A Dash of Scandal(83)

She believed him; therefore, she couldn’t agree even in a teasing manner. She looked around and there was no one standing close enough to hear them. The hour was late and the crowd was getting smaller.

“You know I can’t do that. Chandler, we must talk while we have these few moments alone.”

“Very well. I have a bit of news to report. I spoke to Doulton today. He didn’t have any trouble finding out all that I asked him about Lord Dugdale. Your source was correct. Andrew is indeed financially embarrassed at the moment.”

It made her feel good that he’d told her. He could have kept that bit of information from her and she would have never known.

“I’m sorry to hear that. I know you were hoping it wasn’t true.”

“Yes. The good thing is that his situation is not so bad that he would need to resort to stealing in order to get money. His funds are low, but not nonexistent, and according to Doulton’s findings, he’s taking appropriate steps to correct his mounting debts.”

“Well, there is hope for him.”

“Yes. Even though he attended every party where there was a robbery, I believe we can safely assume he is not the thief.”

She nodded and said, “I’m inclined to agree.”

Millicent couldn’t help but admire him for at least looking at the possibilities where Lord Dugdale was concerned.

“Doulton also double-checked the guest lists and Lady Lynette, Lady Heathecoute, and Mrs. Moore were all at every home where there was a robbery. Mrs. Honeycutt was not at my party.”

“So we can eliminate her from our list.”

“Yes.”

“What have we learned about the men?”

“That is taking a bit longer.” He leaned in closer and smiled. “Perhaps we should meet another time so we can discuss it thoroughly.”

“I insist on hearing it all right now.”

“You are a difficult taskmaster, Miss Blair.”

“That is because you want to play when there is work to be done.”

“Very well. I will continue, but I will insist that at a later time we have a bit of idleness all to ourselves even if it is only another ride in the park.”

Her pulse quickened at the possibility of being alone with him. She hoped it didn’t show how eager she was for him to make good on that promise.

“We’ve narrowed down the tallest men who attended all of the parties where there were robberies to less than twenty.”

Millicent frowned. “That is still a lot of men to consider.”

“I know, but better than the near fifty we started with. First thing tomorrow morning, Doulton will be checking the bank records of these men to see if any of them might be under financial pressure.”

“That should narrow the field even more. I really can’t imagine why a person would steal unless it was for monetary gain.”

“I suppose there are those who steal for the fun of it, or because of sickness, but both those reasons seem a bit far-fetched to me.”

“Me too. But we are making progress in our elimination game.”

“So it seems.” He stepped closer to her. “I’ve noticed all evening that your smile doesn’t seem as bright tonight. Is something wrong?”

Yes.

“No, I’m fine.” She tried to prove it by smiling at him but felt sure it fell short of her expectations.

“I’ve missed you. I’ve wanted to come see you, but I’ve respected your wishes.”

She tried to lighten the mood. “Which has made you a perfect gentleman.”

“I’ve always told you I know how to be one, but it’s been a dreadful life.”

She laughed. “You are such a delightful rogue.”

“You are such a delectable lady.”

“And you are trying to change the subject.” She started scanning the area in front of her. “I couldn’t find Lady Heathecoute earlier. I was looking for her when you walked over.”

Glancing over her shoulder, Chandler said, “Look no longer. Here she comes.” Suddenly his eyes narrowed. His brows drew together. “Millicent, look at the front of her skirt. Does it not look odd shaped?”

Millicent turned around and looked at the large woman walking into the room. Her gaze dropped to the front of the viscountess’s skirt. The dress she wore was high-waisted, fitting snugly under her breasts and dropping with a full, heavily gathered skirt. She was walking stiffly as if she were trying not to move, and low in the front of her skirt, the area between her abdomen and knees, there was an unusual bulge.