The Debonair Duke (6 page)

Robert went from Bow Street to the establishment of Rundel and Bridge. Here he described the necklace to a head of the firm, asking discreetly whether the firm might have had the making of such a necklace. The gentleman allowed as how the description His Grace gave them matched that of one they had made, but understood the necklace had exchanged hands since first commissioned. He had not the least notion as to who might be the present owner.

Another blank wall did not diminish the duke’s interest. Rather, it pushed him to find out precisely who that owner was and if, perchance, his initials were J.R.

A glance at his watch revealed the time had flown by and he might now head for the Radcliffe home at No. 6 Upper Brook Street.

He was ushered into the house with the ease of one who is a family friend. Sauntering into the morning room where his friends sat absorbed in the morning papers, he greeted them as usual. He drifted about the room, crossing to gaze out of the window facing the rear of the prime property and the elegant garden.

“Out and about early, this morning, are you not?” Lady Anne said, no doubt taking note of his restlessness.

“As a matter of fact, it has been a busy one. I’ve been to Bow Street as well as Rundel and Bridge so far. Of course, that followed my morning ride in the park.” He walked over to lean against the mantel, absorbing the slight heat from a small fire designed to remove the morning chill from the room.

Both of the Radcliffe’s lowered their papers
,
Lady Anne folding hers to put aside.

“This sounds intriguing. Pray tell what has set you on such an unusual day?” Sir Cecil inquired.

The footman entered at this point to bring a tray set with tea, Madeira, and crisp cheese biscuits. The latter was known to be a favorite of the duke.

Once again alone with his friends, the duke enjoyed a bite of a biscuit, then sat down to face them.

“Do you recall meeting Lady Pamela Taylor yesterday?”

“Of course. Charming girl,” Lady Anne promptly replied.

“I met her again this morning while on my ride. It was prearranged.”

Robert watched his friends assimilate this tidbit before continuing. “She had sent me a message requesting that I meet her regarding a mysterious package that had been delivered to her.”

“A mysterious package? Oh, do tell us more if you can. I adore mysteries,” Lady Anne bubbled with enthusiasm, quite ignoring the cautioning look from her spouse.

“I saw the package this morning when we met in the park, including the wrapping that had nothing written on it
—not even her name. Inside the leather case was a magnificent sapphire-and-diamond necklace that would astound your senses could you see it.”

“No clue as to who sent the thing?” Sir Cecil said.

“Not in the least
—unless you count the initials J.R. to be of value.”

“Good heavens, man, there must be dozens of men with such initials around London
—this time of the year in particular. What does she propose to do—I take it the contents of the parcel were not intended for
our
Lady Pamela?” Sir Cecil concluded, a twinkle flashing m his kindly gaze.

“Indeed. Naturally, she feels constrained to hunt for the true Lady Pamela the necklace is intended for
—whoever she might be. And there’s the rub. An unmarried young lady of quality simply cannot be prowling around Bow Street, or asking peculiar questions at a jeweler’s shop.

“Speaking of that, did you learn anything at Rundle and Bridge?” Lady Anne demanded quietly.

“The man I spoke to was far too discreet to reveal who had first commissioned the necklace, but did say he knew it had changed hands
—possibly indicating it was meant as a gift. He admitted he did not know the present owner.”

“Oh, bother,” her ladyship said. “Back to Lady Pamela. I gather she sought your expert assistance?”

“Indeed. However, I do not know what good I can do. Nothing matching the description of that necklace has been reported missing so far. It could be that the owner is as yet unaware that the jewels are gone. You know how many of the
ton
leave their valuables in their home safe while they go off to London for the Season.”

“That does pose a bit of a problem.” Lady Anne said musingly. “So?”

“We cannot keep meeting in the park. And I believe we need to confer on our findings
.
Would you not agree?”

Lady Anne, who was quick off the mark as usual, said, “I believe you had best meet somewhere neutral, a place more unexceptional. How about our library?” The suggestion was made casually, but the duke took note of the gleam in Anne’s eyes. The scamp wanted nothing more than to be in on whatever developed.

“That would be excellent. You have an up-to-date copy of
Debrett’s,
I imagine? Otherwise, I can bring mine over.”

“Of course we have a copy, but you might require both books, if she is to hunt for a name as well as you,” Sir Cecil said with practicality.

“And the elusive J.R.? Do you think he might be of the peerage as well?” Lady Anne demanded.

“He might be anyone. We will have to scour every list we can find
—membership lists, everything you can think of that might be of help.”

“You mean we can partake in the mystery as well?” a delighted Lady Anne exclaimed.

“Could I truly prevent such?” Robert said, giving his friend that same lazy grin that Pamela had decided would melt one’s insides to a puddle.

“What about the necklace? I long to see it,” Anne said with a glance at her husband.

“You could keep it here, you know, old chap,” Sir Cecil volunteered. “Concealing it on a bookshelf is rather dangerous to my way of thinking.”

“I doubt if Lady Pamela is ready to hand the necklace over to a stranger. Give her time. After all, she doesn’t know you as well as I do.”

“I would wager she would have given it to you had you requested,” Lady Anne hazarded. “You do have a way about you, you know.”

“So that settles it,” His Grace said, ignoring Lady Anne’s comment about his way with feminine creatures. “Once we decide upon a time, I will send along a message to see if it is convenient
.
”

“Most mornings are open
—except next Tuesday. We are having a waltzing party. I do so want to learn that dance and this is a delightful way, is it not? Would you not wish to come, perhaps bring Lady Pamela as well?
You
could convince her mother to permit this. You can study those peerage volumes first, then join our happy little group.”

“You are a party to this, Cecil?”

“I am not about to let another gentleman put his arms about my wife!” Sir Cecil exclaimed.

Robert considered the party, then thought how deliciously Lady Pamela would blush when he placed his arms about her as prescribed while waltzing, and decided in an instant. “We will be there. Of course, I know that Lady Pamela would like to begin solving this puzzle immediately. Could we come over tomorrow morning? Say, about nine?”

“I shall be delighted to chaperon,” Lady Anne said with a decided sparkle in her fine gray eyes.

“Fine, I shall see you then.” His business concluded, Robert took his leave of his friends, leaving Anne quite bemused.

“I cannot believe he will join us waltzing, and with Lady Pamela as well. Do you suppose?” she wondered aloud.

“If you intend a bit of matchmaking, recall how previous attempts have gone and give up now. Robert will find his mate at the right moment, and she will be of his own choosing.”

“I cannot help but wish for him the same happiness we know, my dearest.”

With that
,
Sir Cecil smilingly agreed.

* * * *

Lady Gresham quite agreed that Pamela ought to take a stroll in the park at the fashionable hour.

“I do believe you ought to invite a friend to go with you rather than Rose,” she added to her acquiescence.

“Perhaps next time. It would not be proper to dash off such a request on a moment’s notice.” The last thing Pamela desired was to have a witness to her meeting with the duke.

“True, one must observe propriety. Rose must go with you then. The next time you might ask one of the charming young ladies you have met at Almack’s to join you.”

Pamela agreed and wondered if her mother might not make more of a push to see to it that Pamela had more friends. It seemed to her that every time she found a girl she liked, her mother had pronounced the young lady lacking for one reason or another. It had made life difficult and rather lonely.

The day was a trifle cool, but there was little breeze so it was quite pleasant while walking. The park was thronged with beautifully dressed women and elegantly garbed gentlemen. The finest in horseflesh drew the most dashing of carriages, while along Rotten Row the bucks and dandies on prime mounts vied for the attention of attractive ladies on horseback.

It was undoubtedly London at one of its finer hours.

Pamela strolled along, resolutely ignoring the odd looks from those in carriages. It was not customary for a young lady to walk alone, with only her maid for company. This was why Pamela had not gone before. She had never been a gregarious sort, making her friends very slowly. If she might have had the company of her dear friend Susan from home, it would have been wonderful.

Suddenly, she saw the duke slowly making his way through the assemblage of people. He drew near, and she wondered if he would smile at her again. She did enjoy that smile.

“Good day, Lady Pamela.” He dismounted, holding the reins while he studied her. He flashed that smile that she was quite certain would melt her insides.

She felt very conscious of her appearance, and wondered if she had been correct to wear her simple rose walking dress and her cottage bonnet bedecked with roses of a deeper shade. Deciding there was little point in worrying about it now, she greeted him politely, “Good day, Your Grace. How pleasant to see you again. I trust you enjoyed the Venetian breakfast as much as I did?”

“That I did.” He scowled at Rose, who shrank back against a clump of bushes. He continued softly, “Tomorrow at nine of the clock is agreeable for the project you mentioned. The Radcliffes will be delighted to assist. Go to No. 6 Upper Brook Street.”

“Oh, that will be good. I am anxious to solve the mystery.” She bestowed a smile on him, then took her leave.

Robert watched the most proper young lady in all of London walk away after making an assignation to meet him in the morning
—and grinned.

There were a number of gentlemen that took notice of the pretty young thing who had captured the duke’s interest, and they resolved to pay her attention as well. He was known to be extremely discriminating in his tastes. She must have something concealed beneath that well-bred exterior. They resolved to find out what it might be.

Chapter Four

Following dinner Pamela approached her mother in a cautious manner regarding her time to be spent at the Radcliffe home. This was not something she could conceal from her parent, much as she might wish to try. “Do you recall meeting Lady Anne Radcliffe, Mama? She was at the Cotterell party the other day.”

“She’s the Earl of Winterton’s daughter; married beneath her as I recall. Radcliffe is nothing more than a baronet.” Lady Gresham looked up from the book of sermons she had begun to read to frown at her daughter.

“I met her and her husband while there. She seems quite delightful.” Pamela wondered if it would help were she to mention the duke, and decided it could only favor her cause. “They introduced me to the Duke of Wexford.”

“Did they, now? You failed to tell me that.” Lady Gresham gave Pamela a considering look. “I have not had the pleasure of meeting the young duke. Knew his father, naturally. What is the son like?”

“Quite pleasant,” Pamela managed to say, wondering how she could ever express her reactions to the handsome gentleman. “Actually, I wish to know Lady Anne better. She has invited me to her home tomorrow morning. I trust it meets with your approval? I do like her
,
Mama.”

Pamela could see the war waging in her mother’s mind. On one hand was the influence of a young woman who, while she was an earl’s daughter, had married beneath her. On the other hand Lady Anne was one of the fashionable younger set who was everywhere seen with not only the Duke of Wexford, but any number of highly presentable lords and ladies of the
ton.
Pamela waited for her mother’s response with baited breath
.

At last her mother gave a regal nod of her head. “I believe it might be just the thing for you
—to mingle with that set. Mind you, be cautious. I’d not have you adopting some of the affected manners a few of them espouse.”

“Yes, Mama,” Pamela replied demurely, fixing her gaze on the piece of needlework she held in her lap. She suspected it would be better that her mother did not know all that was involved. There was that matter of severe palpitations her mother continually threatened to have.

“But remember, my dear, it is always better to associate with those who are superior to you
—in talents as well as position. You can only improve your knowledge and manners by doing so. To do otherwise is to diminish yourself.” Lady Gresham gave her only child a stern look that most likely was intended to intimidate her.

Pamela nodded and thought of how gloriously happy Lady Anne appeared to be with her dearest husband. In her mother’s eyes, Sir Cecil had followed her dictum and done well for himself, but Pamela very much doubted if he had given such a notion a thought when he tumbled into love with the beautiful and gay Lady Anne. From everything Pamela had learned, the Radcliffe home was the place to be for that fashionable set Mama placed in such high regard. The coming days should prove most interesting. And perhaps Pamela just might find the gentleman who would sweep her away from the stultifying atmosphere of Gresham House. The very idea of leaving this dull place was enough to bring a hopeful pink to her cheeks.