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“Obviously, Lord Harlow could not attend this evening’s event,” Dostoff explained. “Such is the reason Lord Liverpool arranged for you and me to attend together. I will play, while you will use your skills to learn something of the missing necklace.”
“How is Lady Jenest involved?”
Colleen’s mind raced to place the missing pieces to the puzzle which had been troubling her for several days.
Mr. Dostoff asked, “Did not Lord Harlow explain the situation?”
Colleen knew her brow furrowed in confusion.
“When I asked, Lord Harlow repeatedly said that he was not at liberty to say.”
Mr. Dostoff also frowned.
“I suppose his Lordship simply followed protocol.” The gentleman was quiet for several elongated moments before he said, “I imagine Lord Liverpool insisted on secrecy before the Prime Minister had made inroads into the investigation. As I understand it, the necklace disappeared from Lady Jenest’s home safe.”
“Then the necklace belonged to her Ladyship?” Colleen questioned.
“Like Lord Harlow, I have been instructed not to disclose the name of the owner of the necklace, but it was not the property of Lady Jenest or any of her inner circle.”
“How did it come to be in her Ladyship’s safe?”
“As I understand it, the owner was deep in his cups when he called upon Lady Jenest. Her Ladyship made the suggestion that he secure the necklace, once she was made aware of its presence on the gentleman. Reportedly, it was placed in the safe in the evening, but it was not within the safe in the morning.”
“Was this during one of her Ladyship’s at-home gatherings?” she asked.
“Yes, which unfortunately leaves us with as many as fifty suspects, but, first, we must determine if Lady Jenest has placed the necklace away in order to sell it. According to all reports, her ladyship’s debts rise, despite her efforts to produce more money with her gaming ‘business’.”
Colleen asked, “What role am I to play this evening?”
“Nothing too dangerous. Simply wander through the rooms. Determine how easily one could have accessed Lady Jenest’s private quarters and her safe.”
“And, I suppose, use my skills to learn whether Lady Jenest has stashed the necklace away for her use when others have forgotten its value?” she inquired with a lift of her brows.
“Despite what may first appear evident, Lady Jenest is not a suspect, for most doubt she would be so foolish as to set herself against the owner of the necklace — a man who could bring the authorities to her door with a simple flick of his wrist; yet, who is to say the reality of a desperate woman’s mind.”
******
Earlier, Colleen had begged off when Mr. Dostoff had suggested that they enjoy tea at a nearby tearoom. Now, she was again on the gentleman’s arm as they entered Lady Jenest’s lavish Town house. She had chosen a gown her father had ordered for her when they had been on the Continent. Ironically, although several years old, the cut of the gown was currently in fashion in England. A bit of lace had presented it new life.
In reality, despite wishing to look her best in order to play her role in this farce, she had chosen a gown with a fuller skirt than those with an empire waist so she might move more freely. She feared she would be required to escape detection in a hurry.
“Mr. Dostoff,” Lady Jenest said with a tip of her fan against Lionel’s sleeve. “I was so pleased you sent around a card today. Do you wish to play faro?”
Lionel frowned.
“I was thinking I might choose hazard or basset for a hand or two.”
“Then you will wish to join those in the blue drawing room,” her Ladyship said with another touch of Mr. Dostoff’s sleeve, obviously flirting with the man and completely ignoring Colleen’s presence beside the gentleman. Colleen knew she should be outraged by the woman’s audacity; however, she was not. First, she felt nothing romantic when it came to Lionel Dostoff, and, secondly, it was a sad business that Lady Jenest, with a grown son, would be required to hope for another patron’s protection.
“And you, my dear,” Lionel said looking down on Colleen and drawing her Ladyship’s attention to the fact that he had another woman on his arm.
“Oh, do forgive me, Miss—” Lady Jenest said around a well-placed, but most assuredly, fake smile.
Lionel answered for Colleen.
“Miss Snowden. I should have realised that you had not been properly introduced, my Lady. With your permission, Lady Jenest, I would give you the acquaintance of Miss Snowden.”
“Are you new to London, Miss Snowden?” Lady Jenest asked.
