Vow of Deception (The Ministry of Curiosities #9)(58)

I turned to go, but Gillingham caught my arm. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Seth stand up on the driver's perch.

"Let me go," I growled.

"You stupid brat," Gillingham sneered. "My wife wouldn't do such a thing. Retract your accusation."

"Let me go or I'll strike you again."

His fingers loosened enough for me to wrench free. I marched down the steps and didn't give him a second glance. "Seth, take me to Swinburn's house."

"We should go home and tell Lincoln—"

"Lincoln isn't at home. He's out paying calls on goodness knows who."

Seth's lips clamped shut and he did not meet my gaze. I suspected he knew precisely who Lincoln was visiting. I wondered if he chose not to tell me or Lincoln ordered his silence.

"Drive fast," I said. "Or I'll climb up there and take the reins myself."

He drove as quickly as the traffic allowed. It wasn't quick enough for my temper, and by the time we reached Queen's Gate, I was fuming. I hammered Swinburn's door until the footman opened it. I pushed past him, catching him unawares.

"Miss!" he cried.

I rounded on him. "Do not try to tell me Sir Ignaitus is out. If he is not at home, then I will see Lady Gillingham alone. I know she's here."

The butler emerged from an adjoining room and sent the footman upstairs. "Will you wait in the drawing room, miss?"

I allowed him to lead me into the drawing room, but regretted it as I sat on a chair. There was only one exit and my street rat instincts recoiled. In a few moments, I'd be trapped in here with two inhuman creatures with uncommon strength. The old Charlie would not have made such a mistake. This Charlie had become too trusting and soft of late.

"I'll return to the hall," I told the butler.

He stepped aside for me but the exit became blocked anyway as Harriet entered ahead of Swinburn. She stretched both hands toward me and lifted her brows.

"Charlie, what a surprise," she said. "What are you doing here?"

"You know why I'm here. You stole my necklace!"

"Whatever are you talking about?" She winked at me. With her back to Swinburn, he would not have seen.

"What the devil are you accusing her of?" Swinburn demanded.

"She knows," I said through clenched teeth. "Give me back my necklace, Harriet."

"Don't be silly, Charlie. I haven't stolen anything from you. Why would I? Gilly gives me everything my heart desires. Particularly now." She rubbed her belly and smiled dreamily. "He's a very agreeable husband lately."

"Stop it, Harriet! Stop playing the fool. I know you removed it from my neck when you massaged me." I stepped closer, crushing my skirt against her stiffer one. "Give. It. Back."

Swinburn thrust his arm between us. "Calm down, Miss Holloway. This behavior is uncalled for."

I poked my finger at him, just shy of stabbing him in the chest. "You know what my necklace does, what it contains. Lady Ballantine informed you after seeing it on the Isle of Wight."

Swinburn batted my finger away. "Don't point at me, young lady."

Harriet touched my shoulder. "Why would I steal your necklace when we are friends?"

"To ingratiate yourself here," I said. "Firstly you deliberately provoke Gawler into confronting Swinburn then you rush here ahead of him to warn Swinburn. You two struck an agreement that would see you take over the pack. That has been your aim all along, hasn't it? And now, to prove your loyalty, Harriet, you took my orb and gave it to him!"

"Charlie, don't work yourself up like this. It's not good for you. It's not good for me either, or the baby."

"Did you ask her to steal it for you?" I spat at Swinburn. "Or did she take it of her own volition?"

"You're mad," he said.

"Charlie, stop this." Harriet took my hand and tried to steer me away.

I jerked free. "Give it back now or I'll call the constables."

"Charlie!"

"Enough!" Swinburn bellowed. "You've insulted my guest and therefore me."

"I quite agree." Harriet stepped aside. "You should leave, Charlie."

"No," Swinburn growled. "Not until she calms down. I won't risk her going to the police. I don't need that man Fullbright sniffing around here any more than he already is."

"He's sniffing because you murdered Gawler!" I shouted.

He put up a finger. "Quiet."

I was getting nowhere. I would have to confront Harriet on her own. As to getting my orb back from Swinburn, I'd have to come up with another solution. He wouldn't simply hand it back.

Until then, I needed to be careful. The imp inside the amber orb had saved me on more than one occasion. I felt vulnerable without it, particularly in Swinburn's house.

I glanced toward the door and picked up my skirts. I pushed past Harriet, but Swinburn blocked my path. "I said," he growled, "you are not leaving until you've calmed down."

I screwed my hands into my skirt, bunching the fabric. "You can't keep me here!"

"Sir Ignatius has a point, Charlie. You are somewhat impulsive and we can't risk you going to the police. Why not stay and have some tea."