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T here she is.

“I can tell that you are looking directly at Miss Trentworth and, more than that, you are delighted by her arrival.”

Theodore tried to wipe the smile off his face but it seemed to stick tight, making Lord Castleton chuckle.

“I thought you suspected her!” he exclaimed, as Theodore winced. “I thought that you were quite sure she was involved! And now here we are, a fortnight later and your heart has utterly betrayed you.”

Deciding that it was of no merit to pretend, Theodore glanced at his friend, unwilling to take his gaze from Miss Trentworth. He could not lie to Lord Castleton, could not lie even to himself! Her arrival had made his heart leap up, his spirits lift in an instant and a broad smile to settle on his face.

He was delighted to see her.

“I think Miss Trentworth a very… interesting young lady.”

Lord Castleton rolled his eyes. “Is that all?”

No, it is not, Theodore thought silently, throwing a rueful grin at his friend. But I shall say nothing more than that.

“If you are interested in her, as you say, then why do you not ask to court her? I am sure that her father would be more than amenable.”

“I –” Theodore realized that he could not answer. There was no reason why he could not ask for such a thing, save for the fact that he could not be certain that Miss Trentworth would agree!

“I am sure that she would be delighted at such a request,” Lord Castleton stated, as though he had known exactly what Theodore had been thinking. “I see how her eyes search for you and I know how she will smile when your gazes finally meet.”

Theodore was about to tell his friend that he was imagining such a thing, only for the most beautiful smile to spread across Miss Trentworth’s face when she saw him. In response, Theodore found himself quite without words, able only to gaze back at her and admit silently that the only thing he wanted from this evening was to be in Miss Trentworth’s company. He heard and quickly ignored Lord Castleton’s clearing of his throat as well as the knowing smile that was shot in his direction when Miss Trentworth began to approach – all under the watchful eye of her mother.

“Lord Albury.” It sounded as though there was relief in Miss Trentworth’s voice, her hand reaching out to him only to then pull back. “It is good to see you this evening.”

“As it is to see you,” he answered, caring nothing for the fact that they had both quickly ignored Lord Castleton’s presence. “I do hope you are to dance this evening, for I should very much like to sign your dance card.”

Her eyes widened. “Oh, of course. That is to say, while I should be glad to dance, I hope we might also be able to talk together for even a few minutes?”

Taking her dance card, Theodore nodded. “Of course.” He did not even hesitate, signing first the quadrille and then, the waltz. There was no need for him to deny what he felt, not even to her. If there was a connection here, then would he not be wise to pursue it?

“I thank you.” Taking the dance card back, she moved a little closer and Theodore caught a gentle sweetness of orange and spice, making his senses spin as her emerald eyes looked into his. “It would be good to have that conversation as soon as possible, Lord Albury.”

A thrill shot through him. “You mean to say that you have discovered something? Already?”

She glanced at Lord Castleton, seemingly uneasy in his presence even though, previously, she had told him how much she trusted him. “I have. My friends and I were at Hamilton and Sons yesterday afternoon and I have spent both some of yesterday and the majority of my time today in the great London library.”

The way she spoke, the slight heaviness in her tone, and the darting gaze sent towards Lord Castleton told Theodore that there was something significant here. Something that she felt she could not say in front of anyone else. His stomach twisted and he nodded his understanding, seeing her eyes fasten to his.

“After the quadrille, mayhap I shall take a little longer to return you to your mother,” he suggested, knowing that he could not easily take her to one side and have a private conversation for fear of being seen and rumors then begun. “The quadrille is the second dance so it will not be too long.”

“Indeed.” She smiled briefly but no light came into her eyes. “Is your mother present this evening, Lord Albury?”

Theodore nodded, his jaw tightening instantaneously. “She is, though she is here with my aunt. Ever since the loss of the necklace – and my upset over it all – my mother has been spending a good deal more time with her sister, though I think it may well be to avoid my anger and take some of her guilt from her.”

Miss Trentworth nodded, biting her lip gently as she looked all around her. Eventually, she returned her gaze to his. “After the quadrille,” she said, in a low voice. “Then I shall tell you all.”

Theodore watched as she walked away, his heart a mixture of confusion and longing. He wanted to be in her company for as long as he could but, at the same time, struggled to understand why she could not speak in front of Lord Castleton.

“I do hope she does not think that I am in any way involved!”

Hearing the slight affront in Lord Castleton’s voice, Theodore put one hand on his friend’s shoulder. “I am sure she does not – and I do not think so either. It seems to me as though she does not want to say a word about her suspicions – or what she has determined – to anyone but myself. And that, I think, is very wise indeed.”

Lord Castleton’s demeanor changed in an instant, his shoulders dropping and a small flicker of relief in his eyes. “You are right, that will be why she appeared so. Though you must now be desperate to know what it is she wants to say!”

“I am,” Theodore admitted, his gaze returning to the lady’s retreat though now, he could not find her. “She has helped me a great deal already, Castleton, and I confess to feeling a good deal ashamed of myself for having ever considered her involved in any way.”

Lord Castleton smiled back at him as Theodore dropped his hand to his side again. “You need not be so,” he said, with a grin. “It seems to me that your connection with Miss Trentworth would not have grown to such an extent if it had not been for your determination to think her guilty!”

Chuckling softly, Theodore shrugged. “I suppose that might be true,” he admitted, with a small smile. “And when this reaches its conclusion, I shall be all the more determined to continue with our connection… in a manner a good deal more serious than ever before.”

“You are a trifle distracted, I think.” Theodore smiled as warmly as he could, seeing Miss Trentworth’s eyes darting this way and that. “There is much you wish to say, mayhap.”

She looked at him. “I do but I am, in truth, a little afraid of what you will think when I tell you.”

“Afraid?” Theodore’s eyebrows rose. “My dear Miss Trentworth, if you have anything to tell me as regards the theft of my necklace then I can assure you that I will have nothing but relief and gratitude.”

She caught the edge of her lip in her teeth for a brief second, then nodded before the dance continued and took him from her for a time. Theodore’s heart rose with gladness when she was back in his arms, happy now to have her so close to him again.

“There is something that I would like to tell you also,” he found himself saying, aware now that what was in his heart was not going to easily fade. “Though mayhap that will need to come thereafter.”

Her lips quirked briefly. “You may not wish to even see me again once I speak with you,” she said, though the small smile grew sad. “You may turn your back on me entirely!”

“Never,” he said, firmly, as the dance came to a close. “You may even tell me that my dearest friend, Lord Castleton, is the one who has taken the necklace and I shall still stay close to you!”

Miss Trentworth smiled though it did not linger long. She dropped into a curtsy at the end of the dance, as he bowed, only to hurry forward and offer her his arm, which she took at once.

“Now,” he said, beginning to promenade around the room. “We do not have long but if required, we can find a quieter place to speak. Your friends will be able to join us, I am sure. That way, we shall be quite safe when it comes to propriety.”

She nodded, though when she spoke, her voice was so soft that Theodore could barely hear her. “I thank you, Lord Albury. My mother knows we are to take a short walk around the ballroom but we must not be too long.”

“Then tell me what it is that concerns you,” he said, as gently but as decisively as he could. “You have a lot weighing upon you and I want only to take some of that from you.”

She turned to him, their steps slowing and carefully, Theodore walked them both towards the side of the ballroom, where the shadows were heavier. “I went to Hamilton and Sons with the other bluestockings, as you know.” They came to a complete stop, her hand sliding from his arm as she closed her eyes for a moment, clearly trying to prepare herself for what she had to say next. Theodore’s heart pounded, a slight sheen of sweat on his forehead as he waited, not wanting to interrupt the silence but, at the same time, desperate to know what she had to tell him.

“Miss Sherwood and I found the ledger where Hamilton and Sons keep their records,” she continued, her eyes darting away from him again. “There were not any names there of the ladies that your mother considers as rivals.”

“Oh.” Theodore frowned, his shoulders dropping. “I had hoped you would find someone there.”

“I – I did.” Miss Trentworth licked her lips. “Lord Albury, I… I found the name of your aunt.”

Every other sound in the ballroom faded in an instant.

“I read it three times to make sure I was correct,” she continued, her voice now seeming to come from very far away. “It said ‘Lady Yarmouth’ and beside it was an order for a necklace… though it did not say emeralds.”

Closing his eyes, Theodore dragged air into his tight lungs, letting it out again with a hiss.

“Of course, this does not mean that it is she who is responsible,” Miss Trentworth continued hastily, perhaps aware of the profound effect her words were having upon him. “I would never dream of suggesting that a mere name in a ledger means that she is responsible but…”

She trailed off, her eyes rounded as Theodore turned his full attention back to her, his eyes settling on hers. “But what, Miss Trentworth?” He heard the hardness of his tone, saw the way her already wide eyes flared again, and let out a slow breath. “I do not mean to appear harsh but this has come as a great shock.”

With a nod, she pressed her lips together again, dropped her head, and closed her eyes. “I went to the library and searched and searched until I found who the necklace belonged to originally,” she said, ever so quietly and without opening her eyes. “It took some time and a good deal of assistance from the other ladies but in the end, we were given the name.”

As she finished, her eyes opened again and she looked straight back at him, making Theodore’s breath hitch. He knew before she even spoke what name it was she was to give him but yet his mind refused to accept it. Surely it could not be?

“It once belonged to Lord Yarmouth,” she said, the words like solid weights, flinging down one at a time into his mind. “It was sold when the family became impoverished. From what I have learned, it was not done willingly but only because they had no choice.”

A groan broke from Theodore’s lips without him having had any intention of making such a sound. He dropped his head into his hands, the palms of his hands pressing into his eyes. It all made sense now. She would have been able to replicate the necklace exactly, for she had seen it on many an occasion and, if she truly desired it for herself, would have been able to plan meticulously what was going to happen. She had known that it had once belonged to her husband’s family and, for that reason, she desired it solely for herself.

I would never have known of all of this without Miss Trentworth.

“Miss Trentworth – Joceline.” Lifting his head, he grasped her hand and pulled her close. “My dear lady, I see now that I would never have come to understand these things were it not for your determination and your intelligence.”

Astonishment caused her mouth to form a perfect circle and Theodore’s eyes were drawn to it, warmth curling in his stomach though the shock remained, buzzing all through him over and over and over again.

“It all makes sense,” he said, gripping her hands tightly. “You have discovered the truth, I am sure of it. And now I must bring this situation to an end.”

Her fingers curled around his. “You are going to speak to your aunt?”

He nodded. “Yes. Now.”

Surprise shot through her expression but she did not question him.

“Though that shall not be the end of things between you and me,” he said, fervently, aware now of just how close she was to him, how easy it would be to lower his head towards hers. “There is much still for me to say and I will say it, once I have spoken to my aunt.”

“Of course.” Her smile wobbled but Theodore could not linger, lifting her hand and pressing a kiss to it, he took just a moment to look into her eyes. There was so much warring within him, so much that he desired to do in this one moment and yet, he had to choose only one. Either he lingered here with Miss Trentworth and hoped he would be able to set aside what she had told him so that he might have the freedom to speak of his heart, or he waited until the first matter was concluded, so he would have freedom to speak to her honestly and without anything pulling him back.

It was a clear choice. He had to have the calmness and peace in his mind and heart when it came to her. It was the very least she deserved.

“I will return,” he said, reluctantly releasing her hands. “And I will have confirmation that my aunt stole the necklace, I am quite determined.”

“Very well,” she said, taking a step away from him. “I hope that you will find all that you are looking for.

Still desiring to remain with her, Theodore forced his steps in the other direction. It was more than a little difficult to set his back on her but the moment he set his eyes to the crowd; a fierce, hot anger began to burn through him.

It was my very own aunt who took the necklace, he thought to himself, angrily. I have spent days worrying, fretting that I will never be able to discover which person in London it is, only for the theft to come from within my own family!

“Albury.”

A hand caught his arm and he turned, his whole body tense with fury, only to look into his mother’s eyes.

“I am to take my leave,” she said, briskly. “My sister is to take me back in her carriage. I have decided –”

“Where is she?” Theodore saw the shock lurch into his mother’s expression, seeing the widening of her eyes, the pause that came as she tried to collect herself.

“She is gone to call the carriage,” came the eventual reply. “But why –”

“We will go together in the carriage,” he gritted out, beginning to stalk towards the door. And I will have the truth by the time we return home.

Despite his mother’s near constant questions, Theodore said nothing as he not only found his aunt but thereafter, climbed into her carriage. He saw how his mother and his aunt shared a look, but it was only when the carriage began to roll towards the house that he finally chose to speak. He had spent the last few minutes taking full control of his anger, determined that he would speak calmly and clearly to them both.

“Mother.” He looked at her first. “I have come to tell you that the necklace has been discovered.”

This made her snatch in her breath, though she did not smile nor did she question how he had found it. That in itself gave Theodore pause, but he had no time with which to stop and consider.

“Or, I should say, the thief has been discovered.” At this, he swung his gaze directly towards his aunt, seeing how her eyes rounded. Again, he fell silent, only for the quiet to be broken by a sharp, uncertain laugh.

“Good gracious, nephew! You cannot think that I am the one who has taken it?”

“Think?” Theodore shook his head. “No, I do not think, Aunt. I know for certain that it was you and might I suggest that you stop yourself from attempting to deny it? That would be rather tiresome and I have little time for that.”

Again, silence fell but this time, none seemed willing to break it. Lady Yarmouth looked down at her hands and, much to Theodore’s surprise, his mother too remained silent. The carriage rumbled on but Theodore pressed his lips together, hard, forcing himself to remain quiet.

Eventually – and much to Theodore’s relief – Lady Yarmouth let out an exclamation. “This is preposterous! You cannot truly believe –”

“I have told you already that you need not deny it,” Theodore interrupted, his anger beginning to build again. “Your name was written in the ledger for Hamilton and Sons, your order for a necklace placed there. You are the only one of my mother’s acquaintances who would have known the necklace in such detail, able to provide a clear description of what it looked like.” He clasped his hands together, gripping them tight. “Do not deny it.”

Lady Yarmouth drew herself up. “The heirlooms are mine. They belong to my husband’s family. How dare you keep them for yourselves?”

Lady Albury gasped, one hand flying to her mouth as she twisted around in her seat to look better at her sister.

“My husband’s great-grandfather sold them,” Lady Yarmouth continued, spiritedly. “Foolish man that he was. How do you think I felt seeing them adorning my sister’s neck and knowing that they ought to be mine?”

“Then you admit it,” Theodore said, as his mother let out a half sob, her hand dropping back to her lap. “You tried to steal the necklace.”

Lady Yarmouth snorted, showing no sign of upset. “I took back what belongs to me. That is all.”

“ You ?” Lady Albury’s voice was a hoarse whisper, staring back at her sister. “How could you do such a thing?”

With a small shrug, Lady Yarmouth gave her a cold smile. “Very easily indeed. Do you not recall?” She glanced back to Theodore. “I came to call on the night of Lady Melford’s soiree. It was a little unexpected and, truth be told, I had hoped to make the exchange then. But I could not. You, my dear sister, thought that you would go and find the heirlooms yourself and you brought them back to your bed chamber for your maid to place around your neck.”

Lady Albury snatched in another breath. “But you told me that you thought they looked a little crooked and offered to settle them on me properly.”

Another smile on his aunt’s face sent a shiver down Theodore’s spine. “I did. And it was easy enough to make sure that the clasp did not secure itself properly. Then all I had to do was wait… and pray that the maid I sent into the house would do as she was instructed.” Her smile grew. “It seems that she did.”

“You told her to place the fake necklace on Miss Trentworth’s bed,” Theodore growled, horrified by all he was hearing. “Why would you do such a thing?”

“Miss Trentworth?” Lady Yarmouth snorted. “No, indeed not. I told her to place it on Lady Melford’s bed, in the hope that it would shame the lady.” The cold smile returned. “I knew how much my sister despised her, wanting to prove herself better than she. Though my maid did not quite manage as she ought to have done.”

Theodore closed his eyes. “You tried to aid my mother whilst stealing the family heirlooms?”

“It was a small gesture, I admit, but I did not think ill of it.”

Theodore shook his head, glad that he had discovered the truth but horrified by just how much had been revealed. “It is despicable, Aunt.”

“Say what you wish, I do not care.”

You are just like my mother, Theodore thought silently, looking at them both. “Both of you are of the same ilk: determined to get whatever you want regardless of how you might go about it. Though in this case, you have both failed utterly.” Seeing Lady Yarmouth frown and his mother’s eyes widen, Theodore spread out his hands. “The heirlooms will be returned to me at this very moment and neither of you shall ever have your hands on them again.” Seeing his aunt about to protest, he held up one hand, silencing her. “And if you refuse, Lady Yarmouth, then I shall speak not only to your husband but to the entirety of the ton. Do you believe that society will look well upon you ever again?” He leaned forward. “Are they worth it?”

Lady Yarmouth’s eyes flashed with anger but she fell silent, folding her arms across her chest as Lady Albury let out a sob. Dropping her head, she put both hands to her face and, for a moment, a nudge of sympathy pushed into Theodore’s heart.

“I am sorry for my part in this, my son,” she said, her voice muffled as the carriage drove on. “I did not ever think that such a thing would happen.”

“It is at an end now, Mother,” Theodore answered, quietly, seeing the set in Lady Yarmouth’s jaw. Though something else, I hope, is only just beginning.