The Ruby Dagger: A Crown Jewels Regency Mystery (The Crown Jewels Regency Mysteries Book 2) by Lynn Morrison & Anne Radcliffe

Author:Lynn Morrison & Anne Radcliffe [Morrison, Lynn & Radcliffe, Anne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Marketing Chair Press
Published: 2024-06-29T00:00:00+00:00

15

Grace stared across the room at her writing desk. She had spent the entire day paying calls with her mother, hoping to learn something of value, but had naught to report back to Roland.

Lord Percy, she corrected herself. She had to cease thinking of him on such friendly terms. Her cheeks burned at the memory of how close she came to embarrassing herself outside the throne room, mooning over him like a lovesick chit. His parting words had fallen upon her like well water, dousing her imaginings of feelings towards her and bringing her back to earth.

She hadn’t even planned to seriously consider courting this season—presenting herself had been nothing more than the means to escaping the country estate. Still, she thought privately, perhaps marriage was not such a terrible prospect. At least, it might not be if she could find another like Percy. But what were the odds of that? She sighed and pictured his face again, his chocolate eyes as deep, rich, and enticing as her morning beverage on a cold winter’s day.

“My lady?” Elsie called from the dressing room, putting a hard stop to Grace’s flight of fancy. “Do you want me to select a dress for today?”

Grace rose from her chair and ambled to the room next door. The heady scents of lavender and herbs filled the air, clearing her mind of all but her current responsibilities. She was to accompany her family to a garden party at the Arlington home. She let her fingertips skim along the rows of day dresses hanging there until she settled upon a muslin gown with a long sleeve and a flattering neckline. Elsie retrieved the Pomerian mantle of blue satin and a matching bonnet. Grace returned to her bedroom while Elsie located her favourite pair of kid half-boots and pale blue gloves.

Elsie breezed into the room with the requested items in hand. “Did you want me to carry a message to Mr Thorne today?”

Grace shook her head. “I have little to add that has not already been covered by the press. The behaviour of the Prince Regent was not deemed to be a suitable topic of conversation for debutantes. I had to resort to eavesdropping, but even that yielded nothing.”

“Chin up, miss,” Elsie said as she helped Grace with her boots. “You’re frightfully clever, as is Lord Percy. I’m sure you’ll uncover something soon enough.”

Grace prayed Elsie was correct.

A rap on the door prevented the conversation from continuing. Lady Tilbury strode in with a determined expression on her face. She came to a halt when she spied Grace, dressed and ready to depart.

“Do my eyes deceive me, or are you prepared a full hour before we are due to leave?”

“I am, Mama,” Grace answered. When her mother failed to smile in satisfaction, Grace added, “Is aught wrong? Should I have chosen another dress?”

“No, your clothing is perfectly acceptable. As is your attitude, and that is what has me worried. It is unlike you to abandon your habit of reading the newspaper in favour of getting dressed without me having to prod you.

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