Read Online Stroke of Midnight by Olivia Drake - Free Book Online Page B

Josie.”
    “You have an elder sister, don’t you?” Laura asked. “Why hasn’t she seen to your aunt’s needs?”
    “Cynthia is wed to the assistant governor-general of India. She’s been living in Calcutta these past twelve years.” Not to mention, he’d never been close to his only sibling, since she was six years his senior. He’d still been in short pants when she’d gone off to finishing school.
    “I see,” Laura said, her gaze intent on him. “Then you must allow me to arrange Lady Josephine’s calendar. I’ll make certain that she renews old friendships and attends events where she might relish a good gossip with other ladies her age. You do wish for her to be happy, don’t you, my lord?”
    “Of course.”
    Even as guilt yanked a swift response out of Alex, he recognized that he was being maneuvered. Gut instinct told him that Laura had something up her sleeve. She seemed far too eager to venture out into society—as if for a purpose of her own.
    Why?
    Ten years ago, her lively wit and vivid beauty had made her the center of attention. Now her drab appearance would only fool those who hadn’t known her very well. She had to realize that if anyone recognized her, she would be expelled in disgrace. So what would induce her to risk such humiliation? If she merely needed income, a governess post in the country would have been a safer choice; no one there need ever guess her true identity.
    It made no sense to Alex. Maybe she was a better actress than he’d imagined. Maybe he was mistaken to think she didn’t know where the Blue Moon diamond was hidden …
    “I’ll allow you to stay on a trial basis,” he said.
    Laura released a breath. “Thank you,” she said rather stiffly. “I’ll give you no cause to regret it. I’ll take excellent care of Lady Josephine, you’ll see.”
    The hint of relief on her face only intrigued him further. Alex opened the door, then turned back as if in afterthought. “By the way, my aunt’s jewels are secured in a lockbox at Barclay’s Bank. As my uncle’s executor, I’m the only one with a key.”
    Laura gazed blankly for a moment. Then she clenched her fists at her sides and took a step toward him. “Are you suggesting that I came here to filch her ladyship’s valuables?”
    Alex allowed a sardonic half smile, one that had been known to make lesser mortals quail. “I only thought you should know in case Aunt Josie wishes to wear a certain piece.”
    Laura gave him a withering look. “Then tell me, does she own a fine emerald necklace? Something that will complement a green-and-white gown? If you feel it is safe , do send the jewels here on the morrow so that her ladyship might wear them to Lord Scarborough’s ball.”
    With that, she flounced past Alex, giving him another alluring whiff of her feminine scent. She offered no curtsy or nod of farewell, only continued on as if he were a footman that she’d already forgotten.
    He watched from the doorway as she marched down the wood-paneled corridor. Her shoes kicked up her back hem, affording him a glimpse of slim ankles clad in white stockings and clunky dark shoes. He hadn’t actually expected her motive to be robbery, but he’d wanted to assess her reaction just to make certain.
    It was clear that she had been greatly insulted by his insinuation.
    Alex combed his fingers through his hair. There was something he was missing. If she sincerely believed in her father’s innocence, why would she be so eager to associate with the highbrow people who had condemned Martin Falkner—and herself by association?
    The answer came to him in a flash. Of course. Laura hoped to clear her father’s name. She must be planning to find the phantom thief. It was exactly the sort of wildly imprudent scheme that she would devise.
    Alex scowled at the spot where she’d disappeared. He could only imagine the uproar if she were to make false accusations toward any member of the ton. It would spark a fiery scandal—and