and delightful person.
“I’m sorry. Is there any possibility?”
“No, no. He’s already married someone else and he seems happy.” Lady Lynette smiled. “Now tell me, how can I be upset if he is happy?”
“Then I shall look at Lord Dunraven that way, too. If he is happy as a bachelor for the rest of his life, then I shall be happy for him.”
“Perhaps some other handsome gentleman will catch your fancy while you are still in Town.”
Never.
“Perhaps, Lynette. If it happens that would be wonderful, but if it doesn’t, like you, I’ll will be content with my reading, writing poetry, and my needlework. But, if there is hope for me, there is hope for you.”
Lady Lynette laughed and Millicent made a mental note that the viscountess was not at the buffet table. She turned in the direction of the large room, where the majority of the guests had spent most of the evening.
When they entered the crowded room, Lady Lynette said good-bye and Millicent’s eyes immediately searched for Chandler and the ladies on her list. Before her gaze had time to cover all the corners, nooks, and small clusters of people, Chandler came up beside her. He took hold of her hand and kissed the back of her palm as his blue gaze caressed her face.
Millicent felt the delicious tingles of his touch way down in her soul. Gloves were no barrier to what she felt where Chandler was concerned.
Oh, how I shall miss you.
“How are you this late evening, Miss Blair?”
“Well, sir, and you?”
“Better now that I’m by your side.”
Millicent wished her insides wouldn’t waken with desire at his flattery, but she had long given up on trying not to be moved by his every word.
“I’ve noticed that you have been busy dancing and talking with your friends.”
“I’m happy that you noticed I had arrived.”
“You know I’ve been waiting all evening for you to tell me what you have heard from your Runner. I fear you’ve been making me wait on purpose.”
“Tsk, tsk. Must we go straight to business?”
“Indeed. We have little time to ourselves in which we can speak privately.”
“That is your fault. Just give the word and I will be in your garden tonight waiting for you.”
She believed him; therefore, she couldn’t agree even in a teasing manner. She looked around and there was no one standing close enough to hear them. The hour was late and the crowd was getting smaller.
“You know I can’t do that. Chandler, we must talk while we have these few moments alone.”
“Very well. I have a bit of news to report. I spoke to Doulton today. He didn’t have any trouble finding out all that I asked him about Lord Dugdale. Your source was correct. Andrew is indeed financially embarrassed at the moment.”
It made her feel good that he’d told her. He could have kept that bit of information from her and she would have never known.
“I’m sorry to hear that. I know you were hoping it wasn’t true.”
“Yes. The good thing is that his situation is not so bad that he would need to resort to stealing in order to get money. His funds are low, but not nonexistent, and according to Doulton’s findings, he’s taking appropriate steps to correct his mounting debts.”
“Well, there is hope for him.”
“Yes. Even though he attended every party where there was a robbery, I believe we can safely assume he is not the thief.”
She nodded and said, “I’m inclined to agree.”
Millicent couldn’t help but admire him for at least looking at the possibilities where Lord Dugdale was concerned.
“Doulton also double-checked the guest lists and Lady Lynette, Lady Heathecoute, and Mrs. Moore were all at every home where there was a robbery. Mrs. Honeycutt was not at my party.”
“So we can eliminate her from our list.”
“Yes.”
“What have we learned about the men?”
“That is taking a bit longer.” He leaned in closer and smiled. “Perhaps we should meet another time so we can discuss it thoroughly.”
“I insist on hearing it all right now.”
“You are a difficult taskmaster, Miss Blair.”
“That is because you want to play when there is work to be done.”
“Very well. I will continue, but I will insist that at a later time we have a bit of idleness all to ourselves even if it is only another ride in the park.”
Her pulse quickened at the possibility of being alone with him. She hoped it didn’t show how eager she was for him to make good on that promise.
“We’ve narrowed down the tallest men who