So he did know about that. But of course he would. Surely, all of the staff reported back to him.
“That is actually where we discovered a few interesting components to the theft,” Evelyn said, hurrying to answer before Asher, for she had a feeling that it would be better coming from her. “Based on the mechanics of the display?—”
Asher cut in bluntly, “We have reason to believe the theft was engineered by someone familiar with your gallery displays.”
They were met by silence as Evelyn shot Asher a look, although from the corner of her eye, she could have sworn she detected a slight flinch on Eastclere’s part.
“Neither my staff nor I had anything to do with the theft,” he said before adding dryly, “clearly. Why would I steal an item already in my possession?”
Except that it did have a price, and he might have had it underwritten.
Evelyn held Lord Eastclere's gaze steadily, determined not to let him evade the truth. She leaned forward slightly, her hands clasped in her lap, but it was Asher who spoke.
"Lord Eastclere, I understand the Paragon Diamond was a prized possession, not merely a valuable one. It must be quite a financial burden to maintain such an extensive collection." He paused, letting the implication hang in the air. "I imagine the debts accrued could become challenging to manage."
The marquess stiffened almost imperceptibly. "My finances are well in hand, your grace. The temporary loss of one gem, no matter how rare, will hardly topple my estate."
Evelyn noticed his eyes dart briefly to an ornate desk in the corner.
"Of course," she said with a demure smile. “My husband meant that desperate times can drive people to desperate measures. Even those we trust implicitly." She paused. “Someone did tamper with the mechanism. And it was likely someone who knew what they were doing. Did you authorize any work on the diamond's display case before the Spring Soiree? Any mechanical adjustments that could have unintentionally compromised its security?”
"Certainly not," he bit out. "I would never so recklessly endanger the Paragon. Afterward, I let go all of the staff who had anything to do with putting the diamond’s security at risk.”
She glanced at Asher and saw him watching her, his eyes intent. He gave her the barest nod, telling her to continue, even though he had initially recommended she simply observe.
Evelyn's mind raced as she tried to put the pieces together, as vague as their outlines might be. Eastclere knew more than he admitted. He was hiding something – or protecting someone. The truth hovered just out of reach, tantalizing and elusive.
But confronting him directly would get them nowhere. They needed to draw him out, gain his trust. An idea sparked.
"Forgive my impertinence, Lord Eastclere," Evelyn said, softening her tone. "I know we've put you in an awkward position. It's just that this whole affair has been so very upsetting. I'm not accustomed to navigating such scandals."
She widened her eyes beseechingly. "I don't have my husband's experience in Society. I'm afraid my inquisitive nature often gets the better of me.”
“Of course,” he said, his countenance shifting slightly as he leaned back and crossed one leg over the other, his eyes running up and down her in a motion smooth enough to tell her he was used to having his way with any woman.
“You are refreshing, your grace,” he said.
“In what way?” Evelyn asked as she felt Asher stiffen beside her, apparently having assessed the marquess’s interest as she did.
“You are enchantingly fearless,” he said, tilting his head to look at her. “You say things and ask questions that no other young lady would ever dare to. I rather enjoy it. Far better than veiled comments behind one’s back, I should say.”
“I do agree,” she said honestly. “How about this — why do we not help one another? If you can think of anything that would provide a clue as to what happened during the theft, you will tell us, and we will do the same for you.”
“Very well, your grace,” he said. “I would be more than happy to be in touch with you again.”
He reached out a hand with his card held out between his thumb and forefinger, and Asher reached over Evelyn and snapped it out of his hand.
“Thank you,” they both said before they were led back to the front door.
The marquess followed them, nodding to Asher and then reaching out and taking Evelyn’s hand in his, bowing low over it before leaning down and pressing the faintest of kisses on top of her gloved hand.
“It was a pleasure, your grace,” he said, before Asher stepped forward and took Evelyn’s forearm in his hand, tugging it back toward him.
“My wifeand I must be going now,” he said. “Farewell.”
At that, he turned and marched them out the door without a look behind them.
It took everything within Evelyn not to laugh at the anger that was practically radiating off him.
