How to Beguile a Duke (Entangled Scandalous) (15 page)

…

Catherine stared unseeingly out the window of the carriage. A void was forming inside her, leaving her empty and more alone than ever. Though it was tempting to blame her melancholy on the dreary weather, or her missing her family, the truth was she was sad to be separated from Nick, and that scared her more than anything ever had.

As the carriage began to slow, Catherine noted light spilling from every window at Hartley House. As soon as the carriage came to a halt, Lady Hartley rushed out the door, Catherine, Jane, Nick, and the duchess on her heels.

Travers had the door open for them. “What is happening?” Lady Hartley asked.

“We have had a break-in.” Travers’s lips were pinched in righteous indignation. “A window latch in Miss Malboeuf’s chamber is broken, and the room is in a state of disarray. Her maid is cataloguing the contents of the room.”

Catherine’s heart pumped ice through her veins. She glanced at Nick briefly, then flew up the stairs and down the corridor to her chamber. Cay met her in the doorway and she scooped him up as she went over the threshold.

Two housemaids were going through the chamber, putting things to rights. She placed a hand on Diana’s shoulder. “My jewelry?”

“It is all here. So far I have not discovered anything missing.”

Catherine breathed a sigh of relief. “Has the rest of the house been checked?”

“Yes, Miss Malboeuf,” said one of the housemaids. “This is the only chamber that was disturbed.”

The surge of energy that had carried her upstairs disintegrated and she plunked down onto the bed. Who would break into her room? And why? Coming so close on the heels of her reticule being stolen, she had to assume it was someone after Great-Grandmother’s journal. But how had anyone learned of it?

Lady Hartley and Jane stepped into the room. “Is anything missing?” Jane asked.

“Not that we know of. Diana has confirmed that none of my jewelry is missing. Perhaps she scared off the thief before he could take anything.”

“That is a frightening thought.” Lady Hartley touched Diana’s arm. “I’m thankful you weren’t hurt.”

“Why would they choose this room?” Catherine drew in a deep breath and released it slowly. “There are valuable items throughout the house, and it must have been difficult for the thief to climb up to the window.”

Lady Hartley waved toward the corner. “This room is at the back corner of the house. The Justice of the Peace believes the thief chose it because he was least likely to be seen from the street here.”

Catherine’s focus shifted to the side table. Her diary wasn’t there, but she was certain that was where she had left it.

“Diana, do you have my diary?”

“No, the last time I saw it was on the side table.” They all turned toward the table, which had nothing atop it.

Catherine strode to the table and knelt to check the floor, but there was nothing there.

“Are you certain you left it on the table?” asked Lady Hartley.

“Yes, that is where I keep it.” She placed her hands on her hips. “With all of the valuable items in the room, I don’t understand why anyone would steal my diary. Unless they were in need of paper. It contained only a few drawings I made during our voyage to England.” She sucked in a deep breath to steady her voice. “And the letter from my mother.”

Lady Hartley pulled her into a hug. “I am sorry your letter is gone. You must be right that Diana’s arrival interrupted the thief and he took the only thing that was readily available as he fled.”

Catherine frowned. “Have you ever experienced a break-in before?”

“Good heavens, no. That is why his lordship has contacted Bow Street. This is one of the safest areas of London, but we are not immune to the occasional crime.” She hugged Catherine tighter. “I’m so thankful no one was hurt and nothing valuable was taken.”

Lady Hartley released her and Catherine dropped onto the bed. She didn’t believe for a moment that her room had been chosen at random or that the thief took her journal by accident. The wardrobe, which included the drawer where her jewelry was stored, had been searched. Why would a thief looking for valuables to fence pass over jewelry? He wouldn’t. Whoever broke in had mistaken her diary for Great-Grandmother’s journal.

Jane sat beside her. “Why don’t you and Cay sleep in my chamber tonight?”

She patted Jane’s knee. “I thank you for the offer, but we shall be fine here.”

“You might be fine, but I am terrified to be alone. Will you please come?” Jane fluttered her lashes.

Catherine laughed. “If you insist.”

She went over the chamber herself to confirm that nothing else was missing. Once the police left, they had a light dinner and decided to retire early.

Diana followed her to her chamber. No doubt noting her mood, she pulled her into a hug.

“I’m sorry, dearest.” She held Catherine tight, then loosened her gown for her before leaving. Catherine finished undressing and pulled on a night rail. She needed to speak with Nick, but it would have to wait until she saw him again. Cursing the restrictive societal conventions that made it improper for her to send him a note, or for him to have come up to her chamber that afternoon, she took one more look under the bed. Her diary was not to be found.

Calling to Cay, she swung a large shawl around her shoulders and headed for Jane’s bedchamber, which was just down the corridor. She knocked softly and opened the door.

Jane patted the pillow next to her, and Catherine rushed over and climbed between the sheets. Cay leapt atop the bed and settled between them.

“I’m so thankful you weren’t in your room when the thief broke in.” Jane clasped her hand.

Catherine hadn’t even thought of that possibility.

“What if the thief returns?” Jane’s eyes were wide in the flickering candlelight.

“Cay will bark if anyone attempts to enter your chamber.” Catherine stroked her dog’s side. “Besides, thieves don’t generally strike when people are at home. The whole idea is for them not to be caught.”

“I suppose you are correct.” Jane slipped farther down under the coverlet, pulling Catherine with her. “What do you think the thief was looking for?”

Catherine wanted to tell Jane about the journal and Great-grandmother’s tiara. She would relish the mystery and would likely be a help with the investigation, but sharing their quest with someone else felt like a betrayal of Nick. “I don’t know. Likely anything of value. My jewelry is unusual and the thief might have worried it was too recognizable to fence.”

Jane yawned. “I guess that makes sense. It’s just so odd that a random thief would target our house and your chamber.”

Catherine couldn’t disagree.

…

The news had spread through the
ton
, and they had more visitors than they could handle the next afternoon. Catherine was afraid she might scream if one more person told her how lucky she was to have not been home when the thief struck.

A shadow moved across the doorway and she looked up into Nick’s eyes. Her heart fluttered against her ribs like a caged bird. He raised one brow, and she shook her head ever so slightly.

He entered the room. “Lady Hartley, word of your ordeal has spread like wildfire, as I’m sure you are aware.” He glanced around the room before continuing. “Of course we are all relieved that no one was injured and you didn’t lose anything valuable.”

“Thank you, Your Grace, though Catherine may disagree with you.” She turned to her. “She lost her diary and a letter from her mother that was tucked inside.”

He whipped around and exchanged a glance with her.

“Though I mourn the loss of my mother’s letter, luckily the diary contained only a few drawings from my voyage to England.”

Nick sat on a nearby chair. “What do you think the thief was after?”

“We don’t know,” said Lady Hartley. “Perhaps he was simply desperate to find anything of value. Catherine’s chamber was the obvious choice since it is away from the street and her windows are shielded by trees.”

“Ah, so you think it a random act?” His shoulders dropped and he unclenched his jaw.

“That was the conclusion drawn by Bow Street, and since no one was hurt and nothing valuable was stolen, there will be no further inquiries.”

Nick nodded.

“We don’t expect another incident, but Lord Hartley has the staff keeping watch outside all the same.”

“A very wise decision. I would do the same if it were my house, my family at risk.”

“Thank you, Your Grace. If you will excuse me, I need to speak with my daughter.” She stood and walked slowly across the parlor toward Jane and Lord Cavanaugh, who were engaged in a rather boisterous game of chess.

Nick took Lady Hartley’s former position next to Catherine on the settee. He had arrived late in the afternoon, and many of their visitors had already left. Those who had not were gathered in the back of the room, watching the chess match.

He turned to face Catherine. “Think carefully. Is there anyone who might know something about the journal or the tiara?”

“I can’t see how. Both the tiara and the journal have been hidden away at Walsley for decades.” She let the possibilities run through her head. “Is there anyone else at Walsley who knows about either item?”

“No, I am the only one.” He folded his hands over his knee. “I think it best if we cease our investigations and return the journal to Walsley. It is too dangerous for you to continue.”

She took three deep breaths before responding. It would not do to shout at him for all to hear in Lady Hartley’s parlor. “I will not stop, but you may leave the investigation to me if you deem it too dangerous. Rest assured I will uphold my word and notify you when I find the tiara.”

Nick clenched his hands and his nostrils flared. “You…I…you think I am concerned for my own safety?”

“You aren’t?”

“Never before have I wanted to commit violence against a woman,” he said under his breath.

She bit back a smile. “There is a first time for everything, Your Grace.”

His eyes narrowed to slits. She slid as far away from him as the small settee would allow. “You are lucky we are in a crowded parlor, or I would throttle you. If you were a man, I would call you out for questioning my honor.”

Despite his arrogant, domineering attitude, a frisson shot through her at the thought that he cared about her safety.

“You will not investigate without me.” He enunciated each word slowly, pausing between them for emphasis. “Do you understand?”

She nodded, knowing it would be a waste of her energy to fight him on this matter since she had already exhausted her own resources.

“If anything were to happen to you, I would never forgive myself.”

“You are not responsible for me. I do—”

Heedless of their company, he pressed the pad of his index finger against her lips. “Shush. You will not do anything without me. There will be no further discussion, or I will go to Lord Hartley and demand he force you to return my journal.”

She considered biting his finger, but he removed it before she could act.

“Do you have any idea who might be responsible for the break-in?”

“No.” She shook her head. “But I suppose it’s possible that someone heard me speaking about the journal with Diana on board the ship.”

“Where? Who might have overheard?”

“We mostly spoke about it in our cabin, but there was one time we discussed the tiara during dinner.”

Nick rubbed his temples. “So it could have been anyone on the ship.”

“Captain Joubert.” She hadn’t really believed him capable until his name slipped from her lips unheeded. “He is the obvious answer.”

“The man from Hyde Park?”

She nodded.

“How long has he been employed by your father?”

“As long as I can remember. My father trusts him. Yet his continued presence in London is odd.”

He rubbed a finger against his chin. “Are you certain he is still here?”

“No. I have not seen him since that day in the park.”

“I shall look into it.”

She shrugged. “You needn’t go to any trouble.”

“Catherine, we must determine who is committing these acts against you before he strikes again.” He placed his finger under her chin and forced her to meet his eyes. “Don’t you understand what this means? You are in danger. Someone knows about the journal.”

Chapter Ten

The butler held a silver tray with several missives. He bowed to Lady Hartley. “My lady.”

“Thank you, Travers.” Lady Hartley scooped up the letters and went through them. She broke the seal of one and scanned the contents. “We have received an invitation from Lord Tregony to join him at Drury Lane tomorrow night.”

An invitation to the theater was a good sign, indeed. He was definitely courting her. If she could just avoid making any more public blunders, he might even make an offer for her. Excitement shot through her at the thought. Walsley would be hers. It would fulfill all of her dreams—to be able explore the manor, discover her family’s history, and possibly even solve the mystery of the tiara. Of course guilt at taking it away from Nick weighed on her conscience, but he could find another property to revive. The restoration of Walsley was magnificent. Surely he would welcome the challenge of revitalizing another estate, wouldn’t he?

Catherine vaguely registered Lady Hartley’s conversation with Jane about Drury Lane. It took a moment for her to determine what was bothering her. The thought of an offer from Lord Tregony should not make her think of Nick. Nick, who thought her beneath him. Nick, who was so certain she was incapable of winning the bet. Instead, her thoughts should be about Tregony. He was an attractive man and they got on well together. Closer association could lead to an attachment between them. At the theater she would make an effort to learn more about him and his feelings toward her.

Travers appeared in the doorway and cleared his throat. “My lady, there is a visitor asking after Miss Malboeuf.

“Who is it?” Lady Hartley asked.

“A Lieutenant Galkin, my lady.”

“Show him in, Travers.”

Lieutenant Galkin walked briskly through the door. He didn’t seem the sort of man to waste time on even the most basic of tasks.

“Lieutenant, how lovely to see you again.” Lady Hartley held out her hand to him.

“Good afternoon, Lieutenant.” Catherine smiled at him as he sat across from them and folded his hands together across his knees.

“I came to ask after your health. The ambassador and Countess Lieven are particularly concerned that you sustained no lasting negative effects from your experience at the embassy.”

“I am quite recovered. Please offer my thanks to the ambassador and countess for their concern.”

Lady Hartley and Jane were called away, and Diana took over as her chaperone. She sat in the back of the parlor on the chaise longue and occupied herself with mending. Catherine returned her attention to the lieutenant.

“The countess has decided to hold a grand gala. You shall soon receive an invitation to join us at the embassy for the ambassador’s eighth anniversary celebration.” He wiped his palms against his breeches, clearly uncomfortable.

“How diverting.” She shot him an encouraging smile. The lieutenant seemed unsure around her. “Perhaps you will be able to give me a tour of the embassy during the gala?”

He nodded. “Yes, that is an excellent suggestion.”

As he spoke about humdrum things, she made up her mind to ask him about Russian name from Great-Grandmother’s journal. “Lieutenant, I wonder if you might be able to help me with a mystery I am attempting to solve.”

“Of course, Miss Malboeuf.” He leaned forward. “How can I help?” Since she could not reveal the existence of the journal, she had to invent a reason she needed information on the Bukov family. “My father owns a large shipping corporation in New Orleans, and he has sailors from all over the world who work for him.”

He nodded and she continued, feeling a twinge of guilt over crafting a lie. “He employed a Russian sailor with the surname of Bukov.”

The lieutenant’s eyes widened.

“Mr. Bukov decided to leave my father’s employ when the ship he sailed on arrived in London. Unfortunately, through a strange set of circumstances, Mr. Bukov never received his wages for the journey.”

The lieutenant nodded again.

“I wondered if Bukov was a common name, or if perhaps you could locate him through the embassy. I understand it is a slim chance since we do not know if he remained in London or even if he visited the embassy, but my father is determined that he receive the money due to him.”

Lieutenant Galkin remained as still as a statue for a heartbeat before responding. Perhaps she had overstepped her bounds in asking for his help. “The name does not sound familiar, but I am happy to make the attempt. I will search the embassy records.” He leaned back against the chair, his eyes assessing.

“Oh, thank you, Lieutenant. You are very kind.”

He nodded and glanced out the window. “I am afraid duty requires me to return to the embassy now.”

“Of course.” She saw him to the door, and returned to the parlor. Since the Hartleys were occupied, she would remain to greet any visitors. She picked up the book Lady Hartley had given her earlier,
Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus.
Before she could find her place on the page, a shuffle from the doorway indicated Travers had arrived to announce yet another visitor. She looked up into the eyes of Captain Joubert. Her throat tightened, making it nearly impossible to force words out.

“Captain,” she said before Travers could announce him. She switched her gaze to Diana, who correctly interpreted her meaning and moved to the front of the room.

“Thank you, Travers.” Catherine dismissed the butler and returned to the settee.

She raised her brows. “Has there been another delay with the cargo?”

His shoulders dropped. “No. I’m afraid it has become necessary for me to reveal my true purpose for remaining in London.”

Finally
. She met his eyes and waited for him to continue.

He sat across from her and rubbed his palms against his thighs. “Your father told me the story of your great-grandmother’s journal and asked me to remain in London to watch over you.”

She exchanged a look with Diana. “How am I to know if you are telling the truth? Do you have proof that my father asked this of you?”

The captain smiled, transforming him into the man she had come to know and like during their voyage. “Clever girl. Your father said you would require proof.” He reached into his coat and handed her a paper. She unfolded it and immediately recognized her father’s handwriting.

My Darling Girl,

Since I cannot be there, I have asked Captain Joubert to watch over you. Be certain all others deserve your trust.

That was all it said. “Why was it necessary for you to keep this a secret from me?”

He shifted in his seat. “I knew you would not be pleased to have me watching over you, but I decided to reveal my true purpose when I heard that your chamber had been broken into. I must insist that you stop your investigations.”

She narrowed her eyes. “What investigations?”

Narrowing his eyes at her, he said, “Do not trifle with me, Miss Malboeuf. Your father told me you might attempt to solve the mystery of your great-grandmother’s journal. I have reason to believe your unscheduled trip into Derbyshire was for precisely that purpose.”

Catherine gasped. “You followed me to Derbyshire?”

“I take my promise to your father seriously, Miss Malboeuf.”

“Be that as it may, there is no proof that the break in is related to the journal.” Though, of course, she had no other explanation.

He shook his head. “Nevertheless, it is the most likely cause. It is too dangerous for you to continue your quest.”

“You may continue to skulk about after me if you like, but I will not stop my investigation.”

He leaned closer. “I cannot allow it. Your father will never forgive me if anything happens to you.”

“Nothing will happen to me. The Hartleys, Diana, and even the Duke of Boulstridge are looking out for me. I am never alone. There is no reason to worry.”

He crossed his arms. “If anything, and I mean anything, else happens, you are to stop the quest immediately. Do you understand?”

She nodded, not wanting to agree verbally since she knew that no matter what, she would not stop until the mystery was solved.