I can immediately name Lady Lynette, Viscountess Heathecoute, and Mrs. Honeycutt, all of whom might be of that height.” She cut her gaze around to him. “Not that I think for a moment that any of them are capable of such a vile act as robbery.”
“But you were more than willing to lay the blame on my dear friend of fifteen years.”
“I can see you are not going to let me forget that slip of the tongue.”
“It’s the slip of the pen that I had problems with.”
“It has not yet been proven that Lord Dugdale is in the clear.”
“I have no fear that it is only a matter of time and he will be,” Chandler said confidently.
“So then, are you going to hold a grudge?”
“Why shouldn’t I when I love the way your eyes shine with indignation every time I mention it?”
“You do like to try to put me in a dither, but I won’t let you. The day is too beautiful and I’m quite content.”
“Hmm. I know. You wouldn’t let me kiss you a few minutes ago, even though I’m going mad to do so.”
“I’ve caught on to you and your machinations.”
“I’ll just have to come up with a new plan.”
She laughed softly. “Don’t you dare. You have already gone beyond the pale too many times.”
“But it’s such fun.”
“I’ll not be so easily caught by surprise again.”
“That sounds like a challenge too good to pass on.”
Millicent looked up at him with a serious expression on her face. “I do want to help you find the raven, Chandler.”
“I know you do, and I thank you for that. You’ve already helped by your suggestions. I suppose the thief could be a lady. Mrs. Moore is as tall as Lady Heathecoute.”
“You’re right.”
“I’ll have Doulton making some discreet inquiries about some of the ladies as well as the gentlemen.”
“We might as well include everyone we feel might possibly be a suspect.”
“I’ll have him check the names he comes up with against attendance at the parties. But there’s one thing that bothers me. How would a lady get the object out of the house? The purses ladies carry are so small, and a pelisse fits much too tightly to hide even the smallest of objects—unlike a gentleman’s coat, which can be cut much fuller.”
“Hmm. You’re right. Since we’re only thinking in possibilities, I guess if it were a woman she could quickly open a window and place the items outside and come back later and pick them up.”
“Or even if it were a man he could do that or hand them to an accomplice who’s waiting outside. That would be one way to get them out of the house without anyone seeing him.” He stopped and smiled. “Or her.”
“Tonight at the parties, let’s both make lists of all ladies and gentlemen we think are tall enough to be the thief, and then we can compare notes.”
He chuckled. “You and your notes.”
They arrived at the carriage and Millicent turned toward him. He was reluctant to let her go. He wanted to continue holding her. When he looked down into her eyes, he realized from somewhere deep inside himself, he yearned for her. And maybe it was arrogant of him, but he sensed she desired him as much as he wanted her.
“Do you know how badly I want to kiss you?”
She sighed peacefully. “I believe you have already mentioned that today. Twice. Chandler, you have wanted to kiss many young ladies in your life.”
Her words sobered him. How could he let her know that she was not just one of many? She was special. He couldn’t explain it to her, because he didn’t understand it himself.
“I suppose it is difficult for me to live down my past.”
She gave him a smile filled with pleasure. “It’s not necessary. I have enjoyed every kiss, every touch. And we have had very good luck not getting caught, but your antics must end. I must guard my reputation so that I will be able to go back home without scandal. Do not take this foolishness of slipping around to see me any further.”
“Millicent.”
“Let me finish, for this is important.”
He nodded.
“We have teased about a great many things today, and I have enjoyed it immensely. Now, I must insist that you not seek me out in secret again. Let me return home with the good reputation I brought to London.”
He had no argument. He wasn’t prepared to offer for her hand, so it was time for him to respect her wishes.