On Sunday, Elijah brought Clara home for dinner. She enjoyed these Sunday outings and hoped they would continue. Mrs. Norton was so very nice, and being fussed over filled Clara with a warm, happy feeling.
But Elijah was acting strange tonight. “Something on your mind?” she asked.
The hackney came to a sudden stop, throwing them both forward, heads almost bumping. He grabbed her hand. “I must tell you something. If you wish to return home afterwards, I will understand.”
The words came in a rush, and Clara realized he’d been holding this in, fearful of telling her the truth. But his story made sense. Her father had said he worked for a villain and committed horrible acts for the man. But it was even worse than what she’d thought. While neither of them knew to what extent Pa was implicated, it was horrid enough to put others in danger. Murders had occurred.
Clara blinked back tears. “But we don’t know for sure what my father has done?”
Elijah shook his head. “Or what he witnessed. I worry you may be in peril.”
The relief on his face warmed her despite the news. He had been truthful when it would have been easier to be silent. That was the kind of man he was. Elijah Norton would never lie to her.
“I’m not worried with you watching over me,” she said, moving beside him and kissing his cheek to reassure him. Had he thought she would be angry with him, the bearer of bad news? “Thank you for telling me. It must have been difficult keeping it to yourself and deciding how to break it to me.”
“I was afraid you might resent me… my role as an investigator.”
“It’s better to hear it from you than a stranger at my door or reading it in the newspaper.” She sighed and laid her head on his shoulder without thinking, absorbing his warmth and strength. “Sad and worried for my father, of course. But not angry with you.”
She gave him a small smile when he let out a loud breath. Clara decided to think about it later when she was alone. It would do no good to be Friday-faced in front of Mrs. Norton.
This evening, after a delicious dinner, they were gathered in the parlor. Elijah was stoking the fire, and Clara strolled the perimeter of the room. She stopped at the small writing table, studying the sketches of jewelry. Although he’d told her of his artistic goals, she had never seen his work.
“These have such detail. I could almost pick one up and put it on,” she said, smiling at him.
He joined her, moving the sheets around. “These are pieces that were stolen, leaving a replica left in its place.”
Clara gasped. “How terrible, but how clever. This is the case you were telling me about?” She picked up one of the images. “This is familiar. But I don’t know where I would see anyone dressed in such finery except—” She turned to Eli, her eyes wide.
“Except?” he asked.
“Comte du Aveculót’s sister. I saw her wearing this necklace when I was called to the dining room.” She began studying the rest of the images in earnest. “You must bring these to the townhouse. The staff may recognize more.”
***
Monday
Hatton Garden
Clara let Elijah into the kitchen, then asked the footman to inform Mr. Smalley and Mrs. Johnson that he was here. It was between meals, and the French pair was out. She helped Eli spread his sketches across the table, so they all could be easily seen. They were illustrated with colored chalk, so the types of gems would be easily recognized.
The housemaid recognized a bracelet and necklace set. “I put that on her the other night when I helped her dress for the theater.”
Mr. Smalley identified a pair of cufflinks and a cravat pin. “I’ve been his valet since his arrival, along with my other duties. I helped him put those on when he was too foxed.”
Clara wanted to jump up and down. Had they solved the jewelry case?
“Are these stolen goods?” asked Mrs. Johnson.
“Yes, but I can’t tell you any more than that.”
“I knew there was something odd about them,” murmured the housemaid.
“I’m sorry,” said the footman, “but I don’t pay much attention to what they wear. Too fine for me. But I did hear something funny. Her ladyship was talking like an Englishwoman. I thought she was imitating one of their titled friends, so I never mentioned it.”
“Has anyone else heard them speak in something other than a French accent?”
The rest of the staff shook their heads.
