to fear nothing, Victoria.” He had yet to grow comfortable with referring to her so informally, but he persisted. “I mean that with the utmost respect, but perhaps it makes you less able to notice when another is afraid.”
Victoria’s face hardened. “I contend with terrified individuals on a daily basis, Lord Galbury. I have seen fear you would not even begin to comprehend.”
“My apologies.” Christian reddened, realizing that he had misjudged his words. “I did not phrase that as I intended. I meant that I have had more opportunity to see how staff behave when they are hiding something, for fear of being rendered unemployed, or something of that ilk. I recognized the same look on Miss Jennings just now.”
Victoria relaxed slightly. “Ah… I see. So, you believe she may know who at least one of them was, or has an inkling, but is too afraid to disclose her suspicions? Just so we are both on the same line of thinking.”
“Precisely,” Christian replied, glad the tension had been diffused. He truly wanted this bizarre partnership to be a success, for Helena’s sake. And, with each passing hour he spent with Victoria, he grew more convinced that she had the gravitas to go with her blunt confidence. Perhaps, she really could be the one to find these missing ladies.
“What do you suggest, then?” Victoria prompted. “These people are your people. You will have greater access to them than I, for the moment they hear ‘investigator’ or believe I have some association with Bow Street, they immediately shut their mouths like petulant, gilded mussels.”
Christian chuckled despite himself.
“You think me funny?” Victoria said sharply.
Christian floundered. “Uh… why, yes. You have an amusing turn of phrase at times. My apologies. I realize this is no time for laughter, but I couldn’t help it.”
“I am only teasing, Lord Galbury.” She cast him a wicked smile, leaving him entirely confused. How could a young lady be so very distracting? She shifted between emotions and demeanors so fast that it made his head spin.
“Oh.” He swallowed the awkward lump in his throat.
“Ben often scolds me for not being more serious, but I find that humor aids in a dire situation, better than any remedy,” she went on, her tone much gentler.
“I shall note that for future reference.” Christian felt somewhat better about his ill-timed chuckle, admiring Victoria’s unyielding spirit in the face of tragedy. He could only imagine the things she had witnessed on the streets of London, away from high society. He reasoned that such travesties would break a weaker person, but not Victoria. True, it appeared to have hardened her to the point where she had more intangible masculinity in her button nose than many of the gentlemen in his social circles, but she hadn’t lost that hint of feminine grace that made her so beguiling.
You are quite the most interesting lady I have ever encountered… nay, you may be the most interesting person I have ever encountered.
“Now, give me your suggestions, while I am open to them. I must warn you, this generosity in receiving ideas may not last.” Her eyes glinted with irreverence, making him want to laugh again. This time, however, he held it back.
“I can construct a list of gentlemen who have the sort of influence that Miss Jennings would fear, even knowing that her mistress’s life may be forfeit by not speaking her mind on the matter,” Christian replied, glad to be of use. “At present, I can think of ten.”
