AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Lady Jenest shook off the suggestion.
“A few tarried when the Prince made his entrance, but, after all their bows and curtsies, I had my servants show them out. Only my staff remained. They were resetting the rooms, removing the food trays, cleaning up any spills — their usual tasks.”
“None of them followed you to the family wing?” Harlow questioned.
Lady Jenest’s chin rose with a return of her defiance.
“You, of all people. know that only my lady’s maid dares to enter this area in the evening. Even during the day, only Molly oversees the cleaning of the family rooms, with a few others who set the fires. Although it is not lit, there is a proper fire set in Lord Jenest’s suite. With Jenest’s untimely departure and my son and his wife at the country seat, I am the only one in the household. Even the housekeeper rarely calls upon my suite. We meet in Jenest’s study to plan the meals and the upkeep of the house, which has fallen upon me.”
Dostoff asked Harlow, “Has Ridgeworth been at his club, of late?”
Harlow admitted, “Not to the best of my knowledge, but, then again, I have not been asking after him.”
Lady Jenest argued, “Surely you cannot think a man of Lord Ridgeworth’s place in society would do such a thing.”
Mr. Dostoff disclosed, “From my sources, I am aware that others have recently called in several of Ridgeworth’s debts.”
Harlow asked, “Why is Liverpool not aware of this?”
Mr. Dostoff shrugged his answer. “I only just learned this evening that Spratt and Ridgeworth accompanied the Prince to Lady Jenest’s house. If I had known, I would have more quickly made a connection and reported it to the Home Office.”
Harlow nodded his understanding, suggesting that both he and Dostoff would have a long conversation with the Prime Minister, for none of them thought that Liverpool did not already hold Ridgeworth in suspicion. At length, the Earl turned to bow to Lady Jenest.
“We are in your debt, your Ladyship, for your assistance in this matter. However, I must remind you that until Mr. Dostoff and I locate Lord Ridgeworth and speak to him, you must remain silent. It would not do to upset the Prince. His Highness speaks highly of you, and one never wishes to change Prince George’s opinions.”
“Naturally,” Lady Jenest said in less than agreeable tones. “I am assuming, though in exchange for my cooperation, I shan’t be charged with operating a gaming hell.”
Lord Harlow’s eyebrow rose in objection to the audacity Lady Jenest displayed, but he said, “I suggest, my Lady, that you discover another means to increase your coffers. You are drawing too much attention, and my influence only goes so far. I cannot sway all of those intent on enforcing the laws of the land.”
“I am desperate, Harlow,” she said through trembling lips, the first time Colleen had viewed the woman being anything but hardened by Lord Harlow’s abandonment.
Surprisingly, the Earl showed compassion. He knelt before the woman and caressed the back of her hand.
“No more at-homes for the next few weeks. Permit me time to seek out a better position for you. Trust me, my Lady. I will do my best by you.”
Tears ran down the woman’s cheeks.
“You would act in my interest despite how often I have spoken out against you?”
“I would,” he said softly. “I would not see you suffer.”
Colleen did not understand why the new Lord Jenest did not see to his mother’s care, but she was well aware that families did not always manage as they should. Her own family was a prime example.
Harlow stood then and took charge of the scene.
“Let us send Miss Snowden home in your coach, Dostoff. You will join me as we hunt down Ridgeworth and discover what the man knows of the necklace.”
Colleen rose to join the gentlemen.
“I shall send your coach to Lord Harlow’s residence.”
“Send it to the Red Hawk,” Harlow instructed. “I will see Dostoff to his establishment.”
The each bowed to Lady Jenest, who had struggled to her feet. Defeat marked the woman’s countenance. Harlow and Dostoff turned away to set their plans in a whispered conversation. Only Colleen saw the look of despair on the woman’s face. Lady Jenest had, obviously, cared dearly for Lord Harlow, but her Ladyship’s feelings had not been reciprocated. Colleen wondered if she would one day sport the same expression. At least Lady Jenest had known the Earl’s affections, if only in the carnal sense. Colleen would never accept such an arrangement: She must be satisfied to relive the memory of a simple kiss and consider what might have been.
Chapter Seven
It was four days later before Mr. Dostoff called upon Colleen. Although she was glad for his kindness in reporting news of his and Lord Harlow’s efforts to locate Lord Ridgeworth, Colleen knew disappointment in discovering that her visitor was not his Lordship.
