The Stolen Sparkler: A Victorian Christmas Mystery: A Prequel Novella to the Lady Rosalynd and Steele Mysteries by Magda Alexander

Author:Magda Alexander [Alexander, Magda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Hearts Afire Publishing
Published: 2024-12-26T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 7

CHRISTMAS WISHES

THE EVENING BUZZED with the pleasant hum of conversation as the guests of Needham Hall gathered in the grand drawing room after supper. The skating party had left everyone rosy-cheeked and in high spirits. Not only that but new guests had arrived, including Lord Hungerford, a friend of Alistair from his Oxford days. With the addition of the new guests, the room crackled with anticipation as I prepared to unveil this evening’s diversion.

But first, Lady Eleanor had to explain what was about to happen. She clapped to get everyone’s attention. As the room quieted down, she said with a smile. “The Duke of Steele has been gracious enough to plan a game for us. I hope you will all participate.” Turning to me, she said, “If you will, Your Grace.”

Standing near the hearth, I cast a glance over the assembled crowd. Lady Eleanor glowed with happiness, laughing softly as she settled next to Cumberforth. Rosalynd observed the gathering with her usual air of composed curiosity. Her sharp gaze, I knew by now, missed very little—a quality I had come to value in our recent efforts.

Drawing myself up, I cut through the hum of chatter. “Ladies and gentlemen,” I announced, “I have devised a little game for us this evening—a game of wit, creativity, and perhaps, a touch of mischief.”

The guests murmured in interest, leaning forward in their chairs.

“Each of you,” I continued, gesturing toward the crystal bowl on the side table, “will write a Christmas wish. Not an ordinary wish, mind you, but something outrageous, imaginative—perhaps even scandalous. You’ll sign your name, fold the card, and place it in the bowl. I shall read each wish aloud, and we’ll try to guess the author. The one who guesses correctly most often will win.”

“And what will this grand prize be, Your Grace?” Lady Eleanor asked, her cheeks flushed with the warmth of the fire and good cheer.

I allowed a smile to spread across my face. “Eternal glory, naturally. And this splendid box of chocolate truffles, direct from Belgium.” I held up the gift I’d intended to present to Lady Eleanor as a thank you for being included in her Christmas Ball festivities. Before supper, I’d revealed the game and asked for her permission to use it as a prize.

The room erupted in laughter and applause.

Moving toward the stack of cards and pens, I distributed the materials, pausing briefly beside Rosalynd. “What shall your outrageous wish be, Lady Rosalynd?” I asked quietly, my voice low enough for her ears alone.

Her lips curved into the faintest smile. “That, Your Grace, would spoil the game.”

I watched in silence as she selected a card with deliberate grace. Her composure was unshakable, but I could sense the sharpness of her mind at work. Tonight’s game was a charming distraction for the guests, but for Rosalynd and me, it was a means to an end. Somewhere in this room, the person who had written the blackmail note was watching, unaware they were under suspicion.

Once all the wishes were written and placed in the bowl, I took center stage.

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