Page 21 of Not His Usual Style (Diamonds of London #10)

“Well, damn.” God love her, she’d dressed as a young man who pretended to fish in the Serpentine.

She’d even brought a pole with a line and a hook.

His chest tightened and his heart squeezed for her inventiveness and willingness to play into the intrigue.

“You are amazing.” And what was more, she was even more attractive in those clothes.

He knew the serious urge to carry her off, and do wicked things to her, but they needed to talk, quite urgently.

“Thank you for noticing.” Amusement sparkled in her eyes but soon faded beneath concern. “I received your note.”

“So I assumed since you are here.” With a half-grin, he watched her pretend to “fish” as she put her hook into the water.

Across the river, the black swan—Dapper—paddled about and when he sighted Grey, he changed direction and came their way.

“Were you able to escape the house before the Bow Street inspector arrived?”

“I was, but that doesn’t mean he won’t return.

” When her kissable lips turned downward in a frown, he wished he could kiss her right there in front of everyone merely to distract her from the cares and concerns.

“Papa is at his shop in Mayfair and won’t return until near dinner.

They might come by his shop to talk with him. ”

Grey nodded. “Just keep to the story that you have no idea about the necklace or even pretend you don’t know what was stolen. Hell, invent some bit about seeing a dark-clothed man escaping through the library as you laid there while I was upstairs fetching assistance.”

“Oh, that’s a lovely idea. How fun!” She nodded, and only a fool would think her a young man with her golden blonde hair caught back and tucked beneath the cap.

“Where did you come by the clothing?”

“I rooted around a few trunks in the attic and came across these.” A tiny waver set up in her voice. “They once belonged to Louis. I remembered that he’d come by the house once in his uniform, but when we wanted to walk along Rotten Row, he didn’t wish for the attention.”

“I’m sorry. It must have been difficult for you to utilize the garments.” A tiny stab of jealousy went through his chest for a dead man who’d had her heart. Even in death, the man had more freedom than he did while living his life with his sham engagement.

Before either of them could reply, Dapper reached the edge of the Serpentine where they stood. With a series of happy honks and a bit of a wing flap, the swan came onto the grassy bank to nip at Grey’s boots.

“You are a fine bird, aren’t you, Dapper?” he asked the goose, and this time, he wasn’t as embarrassed as he’d been the first time. When he reached out a gloved hand, the bird nipped at his fingers, but the gloves kept him from harm.

“He is so handsome.” As soon as Victoria spoke, the swan edged over to her location with a series of soft honks and guttural sounds.

He bobbed his head and then, to Grey’s surprise, let her stroke gloved fingers along his long neck.

“You are quite fortunate to have such a friend and a protector, Montague.”

“Sometimes he is more annoying than is good for him.” But her praise warmed him.

“Did you know that swans—both black and white—mate for life? If their chosen mate perishes, they will not choose another.”

“That is interesting, and I can see the appeal.”

She nodded. “There are also a few more fascinating facts regarding swans I happen to have discovered over the years.”

“Oh?”

“From what I’ve read, the black swan represents the journey from darkness to light, or the process of transformation from an ‘ugly duckling’ to a graceful adult.”

“I suppose that makes sense, except the black swan will always be a black swan.” Though it was lovely to hear her theories.

“True. Black swans, despite their color, are seen as symbols of purity, beauty, and elegance in some traditions. As well, some cultures around the world associate the black swan with good luck and prosperity, while others view it as a symbol of bad luck or misfortune.”

“Which do you believe Dapper is?” Damn, but he wanted to believe in good fortune.

“I won’t know unless I spend more time with him.” Her shrug had her arm brushing his. “Also, the black swan is found in fairy tales and folklore, often associated with love, romance, and overcoming challenges. Somehow, I like to believe that above all others.”

Oddly, so did he, and his chest tightened, for there were other things to discuss. “The two Bow Street men who came to my home today tried their best to have me name you as the thief, but I routed them, pulled rank on them.”

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t fearful.” She gave Dapper one last pat on the top of his smooth head then moved away from the bird a bit, letting the hook drag in the water. “I’m not certain I know what to do, in truth. Do you think that sooner or later they will know what happened?”

“How can they? Only you and I were there, and neither of us have told anyone outside of your father.”

She nodded. “And I pray he’s remained mum about it.”

“In any event, keep yourself and your father safe until we can move the piece out of London.” He frowned as Dapper moved away to graze on the grass at the side of the Serpentine.

“I shall do my best, but I thank you for throwing them off my trail.”

“Of course.” Grey cleared his throat. “By the by, where is the necklace?”

Her lips curved into a smile, and so much need shot through his length that he feared he might embarrass himself. “Sewn into my stays. I’m wearing them beneath this shirt.”

“Ah.” His mind jogged to dark places from the admission.

How much did he want to lie her down on the grass and put his hands beneath that shirt and explore those stays for himself?

Hell, at this point he wanted to spirit her away, far away, spend days in bed with her, ignore the world, and enjoy his life for once.

The only way he could do that was with her by his side.

Yet he wasn’t free to do that… unless he upset his entire life and block his own path. “What will you do now?”

“I’m not sure.” Victoria shrugged, lifting the oversized tweed jacket at her shoulders. “My father wants to see the necklace later this evening in his shop with the tools he has there so he can make a final assessment.”

That made sense. “And when he confirms provenance?”

“Plans will obviously need to be made. I refuse to let Lord Dawson get the necklace back in his possession because I’m convinced he acquired it by illegal means.”

“Agreed.” He nodded. “Yet I’m not comfortable that you alone are guarding such a valuable piece.”

“I shall be all right.” For long moments, she watched him, her fishing pole lax in her hand. “Will you and I meet again?”

“I would like to.” Every one of those words out of his mouth damned him.

He was a fool and a nodcock, and it was essentially playing with fire thinking he wouldn’t be burned.

Yet how could he give her up? “It’s risky, but there is a ball tomorrow night.

A friend of Sarah’s father is throwing it to celebrate our upcoming nuptials.

” Any moment now he’d cast up his accounts.

It was tempting fate to invite his lover to a society function that honored his engagement to a different woman.

What has happened to me?

“And?” Confusion flitted through her expression. “What has that to do with me?”

“Please come.”

She snorted. “I don’t have an invitation. I don’t even know if I have a ballgown, for there hasn’t been an occasion for me to wear one since I’ve avoided society since Louis died.”

“I’ll vouch for you,” he rushed onward before his courage gave out.

“You can come as my guest, and as for the gown?” He rubbed a hand along the side of his face.

“Go to Madame Finche’s dressmaker’s shop.

It’s near your father’s shop, a couple of streets down.

I know the modiste… don’t ask why.” Heat crept up the back of his neck.

“Tell her I sent you and that I’ll pay the bill.

Surely, she’ll have something already made but not claimed that she can alter quickly.

Tell her I’ll pay whatever she wishes to charge. ”

God, you’re pathetic, Greystone.

She frowned. “Why? That seems like far too much bother just to meet with me for a few moments.”

“I…” How could he explain what he didn’t know what he felt in this moment?

“I just need you at that ball, Victoria. Please?” His swallow was audible.

“Before this whole thing with the diamonds comes to a head?” Before I’m married…

How had his life come to this pass? When everything was suddenly muddied and confusing.

With a blown-out breath, Victoria nodded. “I’ll drop into the shop after I see my father this evening.”

“Good. Leave the fishing rod and come walk with me for a moment.” Then he strolled with her away from the Serpentine as much as he could.

At a copse of evergreen trees, Grey encouraged her between the trees where they would be hidden by the branches.

Then, because he couldn’t help it, he drew her close.

“Ah, Victoria, what a coil we’ve fallen into. ”

“All due to a stolen diamond necklace that Lord Dawson thinks to sell or bring him attention from society.” Her eyes flickered as she laid her gloved palms on his chest and gazed up in his face.

And she was all too adorable in disguise.

“Oh, I have a feeling society will give that piece attention, but that we will all be caught up in it.” Seconds later, he cupped her cheek, slid his fingers backward to trail over her nape, pulled her closer, then he claimed her lips with his.

Those two pieces of pillowy soft, warm flesh cradled his, welcomed him home, but to no place he’d ever been to before.

And he couldn’t have enough. Damn he could lose himself in her, but as it was, he couldn’t keep battling guilt with desire, for it would tear him apart.

With a growl of regret, Grey released her.

“Go. I will leave after some moments have passed, but be careful and smart.” And he needed his erection to settle.

“But—”

“No.” He shook his head. “Take a walk about the lake then go on to your father’s shop. Make sure you’re not followed. Don’t look back or make it obvious you expect to be followed.”

Her chin quivered, and he nearly fell to his knees in front of her. “And if I am?”

“Get somewhere safe and with other people. Send for me. I’ll come rescue you. No matter what.”

That was a promise he would keep, always. Damn everyone else.