With his gaze still firmly latched onto the gem, he added, “I know there aren’t many emeralds the size of that one in existence, and it looks flawless. Tell me, has it been in your family for a long time?”
“No. My husband gave it to me on our wedding day. He told me only that he had purchased it on one of his trips abroad, knowing he would remarry one day and it would be the perfect gift for his bride.”
“A very thoughtful man.”
“Yes, God rest his soul. You seem to have more than a casual interest in gems, Mr. Winston, and certainly more than the typical gentleman.”
His shoulders went back a little farther, and he lifted his chin proudly. “With good reason, Your Grace. I am a master jeweler, and I work for the prince. I seek out rare gems and gold pieces and buy them for him.”
Susannah raised her eyebrows. This man had given her the perfect invitation to ask about pearls. He couldn’t have been more accommodating if she’d planned the entire conversation ahead of time.
“What an important job that must be.”
He laughed lightly and then sniffed, obviously pleased with himself. “Yes, quite. It is an honor to serve the prince. He has quite the passion for exquisite gems, and I’ve been fortunate to add many to his collection.”
“I’m intrigued. How would you go about doing something like that?” she asked innocently.
“Mostly from private sales, of course. For instance, someone might have seen this magnificent emerald you are wearing tonight and mentions it to me. I would then approach you and ask to see it.” He stopped and moistened his lips. “If I thought it might be something that would catch the prince’s attention or something he would desire, then I would ask if you wanted to part with it for a sum of money far greater than its value.”
“And what is the usual outcome?”
He shrugged. “Sometimes people will sell and sometimes they won’t,” the man said, noticeably happy that he could give her so much information about his work. “I know the prince would be pleased to add your emerald to his collection. Tell me, do you have any interest in parting with it?”
“I’m afraid I couldn’t possibly, but what an honor for you to work for the prince. Tell me, does the prince ever wear pearls, or only precious stones and gold?”
Mr. Winston didn’t blink, hesitate, or do anything suspicious at the mention of pearls. Surprisingly, he gave her a knowing smile and said, “No doubt you’ve met, or, at least, you have seen the gentleman here tonight who is wearing pearls. If the prince had a collection like that man, he would probably rather see them on a lady than on himself.”
Susannah carefully watched every facial expression and mannerism, but Mr. Winston didn’t seem to be the least bit nervous that she had mentioned pearls. But that could be because he was so confident in his position as jeweler for the prince, and it didn’t necessarily mean he had not stolen the necklace.
“You’re talking about Captain Spyglass, are you not?”
“Yes. He’s wearing a magnificent pearl cluster ring tonight and the most beautiful rosette brooch I have ever seen. I’ve heard quite a bit about the man, and after we were introduced I asked him if I might take a look at his collection while he is in London.” Mr. Winston stopped and rolled his eyes. “He said ‘perhaps,’ if you can believe that. Clearly leaving no doubt he’s not one of the king’s subjects.”
Susannah couldn’t hide her smile. Mr. Winston didn’t appreciate the captain’s snub. “Maybe he is afraid you would offer to buy some of his pearls.”
“And I might. From all I’ve heard, the man’s fortune is in his pearls and that scandalous ship that sits in the harbor.”
Out of the corner of her eye, Susannah saw Race standing not far away, glaring at her with intensity while he talked to a young lady who didn’t seem to notice that his gaze was not on her. Susannah’s stomach jumped, and she was furious with herself that he could disturb her so pointedly.
Though she wanted nothing more than to run from Race, she held her ground and spoke with Mr. Winston for a little longer before excusing herself.
Susannah didn’t know where the ladies’ retiring room was located but decided to find it. She needed a few minutes to collect her thoughts. She wanted some time alone to think about what Mr. Winston had to say. Seeing Race was causing her more pain than she had imagined and she wanted to get him off her mind.
As she turned down a dimly lit corridor, she heard someone call her name. She turned around and looked straight into the dark-blue eyes of Lord Martin Downings, the man who had ruined her twelve years ago.
He was heavier around his middle, and of course older than when she’d last seen him. His once thick chestnut-colored hair was thinning on top and graying at his temples, but he was still a handsome man.
“Forgive me. I should have said Your Grace.” He bowed arrogantly.
Staring at her former beau, Susannah realized she felt absolutely nothing for him. She had always wondered what she would feel if she ever saw him again. Would she be filled with the longing of unrequited love, bitterness, or even anger that he had rejected her all those years ago and left her to face alone the repercussions of their tryst? A calming peace washed through her, and she relaxed, knowing she felt none of those things. She had no more emotion for him than if she were meeting a complete stranger for the first time.
Susannah smiled and lifted her gloved hand for him to kiss. “Lord Martin, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen you, but you are looking well.”
He smiled and took the tips of her fingers in his and squeezed them a little more firmly than necessary, making her immediately wary. He kept his dark-blue gaze on her face while he kissed the back of her hand, letting his lips press overly long before lifting his head, stepping closer to her, and saying, “I’ve been in the Cotswolds for a few days and returned last evening to hear you were in Town and attending parties.” He moved closer to her, and in a low voice said, “Why didn’t you let me know you were coming to London?”
Susannah thought his question presumptuous, but as she pulled her hand from his, said, “Why would I?”
He smiled suggestively. “So that we might get reacquainted, of course.” He stepped even closer to her, and Susannah backed up. “Surely you knew I would want to be with you again, privately of course.”
