“She’s been very strict and exacting. She’s constantly worried about calamity befalling me and is always warning me about never talking to strange men.”
“What would she say about Lord Dane?”
“She’d hate him. She says that all men are beasts.”
“Perhaps. But they can be tamed if you find one worthy enough of the effort. Though, you must choose wisely.”
“It’s all such an interwoven chain, isn’t it? You, her, me. No matter what happens, I’m glad I found you.”
“And I’m so glad you’re in my life. I leave you to be the judge of whether we should have further contact. I would love it so very dearly. I’ll bejourneying to Greece to visit my other daughter and granddaughter. Perhaps you might accompany me?”
The thought stunned Sandrine to silence. “On a ship? Across the ocean?”
“Yes. We’d have such an adventure.”
“You can’t know how much I long to go abroad. But my mother would never allow it.”
“I understand. Your loyalty is to her, and rightly so. I’m not asking you to choose between us.”
“I’d love to become better acquainted, but I’m meant to be going home in one week.”
“Then, we must make the most of our time together, however short.”
“I wish I could stay longer in London, but I leave immediately after the charity ball that I’m helping plan next week.”
“Ah, yes. The annual Rydell Charity Ball. The scholarship program I administer with the Duchess of Osborne is one of the beneficiaries of that event from last year. But it was all very odd.”
“How so?”
“A rather large sum was raised, but the duchess told me she’s yet to receive more than a pittance.”
“Really? That is odd. The exact same thing happened to me. The Rydell record books claim that my historical society was given funds from the charity ball, but we never received the monies.”
“It could all be related to the threats made against Lord Dane by those nefarious criminals.”
“You know about that?”
“He confided in me because he was searching for the man with the scorpion stickpin.”
“What happened? Did he find him?”
“He did, but the man wasn’t behind the blackmailers. He was evaluating Lord Dane for admittance into the secret society and concluded that he was unworthy.”
Sandrine finished her tea. “I believe I’ll pay the duchess a visit today. She helped her late husband raise the charity funds. Perhaps she’ll know more about all of this.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to go to Rydell House for the express purpose of running into a handsome rake?” her grandmother asked with a wink.
Sandrine hoped her bright smile was convincing. “The thought never even crossed my mind. Lord Dane means nothing to me except as the future benefactor of the Squalton Manor museum and assembly rooms.”
Ruby raised her eyebrows but didn’t push the subject. “My coachman will take you to Rydell House and wherever else you wish to go. He’ll be at your disposal. And I’ll expect him to bring me back a report that you’ve arrived safely back at Miss McGovern’s house. I’ve only just found you. I’m not taking any chances with you, dear girl.”
Back at Rydell House Sandrine informed the butler that she was here to speak with the duchess about the charity ball. She was shown into a suite of opulent rooms decorated with a lavish use of gold leaf and purple silk cushions.
“Miss Sandrine Oliver of the Squalton Historical Preservation and Improvement Society, your grace.”
The duchess reclined on a pile of purple cushions, belly protruding and swollen feet propped up on a little stool. “I suppose you’re here about the charity ball? Cleveland told me that two ladies, one young and one old, were going to help organize the event.”
“We will do our best to make you proud, your grace.”