‘Then what are you hiding from me? I have sensed something, but did not wish to pry lest it was painful for you.’
Roxanne hesitated, then made her decision. She must trust him with her secret. ‘I have in my possession a ruby of great value. Sofia says I was clutching it in my hand when she found me. I held on to it fiercely and would not be parted from it for some days. When I finally did release it, she hid it and kept it for me. I had forgotten about the jewel until she reminded me just before she died. She says that when I was found, I was dressed in good plain clothes, but not silk, and I had no other ornament.’
‘Are you thinking that you may have stolen it?’
‘I do not know. Sofia told me that I should sell it and set myself up as a lady, but I should be reluctant to do so. It is the only clue I have to what happened before Sofia found me. Besides, it may not be mine to sell.’
‘You think you took the ruby and ran away? Are you certain it is a real jewel and not simply glass?’
‘Sofia thought it valuable. I will show it to you later. I do not know if there is any way to trace the rightful owner…’
‘How do you know that you are not the rightful owner?’
Roxanne looked at him, wrinkling her brow in thought. ‘Sofia told me that I kept saying it was mine, but after I relinquished it to her, I seemed to forget about it and did not ask for it again.’
‘It must have held great importance to you at the time.’ Luke looked thoughtful. ‘You told me that India came to mind when you thought of your father. It is quite possible that a man who either served with the British army or for the trading company might acquire such a jewel. Perhaps it belonged to your father.’
‘Why would I steal a jewel from my own father?’
‘He might have given it to you.’
‘The memory of India was just Sofia’s game.’ Roxanne sighed. ‘I have tried so hard to remember, but I cannot.’
‘Did you keep the jewel hidden in the secret pocket beneath your gown when you travelled?’
‘Yes, in the place where I put your gold to keep it safe. It is not there now. I will show you this evening and then you can tell me your opinion of its worth.’
Roxanne took the jewel from the dressing case Luke had bought for her. She had placed it in the secret compartment for safekeeping. It was as large as a pheasant’s egg, a strange oval shape with slightly pointed ends and a deep dark red in colour. When it caught the light from the candles on her dressing table it sparkled and glowed with fire. Something about it at that moment sent a shiver down her spine. She had not noticed before, but there seemed something mysterious, even sinister, about the jewel.
She tucked it into the bodice of her gown and went out of her room, her heart beating faster. It was a relief to share her secret with Luke, because it had lain heavy on her conscience ever since she’d rediscovered the ruby in Sofia’s things. Making her way down to the smaller of the two dining parlours, Roxanne wondered if it would be possible to trace the origin of the jewel. She thought Luke was right. It had most likely been brought from India—but was it a gift to her from someone or stolen from its rightful owner?
The earl had decided that he would dine with them that evening. Dressed immaculately in evening clothes that belonged to an earlier age, he seemed more formidable than previously, a proud autocratic man with a strict manner. However, he was the soul of courtesy to Roxanne and did not once give her reason to blush or feel uncomfortable. With Luke he was sharper on one or two occasions, but, receiving only polite answers, he lapsed into silence and then glanced at Roxanne.
‘Do you play chess, Miss Roxanne?’
‘Yes, sir. Sofia taught me. We played in the evenings for there was little else to do…except sew, of course.’
‘You did not have an instrument?’
‘No, not for some years.’
‘We have some excellent instruments here. You are welcome to use them whenever you wish. I enjoy music. I could employ a music master for you if you wish to be taught.’
‘I shall attempt the pianoforte tomorrow,’ she promised. ‘If I have the aptitude, a music master might be useful to improve my skill. I am good with the needle.’
‘Do you like to sketch or paint?’
‘I think I have not had the opportunity.’
‘Your guardian was remiss in your education. You may need some social skills, Miss Roxanne. Perhaps we should send for your godmother, Luke. She is a foolish woman, but might be of some use in giving our gel a little nudge. What do you think?’
‘I believe I shall leave the decision to Roxanne, sir. I am not certain Lady Paula would come.’
‘Nonsense. Write to her and ask her to come down for the ball. She will be here before you have time to turn round. Her curiosity will bring her, if nothing more.’
The earl waved the footman away as he offered more wine. ‘Nothing more for me. I think I shall leave the pair of you to amuse yourselves. If I stay up this evening, I shall not be fit for guests tomorrow. No, no, do not get up. Finish your meal. Jarvis, give me your arm. Goodnight, Miss Roxanne. My suggestion was for your benefit, not an order.’
‘I thank you for the thought, sir.’
‘Well, he is certainly taking an interest,’ Luke remarked as the door closed behind his grandfather. ‘Shall we go through to the parlour, Roxanne? I thought we might use the front parlour when we are alone. It was my mother’s favourite and the drawing room is far too large. Shall I ask Mrs Arlet for some tea and coffee?’
‘Would you not rather have port or brandy? Tea will do very well for me.’
‘If you do not mind, I shall have brandy.’ He nodded to the remaining footman. ‘In twenty minutes or so, Smith.’
Roxanne proceeded him into the front parlour. It was of a similar size to the one the earl preferred, but its décor was a little in need of refreshment, though comfortable and with a pleasant aspect out over steps leading down to a wide expanse of lawn in the sunken garden. At that moment the light was fading and she could not see beyond the windows, for the candles had been lit.
‘Did you bring it?’ Luke asked, having made certain the door was closed behind them. ‘I must admit I am curious to see this jewel.’
Roxanne reached inside her bodice and took out the ruby. It was warm where it had lain nestled against her breasts. She held it out on the palm of her hand and it glowed in the candlelight.
‘Good grief,’ Luke exclaimed as he saw it. ‘I have never seen its like. This must be worth a king’s ransom, Roxanne. It looks as if it came from an Indian maharajah’s crown.’
‘Then it is valuable,’ Roxanne said as he held it to the light between his thumb and forefinger. ‘Sofia said
