To Love a Thief Read Online Free PDF Page A

However, prosecution and a trial would be very expensive.” He cleared his throat and looked back at her. “I hate to be indelicate, but do you have the funds for such a lengthy and involved legal procedure?”
    She had very little funds, certainly not enough for what he was describing.
    Mr. Bates’s expression softened, and he gave her a kind smile. “I’m sorry I don’t have better information to share.”
    She suddenly felt as if the theft had just happened. As if she and Papa had returned home to find their servants bound in the scullery and their rooms stripped of everything valuable. Her flesh turned cold as it had back then, as she’d crept up the staircase filled with stark fear at what she would find. At least they hadn’t taken the actual jewelry box, only the half dozen pieces Mama had left her. And the watch fob Mama had given Papa, which he’d only left off that night because it had been in need of repair and he’d been afraid he might lose it.
    Jocelyn swallowed the lump rising in her throat and stood. “Thank you for your time, Mr. Bates.”
    He also stood, his forehead creasing. “If circumstances change … If you discover evidence and have the financial means, I invite you to contact me again.”
    She nodded, unable to summon even the meanest of smiles. Turning, she left the office and a few minutes later stepped into the bright afternoon. The sky was overcast, but the clouds were thin and high so that the sun’s presence was still felt and seen. It was what her father had called the typical London spring day.
    Papa . Her heart ached anew for his loss. He’d been utterly devastated by the theft of his late wife’s belongings, and his beloved watch fob in particular. His health had apparently been poor for some time—a fact he’d kept from Jocelyn—and the crime had sent him into an attack of the heart from which he’d never recovered.
    With heavy feet, Jocelyn set out toward Mayfair, where Gertrude had let a small town house for the Season. Her mind went over and over what Mr. Bates had told her. It couldn’t be hopeless! That necklace was hers . She clenched her fists. There had to be a way to get it back! If not lawfully, why then she’d steal it back. Her steps slowed as the idea took on more substance than just an emotional reaction.
    Could she steal it back? And do what with it? Wear it in public so Aldridge could call her a thief? No, she’d have to keep it hidden until she returned to Kent.
    Yes. This could work. Her shoulders straightened. It had to, because it was, unfortunately, her only recourse. Though her insides still quivered, she had a sense of purpose. Of hope.
    And perhaps just a bit of fear that she might get caught.
     
     
    DANIEL spied Miss Renwick exiting the offices of his friend, Jeremy Bates. He’d hoped to encounter her at another ball or party, had even considered calling on her, but this chance meeting was quite an excellent turn of fortune.
    He made his way to intercept her. “Good afternoon, Miss Renwick. What a pleasure to see you.”
    She tilted her face up. Her hazel gaze was direct and full of purpose. “Lord Carlyle, what a nice surprise.”
    He glanced behind her at his friend’s office. “Were you visiting Mr. Bates?”
    She nodded. “I was. Unfortunately, he was not able to help me.”
    He frowned, disappointed that the usually brilliant solicitor had somehow failed Miss Renwick. “I’m sorry to hear that. Perhaps I should have a word with him on your behalf.”
    She shook her head. “That won’t be necessary.”
    “Will you at least allow me to accompany you to your destination?”
    Her brow knitted very briefly, as if she were considering his offer and about to reject it. But then her lips spread into a full smile. “That would be lovely, thank you.”
    She laid her hand on his forearm. It was a simple touch, far more innocuous than their waltz the other night, but Daniel’s entire body heated, starting at the very spot where her palm