nodded, clearly delighted. “She took some persuading, by all accounts. Said she was too low-born for the likes of him, but he convinced her that was nonsense. He wouldn’t take no for an answer. He’s talking about buying a boat and taking her sailing around the Greek islands.”
Emmy laughed. “Oh, that’s wonderful! I’m so happy for them both! I wish I could come back home with you now and congratulate them.”
Camille got to her feet and shook out her skirts. “Take a few days to think about whether you trust Harland enough to hear him out. If you don’t, we’ll have to come up with a new plan to spirit both you and the jewels out of the country.”
Emmy was already shaking her head. “I don’t want to be a fugitive for the rest of my life, separated from everyone I love. I know I have to face the consequences of my actions.”
“If you do decide to trust him,” Camille continued, “then you can decide where and when you want to meet him. Send a message to Sally via her friend.”
“All right.”
Chapter 43.
Emmy had just come to a decision when Harland forced her hand.
A note from Camille, passed via Sally and Molly, informed her of his masterstroke: Bow Street had told the Prince of Wales that they’d successfully recovered the French crown jewels. The delighted prince had decided to hold an impromptu celebration at Carlton House. On Friday.
Harland had sent her an invitation.
Emmy sucked in a horrified breath. As a gesture of “solidarity and friendship between two great nations,” the prince would be holding an “intimate gathering” to present the missing crown jewels of France to the French ambassador. Miss Emmeline Danvers was most cordially invited to attend.
It went without saying that she was expected to bring the jewels too.
Emmy sat heavily on the edge of the lumpy mattress in Molly’s attic and stared at the invitation in her hand. Harland was a fiend. He was calling her bluff, as if this were a game of faro, demanding that she put all her cards on the table. All or nothing. The ultimate dare to see which of them would fold.
She should have expected nothing less from the owner of a gambling club.
Irritation roiled in her breast. The nerve of the man! She could practically feel the weight of his expectation pressing down on her. What a risk he was taking. If she didn’t show up with the jewels, not only would he be humiliated, but so would all of his colleagues at Bow Street, and the Prince Regent himself. His arrogant belief that she would “do the right thing” had given her the power to cause an international diplomatic disaster.
Emmy frowned at the neat, confident slashes of his handwriting. How could he trust her with something so monumental? She could ruin him, and his friends, and embarrass the monarchy, all in one fell swoop. What was he thinking? She’d betrayed him on numerous occasions. Why did he think this time would be any different?
Was his faith in her so strong? A tiny warm glow spread in her chest, but she beat it down ruthlessly. She’d already come to the decision to hand over the jewels on her own. If she returned them now, he’d think it was because of what he’d done. He’d be smug and arrogant and assume she’d caved in due to the pressure of his bold move.
She should call his bluff. She should catch a packet to Calais or sail off to the Americas with the treasure. That would teach him. But, of course, she wouldn’t do that. He seemed to know her better than she knew herself. It was maddening.
She couldn’t imagine what kind of deal he was going to offer her. In truth, she still didn’t entirely trust that there would be one. She didn’t have Camille’s confidence. Even if Bow Street could prove Danton had been responsible for killing the owner of the sapphire, she couldn’t believe they’d be willing to let a thief as prolific and infamous as the Nightjar go unpunished. Or remain at liberty. Still, she’d made her choice. Harland’s confidence in her was not misplaced, damn him.
She rose and went to sit at the small desk in the corner. Molly had provided her with paper, ink, and quills. She dashed off a reply to her grandmother, confirming she would be there on Friday, but telling her not to inform Harland. The beast deserved to sweat a little. It would be