She went cold.
Her family occupied a cottage owned by the estate.
Vane knew it.
He smiled thinly.
“Good. Then we understand one another.”
He turned and walked away.
Bess remained on the staircase, trembling.
Only when he disappeared did she realize how badly she was shaking.
The following morning, Lady Honoria's emerald necklace was discovered missing.
It had been kept in a small jewel case in her dressing room.
The case had been opened.
The necklace was gone.
Within an hour, Mrs. Hartley found the empty velvet pouch beneath Bess Finch's bed.
Vane was summoned.
So was Julian.
Bess stood in the housekeeper's room, pale and frightened, while the steward explained the discovery.
“It is a most regrettable situation, Your Grace.”
Julian examined the pouch.
“Who found this?”
“Mrs. Hartley.”
The housekeeper looked distressed.
“I was instructed to search the servants' rooms, Your Grace.”
“By whom?”
“Mr. Vane.”
Julian turned.
“Why?”
Vane folded his hands.
“Because certain inquiries suggested the theft was committed by a member of the household.”
“And what inquiries were those?”
“A footman observed Bess behaving strangely last night.”
Bess lifted her head.
“I was carrying candles!”
Vane looked at her.
“Be quiet.”
Julian frowned.
“Let her speak.”
Bess swallowed.
“I never touched her ladyship's jewels, Your Grace.”
“Then how did the pouch come to be beneath your bed?”
“I don't know.”
Vane sighed.
“Your Grace, servants frequently protest their innocence when confronted.”
Julian turned sharply.
“I am capable of conducting this conversation.”
The steward lowered his head.
“Of course.”
Clara entered at that moment.
She had been summoned by Mrs. Hartley, who looked almost ill with worry.
“Julian?”
He turned.
“Miss Langley.”
She took in Bess's frightened face, the empty pouch, and Vane's carefully composed expression.
“What has happened?”
Lady Honoria's necklace had been stolen, Julian explained. Evidence had been discovered among Bess's belongings.
Clara listened.
Then she turned toward the maid.
“Bess, did you take it?”
“No, miss.”
“Do you know who did?”
Bess hesitated.
Her gaze moved toward Vane.
The steward watched her.
She looked down.
“No, miss.”
Clara noticed the hesitation.
“Bess.”
The girl began to cry.
“I didn't steal anything.”
Clara stepped toward her.
“I believe you.”
Vane gave a sharp breath.
“Miss Langley, that is a very generous sentiment, but—”
“It is not generosity. It is an assessment.”
Julian looked at her.
“Clara, we have evidence.”
“You have an empty pouch.”