“She just disappeared?” Sophia asked.
Elizabeth snapped her fingers. “Like that. After I left the beach, I went back up the path to the cliffs. I ran past her hut and saw her staring at me through the window.”
Lady Collette clapped her hands once more and released a dramatic shiver. “As my son would say, what a bang-up story, Mrs. Adare. Thank you for sharing.”
“Somehow I can’t imagine Langdon using such cant.” She knew very little about him but had quickly gained much insight from his family. What she’d learned was impressive. Would he, like every other man in her life, disappoint her?
“My youngest brother is at Cambridge,” Langdon explained.
“Will you be attending the Randell black and white ball?” Lady Colette asked, darting a glance at Lady Nora, sympathy in her gaze.
“I am. I must confess I have never attended such an event.” Elizabeth’s earlier argument with Langdon resurfaced in her mind. She had a sense they would butt heads more often than not. He had thought he was going to leave her behind. What he didn’t realize was he needed her. Soon, she would have to share one of many secrets with him. Once he learned of her skills of memorization, he would have no choice but to include her on his quest. “From what my aunt says, it is all the rage.”
Sophia gapped at her. “You and Randell are practically neighbors. Has he never invited you before?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “My mother died when I was young, and my father is bedridden. I am afraid I am most provincial and prefer life in the country to that of the city.”
At least she had up until this trip to London. She had thought she was happy with her solitary existence. Since coming to town, she had enjoyed the simple pleasures of the nursery with her aunt. After the child was asleep, she joined her aunt and uncle in the study for a game of cards. Even the ball she had dreaded turned out to be the most fun she’d had in ages. Once the herb was bought, she would leave for the country, however.
An empty place in her chest expanded, and she pushed the negative thoughts aside. She had to enjoy the moment and not fret about the future. It would come soon enough.
Chapter Ten
The foyer at Randell’s London mansion was packed full of people. Every guest was required to dress in black or white, but the ladies flouted the rules by wearing bright colored gems. The event kicked off the season, and those present had come out to see and be seen. It was also the perfect opportunity to search Randell’s study.
Langdon had wanted to sneak away, but he had been forced to act as escort to his mother and two sisters. His younger brother Phillip was supposed to accompany them, but he had been deep in his cups, leaving Langdon to fill in the gap. Yet another reason he should have resigned his guardianship. Phillip had fallen apart after the death of his wife, and his once even-tempered brother had become a bitter man. He pulled the material of his cravat away from his neck, the yolk of responsibility choking him.
“I hope the Coburns and Mrs. Adare are here,” Aimee said, adjusting the bracelet over her gloved wrist.
The emerald color was the same tone as Elizabeth’s eyes. Mrs. Adare might already be in the ballroom. The last he’d spoken to her, she had been insistent on breaking into Randell’s study. He had steered her from that course. At least he prayed she’d heed his advice. To help her, she needed to let him deal with the investigation.
Sophia raised her chin and shook her head. “You mean you hope Mr. Farnsworth is here.”
Aimee was not to be put off by her sister’s mocking words and crossed her arms, tapping one finger against her forearm. “If he is here, it is a bonus.”
“That is a matter of perspective. I—”
“Shhh,” his mother said between clenched teeth.
She shared an exasperated look with Langdon. Like her, he was getting tired of listening to Sophia’s constant bickering over every man that showed Aimee any marked attention. For tonight, he had his own troubles to worry about. He touched his mother on the arm. “I am heading to the card room. I will catch up with you later.”
“What about Mrs. Adare?” she asked.
“She and I are friends, Mother. Nothing more.” Of course, she was trying to push him in the lady's way. Granted, he liked her company, and other parts of her, however, that was neither here nor there. He had a smuggling ring to uncover, and yearning after Elizabeth wasn’t on the agenda.