Vow of Deception (The Ministry of Curiosities #9)(57)

I eased into her hands, enjoying the sensation on my neck. I hadn't realized how stiff I was until now. The conversation with Lady Harcourt this morning had left me tense.

I described my gown to Harriet as she continued to massage. She wanted all the details, down to every last bead, and then asked me to describe the table setting and menu. I didn't mind. It wasn't a secret and it did seem as though she might not make it to the wedding.

She suddenly pulled her hands away and sucked in a breath. "Ooh, that was a big kick."

"Are you all right?" I said, turning to her. "Come and sit down. I should be massaging your shoulders, not the other way around."

"I think I should go home." She breathed deeply and blew it out slowly. "Will you help me back to my carriage?"

I assisted her outside and the footman had to almost lift her into the cabin. She waved at me through the window and I waved back as the coach drove off. A figure further along the drive had to step aside to let it pass, then he continued toward the house. I knew before I saw his face that it was Seth.

"Bloody hell, it's hot today," he said when he reached me. He removed his hat and jacket before he was even through the front door. He hung both up then proceeded to remove his waistcoat and tie too. "What was Harriet doing here?"

"Looking for company." I frowned. "It was a little odd. She seemed uncomfortable, and even a little restless. She should have been at home, not out making calls. What was even odder was that she took a walk around the room when she clearly wanted to sit down."

"That is odd." He undid the button at his collar.

I stared at his nimble fingers. Something bothered me. Something about Harriet's visit and her behavior, but I couldn't put my finger on it.

"Charlie? Does my masculinity distract you?"

"Hmmm?"

Seth opened his shirt wider. He'd undone the top three buttons. "My chest? Does it distract you?"

I laughed. "Good lord, no."

He rolled his eyes. "Thank you for bringing me back down to earth with a thud."

"Sorry, Seth, but I didn't even notice your chest. Go and show it to someone who is not in love with her fiancé."

He cast a longing gaze at the stairs.

"I was actually distracted by Harriet," I said. "Or, rather, her actions."

"Any action in particular?"

"She massaged my shoulders."

He frowned. "Why did she do that? Did you complain of soreness?"

"No. She simply took it upon herself to massage me. Then we got talking about wedding plans, then after a few minutes she left in a hurry."

"Perhaps she likes your neck." He pulled a face. "That even sounds ridiculous." He shrugged. "Pregnancy is turning her a little mad. Or perhaps Gillingham is. Now that I can believe."

I stared at the triangle of bare skin at Seth's chest. He wore a silver chain around his neck with a small pendant. I gasped. My hands flew to my throat and the back of my neck. I thrust two fingers down my bodice as far as I could reach and patted my chest.

"Charlie?" Seth hedged. "Are you all right?"

"My orb necklace! It's gone. Harriet stole my imp!"





Chapter 12





"Are you sure you were wearing it?" Seth asked.

"Yes!" I picked up my skirts and marched toward the service area at the back of the house. "Gus! Gus!"

He appeared in the doorway, wringing his hands in his apron. "What's all this yelling then?"

"I need a coachman. I'm paying Harriet a call."

"I'll drive you," Seth said, buttoning up his shirt again.

"Weren't she just here?" Gus asked.

Cook appeared beside him, wielding a spatula. "Why you be undressed?" he asked, pointing the spatula at Seth.

"It's bloody hot out there and I walked all the way from the west end of the heath," Seth said. "And to answer your question, Gus, we're going to visit Harriet because she stole Charlie's orb."

Both Gus and Cook swore. Neither apologized for their language, and I was beyond caring. I was furious. Harriet was going to get a piece of my mind. I would tell her exactly what I thought of her betrayal, and then tell her not to show her face at our wedding. She had lost the right to be my friend when she chose to take Swinburn's side.



* * *



"She's not at home!" Lord Gillingham's bellow must have been heard three houses away because a neighbor's footman peeked out the front door. "How many times do I have to tell you?"

"I don't believe you," I snapped. "She's in here. She was feeling poorly when she left Lichfield."

"Poorly?" he murmured, all bluster gone. "And you just let her go?"

"I didn't have a choice! She simply up and left. Are you sure she hasn't come home?"

"Damned sure."

"She stole my necklace."

He snorted. "Why would she do that? She has a dozen necklaces. Diamonds, rubies—"

"My imp necklace! She took it from me!"

"Don't be absurd. Why would she steal it?"

"To give it to Swinburn." I suddenly realized I'd come to the wrong house.