Page 42 of When You Rescued Me

Mr. Ross’s smile appeared more strained this time. “I certainly hope so, sir.” He bowed. “I shall return when there is news.”

Samuel sat across the table from Sir John, alternately wishing he had been able to stay longer at the Denningtons’ house and berating himself for allowing his mind to drift from the conversation occurring in the magistrate’s parlor. For the fourth or fifth time, he pushed away the mental image of the beautiful young lady with gentle hazel eyes and a mass of soft curls piled upon her head who had welcomed him so warmly. He was being ridiculous. He scarcely deserved to be in the same room as Miss Dennington, let alone converse with her. If she or her father knew who he truly was, he would not be allowed across the threshold of their residence again.

He fixed his attention on the men seated beside him. Working at Bow Street was his hope for the future. He could not let this opportunity to prove himself slip through his fingers because of an ephemeral—albeit beautiful—distraction.

“According to Blythe, besides Lady Telford, Lady Hartlepool and Lady Roscoe are the only members of the nobility still in Town who have purchased notably large pierres within the last year,” Clarke said. He was reporting on his conversation with Henry Blythe, one of the most well-respected jewelers in the city. “Lady Roscoe commissioned Blythe to make a ring with her amethyst. The other two ladies bought pieces from Cox.”

“I don’t suppose he happened to know where they keep their valuables,” Sir John said.

“He thought it likely that Lady Hartlepool made use of her husband’s bank. Lord Roscoe apparently purchased a safe for his wife’s use while they are in Town.”

“Sensible man,” Sir John muttered.

“I think it fair to say that Lady Telford’s pendant has been garnering the greatest attention of late,” Clarke continued. “Blythe gave me the impression the lady desires it to be that way.”

“Ludicrous.” Sir John shifted in his seat so he was pointed toward Jealous. “What did you learn about the foolish woman, Jealous?”

“If Lady Telford’s jewelry is the target, we are in for a rough go of it, m’lord,” Jealous said. “The lady considers Bow Street principal officers no better than the corrupt thief takers of decades ago and will have nothing to do with us. If my brief but enlightening conversation with one of her footmen is to be believed, Lady Telford will not allow anyone from this office anywhere near her house—especially during her ball.”

Sir John issued a frustrated grunt. “She has a reputation for being a vain and shortsighted woman. This only goes to prove it.”

“Surely she will change her mind when she learns that dangerous criminals aim to steal her valuable necklace,” Samuel said.

“She can hardly listen to reason if she will not admit me or any of my men into her home long enough to inform her of what lies ahead,” Sir John said with obvious annoyance. “We have worked hard to separate ourselves from the corrupt thief takers of the past, and anyone who takes the time to examine our record acknowledges it. Unfortunately, there are still far too many who are unwilling to make the effort or to acknowledge that our efforts to reduce crime in London have earned us the government’s trust and funding.”

“Do you still believe the theft will occur at the ball, m’lord?” Clarke asked.

“Yes. Lord Telford has been gone for at least five years. Their only child, a daughter, is married to Lord Pembroke, and so Lady Telford lives alone. A large social function, such as the ball she has planned, is the only scenario that would account for the large number of people mentioned by the men Ross overheard.”

“Added to that,” Jealous said, “Lady Telford’s footman also informed me that her ladyship’s new emerald pendant is being delivered to the house the day of the ball. There would be no opportunity to steal it before then.”

“Could they be planning to stop the carriage before it reaches her house?” Samuel asked. “Grimsby is an experienced highwayman, after all.”

“The possibility exists,” Sir John said, “but I think it highly unlikely. Armed guards will occupy the carriage, and there is no open road where the highwaymen might lie in wait between Lady Telford’s house and Cox’s shop.” He frowned, his eyebrows appearing below the black band that traversed his forehead. “No, gentlemen, I believe the scoundrels aim to take the jewelry during the ball, and it is all but impossible to envision that occurring without someone incurring grave injury.”

“Or worse,” Jealous added beneath his breath.

“Indeed,” Sir John concurred grimly.

“Could we uncover her ladyship’s guest list and warn those invited not to attend?” Clarke asked.

Sir John gave a short, humorless laugh. “There would be no restraining Lady Telford’s fury—or the damage she could reap to our somewhat fragile relationship with some members of the House of Lords. No. We shall have to approach this challenge far more subtly than that.”

“I believe Miss Dennington and her sisters plan to attend.” Samuel’s stomach churned at the thought of Miss Dennington being anywhere near Grimsby again. “Given Miss Dennington’s recent and grueling experience with the highwaymen, should we not at least warn her about the risk of attending?” The moment the words were out, he regretted them. If Sir John rejected the suggestion, Samuel would be forced to act against his directives. There was no question in his mind. He would pull Miss Dennington aside and prevail upon her to forgo the event no matter what Sir John said.

“I was about to ask what you had found in that regard, Ross,” Sir John said, the first glimmer of satisfaction entering his voice since the conversation had begun. “That is excellent news.”

“My lord?” As far as Samuel was concerned, there was nothing remotely excellent about the Denningtons’ plans.

“Yes indeed.” Sir John was actually smiling.

Samuel tossed a confused look at Jealous. The man responded with a shrug. Clarke’s expression was unreadable, but Samuel had a sinking feeling that Clarke might be following the magistrate’s train of thought more fully than he or Jealous were doing.

“Lady Telford may not allow Bow Street officers into her home,” Sir John said. “But she would not refuse a request by one of her guests to bring an additional gentleman.” He appeared to ponder that thought. “Jealous, could the footman you spoke to be persuaded to let a couple of our men into the gardens?”

“I believe he would be open to it, m’lord. Especially if he benefited financially.”

Sir John grunted. “It’s to our advantage that Lady Telford employs him, but most certainly not hers.”