Proposals in Regency Society: Make-Believe Wife / The Homeless Heiress

Roxanne was thoughtful as she left the earl’s apartments. It did seem as though the intruder might have been after her ruby—if she was the rightful owner. How could she have come by it unless someone had given it to her?

Why was it so important and why could she not remember her past life? What had happened to make her forget so completely?

She tried to recall more of the game she had played with Sofia. Fragments of Sofia’s story came into her mind, but she had forgotten it as the years passed and she had become a woman.

‘Who was the prince, Roxanne? What did he look like?’

Had Sofia actually asked her that question or was it merely a part of the game?

Roxanne wished she could lift the curtain that hid her previous life, but it remained as firmly down as ever. Yet she was growing ever more certain that the ruby was part of a mystery that she must solve before she brought danger to the people she had come to care for.

‘That is a remarkable jewel, my lord,’ Mr Brandon remarked. ‘What exactly is that you wish me to do for you?’

‘My fiancée believes she was given this by her father as a child,’ Luke replied. ‘However, she wishes to be certain that she is the rightful owner. She has not heard from her father in years; he may be dead. We were thinking of placing an advert asking for information about the ruby and offering a small reward—say a hundred guineas.’

‘You want me to place the advertisement for you so that it cannot be traced to you?’

‘If you are willing, I feel that it may be for the best. We are not sure where the jewel came from and should there be a dispute would wish to hear the claimant’s story. However, an advertisement of this kind may bring unscrupulous rogues who would lie to gain something that was not theirs.’

‘Your wording is vague.’ Mr Brandon read the words Luke had written, ‘A ruby of good colour and size. Lost five years ago. Anyone with any information concerning this jewel should apply in writing to Mr Brandon of W. R. Brandon and Associates.’

‘I kept the wording vague on purpose,’ Luke agreed. ‘Nothing may come of it. If we do not hear within a few weeks, I think we may assume that my fiancée’s recollection is correct. We shall at least have tried and may then use or dispose of it with a clear conscience.’

‘I dare say most would simply have sold it,’ the lawyer said. He frowned as he looked at the jewel. ‘If I were you, I should place that in the bank for safekeeping. I do not think I have ever seen such a magnificent ruby—and yet there is something about it that makes me feel it may be dangerous.’

‘A ruby is simply a ruby,’ Luke said and laughed. ‘I shall not ask you to keep it here, sir. If no one comes forward to claim it as theirs, I may have it set as a pendant for my wife.’

‘The shape of it is unusual,’ Mr Brandon said. ‘It could almost be a large eye…’

‘It is an unusual shape,’ Luke agreed and slipped it back into his breast pocket. ‘I think perhaps I shall lodge it at my bank, Brandon. You will let me know if you hear anything of interest?’

‘Yes, of course, sir. As for the other little matter, I shall set that in hand at once.’

‘If you could bring the papers down, sir? You might like to attend the ball at Hartingdon next week.’

Mr Brandon looked pleased. A short stay at the country house of a wealthy client was a break from the routine of life in London.

‘I should enjoy that very much, my lord. I am certain we can have the papers ready for your signature by the fourteenth—and I should be delighted to attend your engagement ball.’

‘We shall look forward to seeing you,’ Luke said and shook his hand. ‘I have ordered a gift for my fiancée. My bank is near the jeweller’s, so I may as well kill two birds with one stone.’

Luke left the lawyer’s office and crossed the road. He was lost in thought and did not notice the man following a short distance behind as he walked the length of two streets and entered his bank, before making his way, some minutes later, to a large jeweller’s establishment at the opposite side of the road.