Damsel in Distress by Joan Smith

Author:Joan Smith [Smith, Joan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Regency Romance
Publisher: Belgrave House
Published: 1995-06-27T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Caroline was gratified to receive enough invitations in the afternoon post to show that society had not rejected her. If rumors of this latest loss got about, however—and they might despite Helen’s assurance that it would be kept quiet—then her situation would rapidly worsen. Every dog has one bite, but the second nip will ofttimes prove fatal—to the dog. It was of the utmost importance that she not only solve the mystery of the missing jewels, but also be seen at the most haute of ton parties, such as Lady Marlborough’s ball that evening.

The ever-faithful Newton would accompany her, after taking his dinner at Berkeley Square. They did not discuss the thefts over dinner with the servants about, but as soon as Newton brought his port to the Gold Saloon, Caro said, “It is pretty clear that the necklace was never stolen at all. I am now convinced Helen carried it home in her reticule and passed it on to someone. Miss Blanchard is the obvious person.”

“And Bernard is in it up to his neck,” Newt added. “He is the one getting money to bring that girl to London.”

“The money comes from selling the necklace,” Georgie said.

Newton scowled. “They are fleecing the poor girl, preying on her innocence. Demmed shame. She wouldn’t hurt a flea.”

There was no arguing with a man in love. “Who could this girl be?” Caroline asked.

Georgie replied, “You really should have gone to the ball with Dolmain and Lady Helen tonight, Caro. I understand your feelings, but how will you discover anything about Miss Blanchard if you lose contact with them?”

“I could try to get a line on Bernard,” Newt offered.

“Yes, and we must have someone follow Miss Blanchard as well,” Caroline added. “I wager she will be running that emerald brooch off to Stop Hole Abbey this very day.”

Newt peered owlishly into the grate. “They’ll wait until dark. Bernard will go. A lady wouldn’t venture to the Abbey.”

Caro said, “As we do not know where to find Bernard, we must keep track of Miss Blanchard. Crumm will find me a man for the job. He was useful to Julian for such things in the past.”

She called Crumm into the saloon and told him what she required. He pulled pensively at the lobe of his misshapen ear, and after listening, said, “Nolly Norton would be the lad for the job, but alas, he is a guest of the king at the moment. Newgate. Caught dead to rights nabbing a cove’s purse. When all is said and done, ‘tis best to keep such matters in the fambly. I’ll go myself, and let young Roger answer the door. His head will be so big, he’ll scarcely be able to carry it, but I’ll fix that in short order when I come back.”

Young Roger, the first footman, was a decade older than Crumm, but half his size.

“Thank you, Crumm. I knew I might count on you,” Caroline said. “But you are rather ... er, large. Can you loiter near Dolmain’s house without looking suspicious?”

“No need.

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