Page 83 of Ironvine

Justine squeezed her arm. “And a husband.”

Georgina laughed softly. “Yes, and a husband.”

Justine leaned in closer to Georgina. “You are happy, my friend? I realise it’s only been a day or two, but are things going well between you? Is he good to you?”

“They are going well, and yes.” Georgina glanced at her husband, his long legs stretched out, his blond hair mussed as he spoke to Brandon, gesturing with a hand. That hand that held her firmly grasped her, kept her safe in his embrace. The hand that knew how to stroke, caress, tease. The deep timbre of his voice blazed hotly inside her. “Yes, my husband is very, very good to me.”

The cakes were eaten, tea and brandy were consumed. Hours later, Charles and Georgina rose to leave. As they reached the entrance hall, children’s voices rose from upstairs.

“They’re awake,” said Brandon.

“I do want to see my godson, Graven,” said Charles.

“And he’ll want to see you.” Brandon darted up the stairs. “I’ll bring him down.”

Georgina’s gaze landed on the portrait of Brandon’s mother on the stairwell, on the pearl and diamond and ruby necklace Lady Caroline wore, and that same feeling took hold of her once more.It must be…

But how could it be?

“Justine, the necklace your mother-in-law is wearing in her portrait is remarkable.”

“Isn’t it beautiful?”

“The wolf head and claws for a clasp are quite extraordinary.”

“Lord Jeremy had the necklace made for his wife when she gave birth to Brandon.”

“Ah. A true Graven family heirloom.”

“Yes. I was fortunate enough to have seen it on her once when I’d first come here as a child, but unfortunately, it’s been lost to us.”

“Lost?”

“After the shipwreck when Brandon was believed to be dead, his uncle and his cousin William pillaged Wolfsgate. Paintings, sculptures, the finest furniture, and jewelry. At the time, Brandon’s father was on his deathbed, and yet he realised what was going on. He gave me his signet ring to hide from them, to keep it safe for Brandon.”

“How awful.”

“It was. I managed to hide the ring and the earrings Lady Caroline is wearing in the portrait, but sadly, not the necklace. It was one of the first things that William snatched in his hateful fervour for revenge on Brandon.”

“Do you know if William kept it for his wife, or did he sell it?”

“I’m not sure. Even though Amanda adores jewelry, I never once saw her wear it. I can only assume he sold it to the highest bidder he could find.”

“Must have been worth quite a tidy sum,” Georgina mused.A sum a Duke could easily afford.

“It is lost to us forever. And neither of us likes to dwell on its loss or those times.”

“You are quite right, my dear.” Georgina pressed her hand in hers.

She was positive that this was the necklace the Duchess of Oakley wore to the ball in London that night. Positive. It had made an impression on her. Not only because it was a beautiful piece, but perhaps because she’d seen it before here in this very painting.

The nanny came down the stairs with baby Caroline in her arms, and Justine rushed forward to take her daughter.

Georgina reached out to her husband. “Charles, I’d like to show you something—look at Lady Caroline’s necklace.”

“Ah, it’s remarkable.”

She whispered, “I am certain I saw the Duchess of Oakley wearing it at the ball in London, but not with the wolf clasp showing.”

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