Page 26 of The Swan Detective (The Swan Syndicate #2)

His grin widened, and her heart skipped a beat. “Time will tell, but the first night we made love is a difficult evening to beat, though others come to mind.”

She never understood how one’s knees could go weak by mere words, but she might be experiencing the real deal. Her skin prickled, and she tugged him close. “There’s no doubt that tonight will beat any of those fancy balls.”

“If we don’t stop, I’ll have to drag you back into the coach.”

Her brow lifted. That location had never occurred to her before, and when Beckworth caught her expression, he pushed her away. “God’s blood, woman. Stop seducing me.”

She laughed as she found a path to the house. “You’re such a tease, Lord Beckworth.”

“Back at you, Lady Caldway.”

She’d visited Chester and Katherine a couple of times, but on this evening, with dozens of people milling about, it didn’t seem the same place.

Although the evening was cool, outside tables had been hobbled together to provide the guests a place to sit and eat.

The crew, along with Beckworth, had chipped in for the food, and Beckworth had bought the barrel of ale Chester had set up in the alley where most of the men were congregating until it was time to eat.

She found Eleanor in the kitchen, which was no surprise.

The woman had already pushed up her sleeves and was following behind the women who were cooking, cleaning as she went.

Libby had disappeared, but she found Bart in the living room sitting with three other men about his age, all of them in deep conversation.

Stella hoped he’d remain on his best behavior.

She ventured out the front door, where more tables had been set up and several groups of men loitered with their mugs and flasks.

That’s where she found Lincoln, chatting with a group of young men and women.

She didn’t see Barrington or Beckworth, and knowing they’d eventually show up, she returned to the house to see how she could help.

Suddenly, Libby was behind her, her arms loaded with makeshift tablecloths and second-hand dishware. “Can you help me prepare the tables?”

Without a word, Stella took the dishes and followed Libby out the back, where they worked in harmony. Once completed, they repeated their activities with the tables in the front of the house. By the time they finished, the crowd had grown to the size of a huge block party.

“Aren’t you worried about the constables?” Stella asked.

Libby placed the last of the plates and utensils.

“They don’t bother us when we get together.

If we’re too busy celebrating something, they don’t have to worry about us getting into trouble.

” She took Stella’s arm and led her toward the alley.

“They should have the fires going by now. Let’s warm up and get some ale. ”

All the small fires had been lit in addition to a larger bonfire and appeared to be well-contained. People congregated around them, laughing and drinking. Libby handed her a mug of ale as the music started.

“Where’s that coming from?” Stella asked.

Libby glanced around and pointed to the other side of the alley. “It’s a local group of musicians that play in the pubs. Let’s go, I have some people I’d like you to meet.”

A couple of hours later, after the meal was done and the cleanup completed, the party got started. The men tore down the tables to make room for dancing. Beckworth had shown up to eat with Stella and share a dance, which was more freestyle compared to the formal dance steps at the balls.

When Stella became overheated, she begged off from one of the crew she was dancing with, and he led her to a table where men were filling their mugs from a barrel of ale.

When she asked whether he’d seen Beckworth, he told her he’d left with Lando and a couple of his shipmates to get another barrel.

The crowd was so thick, she’d only seen a glimpse of the men from the Daphne .

The man tipped his head as if he wore a hat, then left her to find another dance partner.

She took her mug and strolled toward the back of the house to find a place to cool down.

A stack of crates, one of which was low enough for her to sit on, had been moved far away from the dancing.

Before she had a chance to sit, she noticed Chester on the far side of the crates, and he waved her over.

“Having a good time?” he asked, his hand wrapped around a mug of his own. He patted the bench he was sitting on. His smile was warm as always, and while he wasn’t drunk, his eyes had a slight glaze to them, probably not much different than her own. She was definitely feeling a buzz.

“This is amazing. How often do you have parties?”

“Of this size, maybe once or twice a year.”

“It took a lot of work to prepare in such a short time. Beckworth and I were just hoping to see a few friends.”

“Beckworth means a great deal to the crews in the East End. Someone who not only found a better life but hasn’t forgotten where he came from.”

She considered his statement, something she’d already known about Beckworth. She’d seen firsthand how Chester and other crew leaders had come together to rescue him from Gemini.

“Hear, hear.” She lifted her mug, and Chester met it with his own hard enough to splash them both.

They laughed, and neither of them cared about the droplets that dotted their clothing. In between watching the dancers, which made them laugh more, they exchanged quips until Chester brought up the topic she’d been uneasy to ask.

“Libby said you’ve become somewhat obsessed with this stolen necklace.”

Stella leaned back against a row of crates and crossed her arms. There was a hint of humor in Chester’s gaze, but it could have been the firelight. “I think obsessed is a rather strong word. I’d call it an interest in helping a friend recover a precious sentimental gift from her dead husband.”

Chester barked out a laugh, and Stella did her best to hold her own in. “So, do you have any idea who stole the necklace?”

“Not a one. But I have a plan.”

He’d been taking a swallow of his ale when she said it, and he choked as he tried to catch a breath. “Damn, woman.” He was still smiling. “I don’t know how Beckworth keeps up with you.”

“He seems capable.”

He barked another laugh and wiped his eyes. “Fair enough.”

Stella took a sip of ale and swayed to the sound of the music.

“I also heard you think it was a sailor and not crew.”

“Did you hear that from Beckworth or Libby?”

“Beckworth. The day after it happened, when he came to see if I knew of anyone crazy enough to cop anything at a ball.”

“He didn’t think it was crew, either, but I’m not sure he believed me when I said sailor.”

“I haven’t heard a peep on the streets. That kind of thing typically slips out.”

Stella considered that. “I can understand why Beckworth wouldn’t consider a sailor attempting something so risky, but maybe the thief isn’t a sailor anymore. I can’t get the way he walked out of my mind. He spent a lot of time at sea at some point in his life.”

“Does Beckworth know you’re poking around?”

“He seems to be busy with his own business.” It wasn’t the first time she’d noticed he’d been spending a great deal of time on business affairs.

He hadn’t been that involved on their first trip.

Maybe it was because he was in London, and it had been some time since he’d been in town.

He must have dozens of contacts to catch up with, and he would prefer face-to-face meetings.

“Has the ale gotten to you?”

She’d been caught woolgathering. In response, she drained the last of her mug. “I think it’s time for another.” She hesitated when he continued to watch her. “Did Libby tell you about our plan? We’re still working out the kinks.”

“I was wondering how long it would take you to ask, or if you would.”

“It sounds silly for a necklace.”

“Yet, simple enough to lend a hand if you ask.”

She glanced around but didn’t see Beckworth or anyone from the Daphne .

“Beckworth hasn’t returned with the new barrel yet.”

Stella played at the edge of her wrap, picking at a loose strand of yarn. “Are you willing to keep this from him?”

He sighed. “You put me in a touchy position. But this is what I’m willing to do. I’ll let you borrow a few of the urchins. They like you, and you always bring treats.”

She grinned. “I think I can pay them for their time with more than just treats. I appreciate your help.”

His eyes narrowed, and he pointed a finger at her. “Once you have your answer, I trust you’ll tell Beckworth before you get Libby in trouble.”

“No one will be getting me in trouble.”

Chester sighed when Libby stepped out of the shadows. “Christ, woman. How long have you been there?”

“Long enough.” She grinned at Stella. “Seems I still have it. Are we on for tomorrow night?”

Stella bit her lip. The musicians picked up their tempo, and she tapped her foot to the music.

“I have two problems. I’m not sure which party we’ll try first.” She hadn’t even discussed the plan with the women.

To be honest, they weren’t even aware there was a plan.

“And I haven’t figured out how to keep Beckworth distracted. ”

After a minute of silence, Chester shook his head. “I can deal with Beckworth. There’s been something I’ve been meaning to take care of, and I’m fairly certain he and Barrington will be willing to help. But you need to be quick about your plan.”

Stella wasn’t sure why she did it, and it surprised the hell out of Chester, but she threw her arms around him and gave him a quick hug. “You won’t be sorry.”

“Of course, I will.” His voice was gruff as he straightened his jacket, but Stella didn’t miss his quick grin.

“Then let’s go.” Libby strung an arm around Stella’s. “I feel like dancing.”