“Mister Banbrook,” the proprietor greeted, his smile making a tangle of wrinkles under his spectacles and hairless scalp. “A fine afternoon to you, sir. How can we assist you today? We’ve acquired some lovely new stones since your last visit.”
“I’m more in the market for information today, Stevens.” Robert strolled to the counter.
“Ah, well, that we’re in shorter supply of, sir, as you know.”
Robert did know. Often, part of what the man was paid for was secrecy. “Yes, but it’s a matter of the heart, you see,” Robert said. “My heart.”
The jeweler frowned. “I am not an expert in such matters, I’m afraid, sir, but whatever the trouble is, it will go better for you with the gift of jewels.”
“You’re wise as always, but that remains to be seen,” Robert studied the expensive set stones and loose gems on display before him. How he could bring the conversation round to what he wished to know? Suddenly, he could sympathize with Dunreid’s urge to bully. Robert tamped down the desire and tried another avenue. “I’m sure you know, as all Edinburgh seems to, why I came to your fine city?”
That elicited a cough and a pitying look reminiscent of Dunreid’s. “As you say, sir, the entire city is familiar with your story. A wealthy Englishman, thrown over for a Scottish title. Many is the time I’ve heard the tale repeated.” His expression turned sheepish under bushy white eyebrows. “Generally, with enthusiasm, by Scots. Then there was Miss Kitty Thomas, soon to be Missus Cathryn McMullin.”
Robert grimaced. “I hadn’t heard she was engaged again so soon.”
“Childhood sweetheart, and a good Scotsman.”
“I’m pleased to hear Miss Thomas has found happiness.” Robert cleared his throat. “It’s not about her I’ve come, as you can undoubtedly guess.”
“You’ve come about the sapphire pendant I had sent up to Lady Peddington’s.”
Robert nodded, surprised to gain a foothold so easily.
“You aren’t the first to ask about it.”
“So I’ve heard. It was Dunreid who told me you were the source of the item.”
Stevens raised his eyebrows. “I didn’t realize you were on friendly terms. Rumor has it, you’re the source of his blackened eye, not many days ago.”
“Friendly isn’t the exact word.” Robert shrugged. “As for his eye, I admit I may have failed to keep my temper.”
Stevens pressed his lips into a thin line and scrutinized Robert. “I didn’t advise Viscount Dunreid on the origin of the pendant sent up to the school,” Stevens finally said. His face crinkled into a look of apology. “You know it’s our policy not to speak of our customers.”
“I do, and I respect that.” Robert leaned forward. Could he appeal to the old man’s heart? “Is there anything you can tell me, though? Even the littlest thing.”
Stevens looked about the room. The girl busied herself on the far side, lighting candles. Soon, the shop would be aglow for late afternoon traffic. Robert was familiar with the glittering display. Stevens attempted to provide as much light as possible. He likely spent a fortune in candles, but obviously made up for the cost in sales.
“The circumstances did give me pause,” Stevens said in a low voice. “May I ask, Mister Banbrook, why you wish to know?”
Dark eyes, buried deep within crinkled lids, regarded him. Robert paused to think on the question. Why did he? What would he do if Miss Glasbarr had agreed to become some man’s toy? Demand she wed him instead?
Definitely. Instantly.
But what if she’d discovered love with another man? Would he walk away, or would he try to win her back, steal her? Do to someone else what Dunreid had done to him?
He shook his head. “I want to see that Miss Glasbarr is happy and cared for. If…if I deem she’s contemplating a less than honorable proposal, I shall offer marriage to me instead.” He swallowed, clearing the way to force out his next words. “If she’s happy, I will bow out.”
Stevens studied him for another long moment. He nodded. “You’re a good sort, for an Englishman.” He let out a gusty sigh. “Truth is, I worry the girl is being used abominably. First the viscount sent her a gift he ought not have sent a sweet country lass. Next, a certain lady enters my shop with the very same gift, pays me to refund the viscount and reset the gems. I wouldn’t have minded that. The lady in question was the one he should be giving jewelry to.”
Apprehension flickered to life in Robert’s gut, writhing outward to tense every limb. Cinthia. How had she ended up with the first necklace?
“What I minded was having the largest sapphire of the lot sent back up to the school, and the card she made me write to accompany the package.” Another shake of Stevens’ head, slower. “I knew writing that card wasn’t right, sir, and I feel I’ve wronged both you and Miss Glasbarr, which is the only reason I’m speaking about a client. I oughtn’t have agreed to do as the lady asked. I wouldn’t have, but she was quite insistent, and shrill and, well, threatened my business and even my person. The truth is, Mister Banbrook, I’m ashamed, but she had me send that pendant and sign the note with your initials.”
The world might be moving, but Robert was not. He stared at the jeweler as the truth settled over him. His anger dissolved like a morning fog. Emilia thought the necklace came from him, and wore his gift. For him.
Then why had she appeared so stricken? He’d thought, at the time, her horrified look was due to his discovery of her betrayal.
Robert thought back. Shock slammed into his burgeoning joy. Dunreid’s words, his accusation. Emilia had heard Dunreid’s accusation.
