To Love a Thief Read Online Free PDF

rested on his sleeve and spreading out to every part of him.
    He forced himself to come up with an appropriate topic of conversation lest he dwell on her alluring scent. Apples. He knew his fruit, unlike flowers, and she smelled like apples. “Will you visit Bow Street next?”
    “I don’t think so. Mr. Bates gave me to believe my case may be hopeless. I can’t produce evidence the stolen item belonged to me. It would be my word against the person who now possesses it, and I’m afraid I’m outranked.” She shared the information calmly, but he detected an undercurrent in her tone and her hand tensed against his sleeve.
    He was outraged on her behalf. “That’s hardly fair.”
    “No, it’s not, but what can I do? There are no living witnesses who can attest to the item belonging to me or my family, and I have no documentation or other proof the item was mine. Is mine.” Her voice creaked with bitterness.
    “Can I ask what the item is?”
    “A necklace that belonged to my mother. It and a few other pieces that were also stolen were the only items I had of hers.”
    Daniel’s own hands tensed. He longed to curl his fingers around the neck of the thief who’d stolen not just Miss Renwick’s treasures, but the only tangible remnants she’d had of her mother.
    She tipped her head up. “I wonder, my lord, if you might consider helping me in one area. You did offer assistance.”
    “Of course. I’d be delighted.”
    She smiled prettily. “I’d like for Mrs. Harwood to have a truly wonderful Season, and unfortunately our invitations have not been as plentiful as we might have hoped.”
    He saved her having to outright ask. The irony of him helping someone in this social fashion was rich, but he was glad he could do it for her. “I would be happy to secure some invitations for you and Mrs. Harwood.”
    “Just for Mrs. Harwood, really. I’m merely her companion.”
    He didn’t think she was “merely” anything, but kept the opinion to himself for now. He was looking forward to courting Miss Renwick. And yes, he’d just decided to do that. A shock of anticipation shot through him. “Lord Aldridge is having a large dinner party tomorrow night. I’m certain Mrs. Harwood—and you—can be included.”
    Her eyes sparkled beneath the brim of her bonnet. “Thank you, my lord. I daresay that’s perfect.”

 
     
    Chapter Three
     

     
     
    DANIEL APPROACHED Lady Aldridge at her dinner party the following night. A charming young woman who’d been as helpful to him as her husband, she greeted Daniel with a smile. “Good evening, Carlyle,” she said, extending her hand.
    Daniel bowed and feathered a kiss on her gloved knuckles. “Good evening, my lady.” He stood and stepped closer to her side. “I wanted to personally thank you for inviting Mrs. Harwood. Has she arrived?”
    “Yes, she’s in the drawing room, I believe. I’m happy to invite whomever you wish. You know you can count on me.” She gave him a conspiratorial wink. “We may play some games after dinner. I’ll make sure you and Miss Renwick are partnered together. That is why you had me invite Mrs. Harwood, isn’t it? So Miss Renwick would be here?”
    Lord Aldridge joined them at that moment, but his mouth was turned down as he looked at Daniel. “I feel it’s my place to say you can do far better than Miss Renwick. Indeed, you should do better. You’ve a bright future, and you need a viscountess trained as the consummate hostess and Society wife.”
    Daniel’s first instinct was to tell his patron to keep his opinions to himself, but as he’d spent the last two years soliciting the man’s counsel, such a reaction seemed ungrateful. Instead, he slowly nodded once. “I see your point. However, I should like to make a match like yours and Lady Aldridge’s. And, as you know, I’ve yet to meet a woman who has sparked my fancy.”
    Lady Aldridge gave him a knowing smile. “I’ve always thought you were a secret romantic.”
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