Page 33 of The Swan Detective (The Swan Syndicate #2)
Stella took a deep breath and stood. “I’ll inform the women, but I don’t think it changes our plans. Other than we have one less item to keep an eye on.”
Libby squeezed Stella’s arm before scurrying out of the room. “Let me know if I need to update Chester.”
Stella returned to the table as Mary was winding up her story. She must have missed a good one because the other women were dabbing at their eyes to clear their tears of laughter.
Elizabeth was the first to notice Stella’s return. “What’s wrong?”
Once Stella explained what Libby told her, the women didn’t doubt the story from the kitchen maid. And, as much as she wanted to share her opinion, she let the women work it out for themselves.
“It’s terrifying to think we’re being watched,” Mary said, her hand resting on her chest as she glanced around the garden as if someone might be spying on them.
Flora laid a hand on her arm. “That’s why we’re being proactive. But, I have to say, how can we possibly guess where the thief will attack next?”
“That’s why we stick with our plan.” Eleanor cleaned crumbs off the table onto her empty plate. “We didn’t know where he’d strike next, but it’s clear our list appears to be accurate in regard to who he’s targeting.”
“Eleanor is right.” Elizabeth took a sip of her tea, and Stella was pleased to see she wasn’t drowning her sorrows. “We have one more ball this week. At least those we responded to. We have to remain diligent in our investigations.”
The women turned to Stella, apparently waiting for her opinion, and she was pleased she wouldn’t have to encourage anyone to stay the course.
“I agree this latest theft has validated two things. We know what the thief is after, and based on the previous two thefts, he waits about two days before striking again. If that’s true, the chance of another theft tonight isn’t very likely, but he might be getting greedy. Are there other balls tonight?”
“There are two, I believe.” Flora nodded as she fussed with her napkin. “Although I think one is more of a large dinner party. We should see if Lady Dorsey contacted a constable or Inspector Littlefield.”
Elizabeth snorted. “If the diadem was taken from the manor and not a party, will Littlefield make the connection with the other two thefts?”
“I doubt Lady Dorsey would mention the name of the jeweler.” Mary appeared calmer once she remembered the thief was focused on specific jewelry.
“If it were me, and I wasn’t aware of the background of the other stolen items, I might suggest how rare or special the piece was.
No one, other than another woman interested in pursuing a piece of her own, would think to ask who the jeweler was. ”
“We know the brooch, the bracelet, and the two necklaces can be stolen from a party.” Stella steered the women into a new plan that was formulating as she spoke.
It had been something Libby said about updating Chester.
“We knew the diadem and earrings would be a problem to steal in a room full of people. We can’t be certain why the thief was at the Dorsey’s manor.
However, Libby and I believe he’s watching each of his targets to ensure they’re wearing the item he’s seeking, then he follows them to the ball.
We don’t know if the thief hoped to steal the diadem while Lady Dorsey was at the ball or if he’d already decided to steal it later in the evening once the household was sleeping.
” She stopped, considered everything she’d said, and once satisfied, glanced at the women.
They were focused intently on her and didn’t appear to have any questions.
She had quite a few but was determined to convince the women of her new plan.
“If we want to be sure to catch the thief, it might be wise to have the rest of the women on our list monitored at their homes over the next couple of evenings while we continue our surveillance at the parties.”
“You’re talking about using more of the gangs?” Flora asked.
“The crews want this thief caught as much as we do. They’ve given us the use of the children.
” She lifted a hand. “I know you think it’s dangerous for them, but this is their life every day in the East End.
No one sees a street urchin. They’re perfect for this, and the money they earn helps to feed their families. ”
“It disturbs me that you’re right.” Elizabeth laid a hand at the base of her neck, which, this afternoon, was bare of any necklace.
“The children are invisible, and I can’t say I’m proud of that.
” She sipped her tea, and when she turned her gaze on Stella, the fierceness she’d come to expect from the dowager was lit in her stormy eyes.
“We use whatever means necessary to stop these thefts.”
“Perhaps it’s time for me to talk with Hensley and see what, if anything, he’s heard about the thefts.
” Mary stared at a spot on the table, her head bobbing as if she were talking herself into it.
When she finally looked up, her eyes were a bit glazed.
“I never speak to him about the matters of men, but it’s becoming more and more apparent that this might be the one time we have more information than he does. ”
Stella grinned at the women. She couldn’t be more proud of her friends. They might just be noblewomen helping their friend, but to Stella, they had the hearts of true warriors.