To Challenge the Earl of Cravenswood by Bronwen Evans

Author:Bronwen Evans [Evans, Bronwen]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Romance
Publisher: Bronwen Evans
Published: 2012-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

Henry stood outside Garrard’s debating whether to go in. Marcus had lied to his face about being in the stable with Amy last night, and Henry couldn’t help the terrible thoughts swirling in his head.

He hadn’t revealed to Marcus that Chesterton had seen them together too. There were just too many questions unanswered.

Instead, Marcus had suggested he take Amy for a drive. Marcus kept pushing the two of them together, why? Marcus knew he was searching for his mystery lady. Marcus didn’t know that Henry knew who that lady was.

Did Marcus know it was Amy? If so, why play these games? Marcus had sworn he didn’t recognize the earring.

Marcus’s fixation on the virtues of Lady Amy Shipton bordered on obsessive. Could a man be in love with two women at the same time? Marcus was hiding something and Henry didn’t like the implications of what that could be. He’d slipped back to London in the early hours of the morning on the excuse of an important estate matter.

When he’d first shown Harlow and Marcus the earring, Harlow said the earring looked like Garrard’s work, his suspicions resurfaced. He wanted an answer, but at the same time dreaded it.

Marcus only ever bought jewellery from Garrard’s, who were renowned for quality gems. So here he was on Garrard’s doorstep far too early in the morning. His gut told him to enter and prove his disloyal thoughts false. More shame on him. He’d welcome the shame. Wanted to be proved wrong.

For if he was right, there could be only one reason Marcus did not want Henry to know the earrings were a gift from him.

He’d already asked in Garrard’s once before, but they’d denied the earring was their work. He surmised that Marcus was such a good customer they could have protected his privacy if he’d demanded it of them.

His heart felt heavy in his chest. He could be doing his best friend a huge disservice by seeking the truth. But his future happiness was at stake.

With grim determination Henry entered the exclusive store. He presented his card and was soon being fawned over. However, as luck would have it, it was not the same man who he’d question previously.

“I’m looking for a pair of earrings for my mistress. Something that screams money. I’m not in her good books at present.” Best not to ask about emerald earrings immediately.

“Certainly, my lord. Do you have a stone in mind? Diamonds, sapphires...” the jeweller asked eyes speculating the amount he’d make today.

“Something large and expensive looking is the requirement.”

“Quite. Perhaps a pair of oval cushion sapphires with diamonds set in white gold.”

Here was his opening. “They are beautiful. Her eyes are green. Would emeralds be preferable?”

“Very observant, your lordship. We can make whatever design you wish.”

“I have no idea what she’d like.”

Here it comes...

“If you don’t mind me asking, sir, has she admired any other woman’s jewels of late?”

He pretended to think. “I don’t really pay that much attention.” He paused and stroked his chin.

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