“Yes. That was my description,” the hostess said.
“If not a ruby, then what?”
“Given your reputations for being a finder of all things and a thief finder, I’m surprised this has escaped you. Especially after you solved the other riddles so easily.”
“Riddles?” Crisp and Vanessa asked at the same time.
“We were to solve a riddle?” Crisp demanded. “Not find a missing item?”
“Oh, it is rumored the item was missing, and I was certain Lord Crispin could locate it.”
“What of the potential theft?” Crisp asked.
“As you’ve been away, you may not realize that many gentlemen had attempted to steal Miss Claxton’s heart.”
“My heart?” Vanessa cried out. “Lord Crispin was to findmyheart?” she demanded for clarity.
“Yes. Your heart, Miss Claxton. I knew the moment he returned to London that you would be a perfect match. Except, he failed to attend the Season so I was forced to hold a house party of ninnies just so the two of you could become acquainted and let love bloom.”
Vanessa could only stare at her. This had all been a ruse. Yet, she couldn’t be angry because it had worked.
“I couldn’t invite anyone that either of you might find more interesting, so I was very particular about this guest list, and will be glad when the lot of them are gone.”
“Your riddles do not match my heart,” Vanessa insisted.
“Of course they do!”
Crisp leaned back with his humored half smile. “How?”
“First, there have been several attempts to steal it,” she said.
‘There have not been,” Vanessa argued.
“It was before your betrothal,” Lady Osbourne reminded her. “Then you were free, happy and had several suitors.”
“You said it was once worn,” Crisp continued. “A heart is not worn unless it is a piece of jewelry.”
Lady Osbourne chuckled again. “It is if it is worn on a sleeve.”
“Wore my heart on my sleeve?” Vanessa’s brow furrowed. “I did no such thing!”
“Yes, you did, when you were young and hopeful. Then you were very honest with your thoughts and emotions. After you were abandoned at the altar, you withdrew, became rather distant and difficult to know, as if your heart was not only broken, but gone. You’d been described as cold by some.” Lady Osbourne wagged a finger at her in warning not to deny the truth and then beamed. “But now, Lord Crispin has recovered the heart, and all should be well.”
“You weren’t really worried about thieves at all.”
“Miss Claxton, though you may be six and twenty and nearly unmarriageable, there was still the slight risk that another might attempt to steal your heart, as I believe Mr. Percer had been attempting to do at this very house party, when it is clearly meant to belong to Lord Crispin.”
“How could you even assume such?” Vanessa asked.
“Oh, I recall Lord Crispin from when he was a young gentleman and new to London, before he left for adventure. When I learned that he had finally returned, I decided that he would be perfect for you, and I was correct.” Lady Osbourne turned. “Come along Lady Sewell, I believe this is one more successful match.”
“It appears you have won,” Vanessa laughed. “Which means that I must spend the day with you, alone, doing whatever activities you wish.”
He pulled her into his arms. “And I promise that at least one of those things will be a truly, deep and passionate kiss to make your toes curl.”
Heat swept through her along with anticipation.
Epilogue
