Mrs. Gillingham’s hips swayed as she strode over and grabbed her glass of port. “And tell them what, exactly? That a respectable widow of some means stole from you? What proof do you have to show them? You would look quite the fool and lose any respect you have in society.”
“I do not care what people think of me. People will think what they do, and I have no control of that.”
For the first time during this bizarre interaction, Mrs. Gillingham’s bolstering confidence seemed to slip. Her smile fell, and her grasp on her glass loosened. But just as easily as it fell, it came back. “That is a wonderful skill to have. Especially in London.”
Leonard sighed, his shoulders dropping as he realized he might never get his ring back. “Ma’am—”
“Honora, please.” Then the woman had the audacity to sigh at him as if he were to blame for any of this. “I fear I no longer have it.”
Leonard dipped his head, taking a breath. His grip on composure was becoming looser with every word this woman spoke. “And why is that?”
“I sold it, naturally.”
His stomach fell. Any hope he had of getting back his property was dashed to shreds. What an ugly streak of luck he had in life. The burdens of being a firstborn son without any of the benefits, no control over what he wanted, and now this ridiculous situation.
“No,” he corrected. “That is not the natural assumption at all. The natural assumption would be that a young woman, a widowof all things, would not go about thieving!” His chest heaved, and he balled a fist up at his side.
“Let me guess.” Mrs. Gillingham held her glass, raising her nose in the air so she could look down at him. “You have massive gambling debts and are desperate for the money?”
“That’s an ugly thing to assume about someone.”
“Life is ugly, Mr. Stanton. Forgive me for being realistic.”
Enough was enough. Clearly their conversation was going nowhere fast, so Leonard strode to the sofa and retook his gloves, then yanked the first one on. “This has been a pointless visit, Mrs. Gillingham, and I am sorry to have wasted both our time.” He finished with his second glove. “Though I have the distinct impression that you find some sort of humor in all of this, which speaks to your character more than mine.” He jerked his head up to see her staring at him, her eyes giving away the slightest bit of intrigue. “Have a good day,ma’am. You shall be hearing from the authorities soon.”
He was almost to the door. The taste of freedom from this stifling room was on his lips. Until . . .
“Mr. Stanton.”
With barely restrained patience, he stopped.
Her shoes clacked on the wooden floorboards, then became muffled as she walked across the rug toward him. “Perhaps I have an idea.”
The velvetiness of her voice caused a chill to run down his spine. “I do not know that I am interested in an idea coming from you.”
“I do not have the ring, but I believe I have a way to get you your money back.”
He turned, taking a calming breath. “And what is your proposition? Steal the crown jewels?”
Mrs. Gillingham lifted her brow. “No, but I like your determination.”
Leonard rolled his eyes. “I was only—”
“Joking,” she finished for him. “Of course. I am not an imbecile.” Lifting a hand to her chin with a smile, she continued. “I only need your services, for which I will pay you handsomely.”
He did not trust the sort of services she was likely referring to, and yet, he worried she was correct. If he went to the authorities but had no proof of her thieving, and she turned out to be a respected member of society, his credit as a gentleman could be called into question. That, and only that, was the reason he asked his next question. “Is the service illegal?”
She narrowed her eyes. “Not precisely.”
That didn’t bode well. And yet, he found himself asking, “How much are you willing to pay?” Perhaps he should find a way not to despise his father so much. It was now getting him into a heap of trouble.
“How much do you need?” she asked.
“Six hundred pounds.”
Mrs. Gillingham tucked her chin as she pursed her lips. “My, my. You really have gotten yourself into some trouble.”
“Mrs. Gillingham, I would appreciate it if you would stop making assumptions regarding things you have no idea about. It makes you rather difficult to be around.”
